On a weekly basis, clients come to me to work on how to better respond to the defensiveness of others – or how to feel and act less defensive themselves. These conversations often begin in the context of meetings and feedback sessions but increasingly extend into more informal settings: dinner table debates, hallway chats, or …
Managing Defensiveness at Work (Including Your Own) Read More »
A kanelbulle (or korvapuusti) enjoyed outside in the spring sun—during that brief, precious hour of good weather that this otherwise chilly day in Turku offered. Visiting my old hometown reminds me once again: Finnish happiness often isn’t about grand, extraordinary moments when everything is perfect. It’s found in the small, meaningful experiences—moments accessible to all, …
All-or-nothing thinking. Also known as black-and-white thinking, it’s a cognitive trap that many of us fall into, especially high achievers, leaders, and entrepreneurs. It’s the voice in your head that says: Sound familiar? This kind of binary thinking simplifies a complex world into extremes. Our brains love simplicity. It saves energy. It creates certainty. But …
The Hidden Cost of All-or-Nothing Thinking in Life and Leadership Read More »
As someone who works remotely most of the time, I’ve gotten used to the rhythm of home life: the familiar desk, the predictable routines, the same four walls. But last week, I had the chance to step away — even if only briefly — and immerse myself in somewhere different. Somewhere beautiful. Somewhere new. Fresh …
Sometimes, We Really Do Need a Change of Scenery Read More »
Building Mental Resilience in an Age of Uncertainty Flicking through the headlines this morning -from Financial Times, CNN, and The Times– I saw several anxiety triggering headlines like “EU Calls for Households to Stockpile 72 Hours of Food Amid War Risks” and “EU Urges Every Household to Stock a Three-Day Crisis Survival Kit.” If you …
Building Mental Resilience in an Age of Uncertainty Read More »
Daring to Fill Space: A Call to Women Many women have a complicated relationship with space—hesitating to take it, yet often filling it with the needs and problems of others. We navigate meetings cautiously, downplay our own needs, and often still carry the hidden load of work and family life. This constant balancing act leaves …
A behavior becomes a habit when the brain links it with reward. This process can take time—but it doesn’t have to. Thanks to neuroplasticity, you can actively shape the way your brain forms habits. One of my big takeaways from last year—along with my now well-ingrained habit of early outdoor workouts, even at -3°C! Pretty …
Harnessing Neuroplasticity: How to Build (and Break) Habits in 2025 Read More »
What are some of the most common mistakes we make when navigating conflict? Every week, I hear about at least a couple of conflicts in the workplace and the frustration or even anguish they cause, depending on conflict styles and sensitivities. Ideally, some level of conflict in the workplace should be healthy and constructive. Sadly, …
What are some of the most common mistakes we make when navigating conflict? Read More »
Have you ever walked away from a tense workplace interaction wondering whether you responded or simply reacted? This is a common topic in coaching sessions, as professionals grapple with the delicate balance of emotional expression at work.
Have you ever stopped to consider that your emotions are not something that just happen to you, but something that your brain actively constructs? This insight has the power to reshape not just how you understand your own emotions, but also how you navigate stress, relationships, and decision-making in your work and personal life. Your …
