Can emails, PowerPoint presentations, and Slack posts help me develop as a writer? — I was a non-traditional college student, returning to the classroom at 27 years old to complete my degree. My first class assignment was to summarize a passage of American History. I remember turning in an intro, ten bulleted points, and a conclusion to the teacher. This tech project manager baffled…

A Parable About Meeting Invitees — Eva, a bright-eyed five-year-old, sat on the kitchen table, her crayons scattered across the paper as she painstakingly drew a picture of her upcoming birthday party. …

This or that? Cut to chase or try to connect with meeting participants? — Last year, I wrote an article about Injecting Energy and Interaction into Your Next Meeting. The piece suggests seven ways to improve your meetings; the first idea was to start discussions with an icebreaker to engage participants. It’s a fact that finding ways to connect with meeting participants will yield…

Being the angry black woman penalizes me and does not expose that thing you did that I am angry about! — I read a powerful article by Toni The Talker this week. In response to her heartfelt outpouring, I want her to know that I feel and recognize her pain and suffering. I am deeply sorry that she had to face such a devastating experience all by herself. Her emotions are…

A memory of a time when I struggled to make ends meet. Times have certainly changed for us. What about you? — I found an item in the drawer of my bedside table that reminded me of a difficult time in our lives. — K. Joseph As I rummaged through the drawer of my bedside table, my fingers brushed against an item that sent a poignant shiver down my spine, transporting me…

Three + one authors whose talent and creativity have inspired and impacted my writing in meaningful ways. — I crafted this offering as a heartfelt response to Toni The Talker’s request, aiming to weave a quilt about three remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on my writing skills and ignited the flames of inspiration within me. C. Elyse I stumbled upon this talented writer while searching…

Did someone say something about you when you were young that has stayed with you? It happened to me. But, is my life what she foresaw? — In my late teens, my grandmother took me to a Yoruba woman who could see beyond this realm. I sat there, arms crossed, lip pushed up, and attitude set on max self-righteous, looking at my shoes. Why would Granny bring me here? Granny took me to this psychic woman, even…

This month, I am expanding beyond Medium and LinkedIn to include YouTube and Substack. Although I am a bit nervous, I am jumping in! — As a middle-aged black woman venturing into the digital realm of creative nonfiction, I am embracing vulnerability and exploring diverse avenues for sharing my stories. 1️⃣ I am turning my professional network into an eager audience for genuine stories on LinkedIn.

That is the question for female executives who work and lead a flat team of professionals. — Amid all the busyness and activity in the corporate world, I found myself at a point where I needed to make a decision. Leading a dynamic, flat team of professionals, I was accustomed to setting the tone and tenor of the culture through my actions. …