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Language lightbulb
I was at a leadership conference a few weeks ago. It was specifically for women in the energy industry, but the nuggets of wisdom I took away are far wider-reaching. I was actually presenting at this conference. I wasn’t meant to be; I had originally signed on to moderate a panel, but when the panelist from my industry had to back out at the last minute, the organizer and I decided I could take that on. Now let’s just say that I dropped sciences and math as quickly as I could in high school. And while I did take one grade 13… Read more…
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Taking the slow lane
I’m off on a business trip again. I seem to go a little more than once a month these days, and the insanity of air travel in Canada in the winter is starting to wear thin. Life in general seems to be moving faster and faster every year, with no chance to breathe. I feel this constant hum – a vibration almost – that is the background to everything, and is keeping me on edge. Even yoga, which sadly has been reduced to once-a-week classes – and maybe that’s why – isn’t keeping it at bay. This guy REALLY knows how… Read more…
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And the years speed by
When I started writing this blog almost three years ago, people objected to its original name. And I was more than willing to be told I wasn’t middle-aged yet. But is it time to admit that it might be here now? I’m a communicator by profession; a degree in journalism, followed by a 25+ year career in public relations and communications. As a young greenhorn, that meant interviewing supervisors, managers and even site directors. These were men – and yes, back then they were pretty much all men – much older than me. A few years later, when I accompanied… Read more…
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And now for a commercial break: a little personal PR
Don’t change the channel; this commercial break is a good one! You know that little frisson – that thrill – of excitement you get when something goes well? The kind where you feel just a little invincible?It’s been a good month. Why? Nothing huge – just a bunch of little things, but ones that add up to more than the sum of their parts. And it has me feeling pretty positive about life. Early this month, son #1 was moved back to Ottawa for school. It went smoothly. He’s living in an apartment with friends this year it was only a few days… Read more…
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New adventures at work
I’ve alluded to it in several blog posts, but late last month it became official. I’ve taken on a new position and while the potential amount of extra work that comes along with it is slightly terrifying, now that it’s real, I realize I’m excited about expanding my horizons. I’ve worked essentially for the same company for almost 10 years and any communicator will tell you that’s a long time. Admittedly, it’s felt like more than one firm during that time; it started as a crown corporation, was then bought by a public company (but kept very separate) and most… Read more…
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The glamour of business travel
I don’t know who it is that spreads the wicked rumour that business travel is exotic, but if it’s supposed to be, I’m clearly doing something wrong. Admittedly, my travel is is usually little and too far from glamorous places. A night here or there in small-town Ontario, or if I’m lucky, to another province, all I get. So what could possibly go awry?Plenty, it seems. I don’t think I’ve had a single excursion out of the office without a story to come home with. One evening at a conference, I was woken by someone slipping a piece of paper… Read more…
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Coming up? One order of peace & quiet
I’ve spent the last four days in our nation’s capital networking with some of Canada’s finest nuclear minds. All the hard work (and hours!) that had me a little last week were worth it. We launched our new company branding, my execs had productive meetings and I furthered many relationships – all while having a lot of fun. We had some uplifting and educational speakers and I’m pleased to say my own boss was among them, judging by the comments I received after his speech. Communications was mentioned many times as very important in my industry, so that bodes well… Read more…
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Walking the tightrope
I haven’t blogged for a couple of weeks. There are a couple of reasons for that, although not particularly good ones. I have been all-consumed by work, in an unhealthy way. I knew I was burning the candle at both ends and pushing my limits. I haven’t seen much of home, much less my kids in the last month. My dog is feeling very unloved and unwalked and my waistline is showing it too. I haven’t had time to call, let alone email or text friends. I’ve been skipping yoga classes because I haven’t been home early enough to get… Read more…
