mastering the art of communication

i like to think i’m an effective communicator, verbal, written, and in part, ASL. many years ago in college speech class, i learned that effective communication is 93% non-verbal (55% body language/non-verbal cues, 38% tone of voice) and 7% what is said. this was reinforced in the communication segment of the PMBOK and one of […]

things no one tells you: protect your IP

there are things no one will tell you, things you just find out “on accident” about how the compound interest works, how corporate america works, why it’s important to comb your hair out completely, BEFORE washing it, after taking out your braids. but the latter is another topic for another post. i’ve decided that it […]

smiles are free

there are days i open my eyes and think, ok lord, there’s a reason your woke me up again today. what is it? surely it’s not to live another day single, frustrated with my job, and ready to give the world the finger. i imagine he smiles (or maybe frowns at the middle finger reference) […]

do you know who i am?

i work with someone who once stood before a group of veeps and verbalized “if you’re asking who is responsible, i guess that means i’m not doing my job.” this person later stated, “i don’t have good ideas, but i can implement someone else’s” and went on to indicate that project management is not of […]

listen to cameo

in my 30s i was both a guest and a participant in several weddings. one year i was in two weddings back to back. i always felt that those who knew me were watching me to see if i was genuinely happy for the bride. it was if they were waiting for me to fall […]

unconditional self-love

there are moments in life when you will feel that your best efforts have gone unnoticed. your cutest outfit, brightest lip color, widest smile have all been overlooked. and you’ll stand in the mirror and wonder, what the hell is wrong with me? how is it that i’m ___ years old and i’m still (fill […]

things i learned by NOT having kids

a few weeks ago i was nearly the only SBF at an event featuring maria shriver. i got a two-fer ticket and convinced a girlfriend of mine to be my plus 1. i arrived before she did and sat up close to the front, on the end. patrons arrived and my friend was lost in […]

update your playbook

the question for today is: how do i make the game work for me? the system is rigged and it’s not in our favor. almost without exception white males and white females will be hired, promoted, groomed, and selected for special projects before or instead of a black female. the reasons are simple: we are […]

another day in paradise

two weeks ago, i bought a 68” leaning mirror. it’s framed in textured gold wood and is the perfect size and design for my soon-to-be dressing room.  when i was ready to checkout i asked for assistance and the brotha, slight build, maybe 5’4”, asked me if i had a truck. i shook my head, […]