Author: Hope Timberlake
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Reality Check: Office Life Is Calling
It’s the end of August, and you know what that means… reality is about to kick in. No more work by the pool for you! Return to office mandates are en vogue. It’s time to emerge from your basement cave and engage, in real life, with people.So, how do you handle team dynamics, in person…
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Dreading a tough conversation? Read this first.
Does conflict make you queasy? You’re not alone. Even after 20 years in the communication field, I still feel uneasy when I need to set boundaries, deliver bad news, or offer constructive feedback. Many of my clients feel the same. One leader I work with, let’s call him Jamie, recently wrestled with how to tell…
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Learn why people say yes, and how to weave that into your next pitch.
Whether you’re pitching investors or recommending a new idea to your team, influence is everything. The key ingredients include: If you haven’t heard of Robert Cialdini, prepare to have your mind blown. The Arizona-based psychologist published Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion in 1984, and it’s remained a go-to resource for anyone who wants to ethically sway decision-making.…
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Big Presentation? Here’s Your Ultimate Guide
Here at Forté Consulting, Bethany Hart and I have been spending quality time helping speakers prepare for everything from big-stage keynotes to small-stage virtual meetings. We’ve seen it all—from last-minute scramblers to those who fine-tune every moment like it’s a Taylor Swift Eras Tour performance. Here’s what we’ve learned… whether you’re an ultra-planner or a…
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Someone Throw Shade at Work? Try This.
Snarky comments aren’t new to the workplace. You’ve probably heard, “Oh great, another meeting that could’ve been an email,” more times than you can count. Even worse? Overhearing a colleague take jabs at your process, your ideas—or your leadership. So how do you handle sarcastic, or downright rude, remarks at work? Here are three ways to respond with…
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Escape the Negativity Spiral
Picture this: You’ve spent weeks preparing for a big presentation. You walk out of the room, and instead of feeling accomplished, your mind zeroes in on every tiny mistake. Sound familiar? It’s human nature to dwell on what went wrong. Think about feedback—how often do we fixate on the one critical comment while brushing past…
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“Let Them” at Work
Welcome to 2025! Over the “break,” I enjoyed long walks with my family and devoured podcasts, including Mel Robbins’ episode about the Let Them Theory. If you’re not acquainted with Mel, she’s an author and podcast host with many down-to-earth but revelatory ideas. She describes “Let them” as “a life-changing mindset hack.” Who doesn’t want to…
