What do stairwells, illnesses, decisions, and adolescents have in common? They all exist in “in-between” or liminal spaces — the threshold between who we were and who we are becoming. The thing about liminality is that it always has an end. Remembering that “this too shall pass” can be comforting during the hardest moments.

When the pain of staying exceeds the pain of leaving, that’s when you go. That insight — offered during a divorce — became a lens for understanding organizational change. When the pain goes unchecked, things break down. But by anticipating challenges and proactively building a supportive culture, leaders can prevent breakdowns before they happen.

Have you ever struggled to start something because it felt too big? All-or-nothing thinking doesn’t just affect inboxes — it can fuel perfectionism, polarized thinking, anxiety, and self-criticism. Worst of all, it can rob us of the courage to even begin. This is where executive coaching can make a real difference.

Coaching has taught me something I wish more leaders understood: people are often not resisting change itself — they are resisting the fear that comes with change when no safety net feels visible. Scarcity mindset is about far more than money. It influences trust, decision-making, confidence, and a person’s ability to imagine a different future.

For years, “executive presence” has been held in high regard as a hallmark of strong leadership — but this term can be problematic. Instead of presence (something static), our true leadership aspiration should be influence, and the impact it creates. Influence is rooted in authenticity, but recognizes there must still be intentionality in thought, behavior, and communication.