Recently, I took my husband and nephew to see Steve Harvey in “Act Like A Success.”  From the moment I began thinking about the three of us attending, it became a fun and exciting experience.  Once I extended the invitation, together, we imagined what the funny man might do or say as a motivational speaker.  […]

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  Depending on where you are, Summer vacation is either just about over or it’s been over for a little while now.  This time of year is like the unofficial new year – for many even more so than January 1st.   Kids are entering new grades and some are entering new schools.  Older children leaving for […]

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Abraham Maslow’s approach to psychology was unique.  He was the man responsible for identifying our “Hierarchy of Needs,” which describes how human beings prioritize getting their needs met.  His diagram placed the most pressing “psychological” or basic needs at the bottom of the pyramid. Breathing, food, water, sex and sleep are among the basic needs […]

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When unwanted results show up, and they always do, where do you put your energy and attention?  On the problem or the solution? If you’re like the majority of people, in your personal and professional life, the things you don’t want end up captivating you.  You think about them.  Talk about them.  Wrestle with them.  […]

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Is there someone in your workplace who you feel is exactly your opposite?  Perhaps, a bit of a thorn in your side?  You don’t understand her thought process or agree with how he operates.  He’s annoying.  She’s difficult to deal with. News flash:  this person may be just the thorn in your side you need.  […]

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Dr. Maya Angelou lived a noteworthy life.  There is no question that her teachings and way of being positively affected the lives of many people around the world. In one of her quotes that I treasure, she said:  “One isn’t’ necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential.  Without courage, we cannot practice […]

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When New York Times Editor Jill Abramson was fired, she was in the process of working with a career consultant who was helping her address some of the “management style” problems that reportedly did her in. Understanding how you’re perceived by others at work is invaluable knowledge that can be put to use to enhance your […]

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Recently, I had the honor of speaking on a topic that intrigued and inspired me.  The topic was about how African Americans in Atlantic City’s early history created a strong, affluent and successful community in spite of pervasive racism and negative stereotypes.  My talk was among many activities supporting The African American Heritage Museum of […]

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Following through with a desired change in behavior can be a challenge.  Sometimes, its as simple as forgetting what you said you would do.  For example, I recently decided to drastically reduce my intake of processed sugar because I feel SOOOO good when I don’t eat it. But, here’s the rub:  I’m not always conscious […]

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Remember when your mother told you to sit up straight?  She knew what she was talking about.  Research has validated her good advice. Adoree Durayappah’s article in Psychology Today points out that when a person adopts the upright posture Mom always encouraged, they act in ways that represent power.  And interestingly, as the article points […]

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Do you apologize for everything?  For mistakes others make?  For expressing an opinion that might be unpopular?  For walking into a room?  Do you take the blame for things that have nothing to do with you?  Or when something is clearly someone else’s fault? If you over-apologize, you’re not alone.  For women, it’s very common […]

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Do you ever feel like you’re not really competent, but everyone else is?  Do you sometimes feel like you’re acting as if you belong, but you don’t.  Figure that it won’t be long until you’re found out?  When others praise your work or compliment you, do you doubt their sincerity or feel like the recognition […]

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Do you have the same mindset as Earvin “Magic” Johnson?  He says, “I am a businessman. This is what I do each and every day. I love it. I love coming to work. I never have a bad day.” Do you feel the same way?  Do you love your work?  Daily, do you get up […]

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I meet a fair number of business leaders who say they are empathy-challenged.  Empathy is the ability to recognize and identify the emotions being experienced by another person.  It’s one of the five components of Emotional Intelligence.  Because it enables others to feel like you connect with them, it is an important skill set for […]

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The holiday office party offers a unique opportunity for employees to bond with each other and people higher up in the company in ways they can’t during the work day.   It can be more than an opportunity to “let your hair down.”  Company parties are a great time to make an impression that can impact […]

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Dear Teressa, I currently work part time in education and I absolutely LOVE IT!!! But I’m working a full time job I totally dislike. How does a single mother with two children, break into a career that she absolutely loves, even after exhausting her “network,” applying to numerous jobs in the education field, extremely active on […]

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Q: Dear Teressa, I have a burning desire and drive for making my Motivational Speaking business a huge success. It is important to mention that I discovered my purpose (Motivational Speaking) in 2010 but I started speaking at school during my spare time in 2007.  I am a full time employee at a public institution […]

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I voluntarily had myself videotaped twice in the last few weeks. One taping was of a keynote address, the other of a golf lesson.  Both were incredibly instructive.  I picked up specific behaviors, many of them subtle, that I could only fully understand by watching myself in action.  Pictures really speak thousands of words, but […]

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Whether I’m watching Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Tom Brady, Cole Hamels or Michael Vick, I notice how they do what they do – the mechanical and mental aspects of their performance. An important lesson – one many of us can learn from – is the resilience of those at the top […]

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