Insights

Over the last two weeks, I’ve spoken with two very accomplished professionals about how they support mentees and clients in becoming more open and vulnerable so they can build relationships that work, both socially and professionally. It’s a meaningful challenge. Across cultures and workplaces, people may find it difficult to let their guard down, ask for support, or speak up when a partnership or collaboration isn’t going well. Yet those conversations are hard to have when t

Reinventing yourself can be daunting. I've done it more than once. I've gone from standing on the verge of a layoff and job elimination to building an international lifestyle company. I've served as Head of Talent and Chief Diversity Officer, launched businesses, written books, and entered industries where I had no roadmap. There is a lot in between those milestones, but one thing has remained constant: I was scared walking in and proud walking out. Every transition demanded

The best gatherings aren’t just about what you serve. They’re about who you bring together. I love to entertain. Especially in the summer. There is something about receiving my farm share CSA, bringing home beautiful, fresh ingredients, and watching the evening sky turn that gorgeous sunset orange that makes me want to set the table and invite people over. My porch is the perfect place for it. The guests arrive relaxed. The food is scrumptious. The wine is flowing. And once w

Stephanie Browne recently joined Dr. Yndia Lorick-Wilmot on the Belonging to Blackness podcast for a thoughtful conversation exploring the intersection of leadership, hospitality, culture, and connection. In Season 7, Episode 067, Stephanie shares how her journey, from more than three decades in Human Resources and DEI leadership at Blue Cross Blue Shield to becoming the founder of Sipping Sense and Divas Uncorked, has been deeply rooted in creating spaces where people feel s

Have you ever felt like a fish out of water at a networking event? Do you find yourself scanning the room, wondering who to talk to? Trying to figure out which groups you can join and which you shouldn’t? Let’s be honest: Networking events can feel stressful. Walking into the room. Approaching groups already in conversation. Balancing food and a drink while trying to introduce yourself. Every moment presents an opportunity for poise. Mistakes happen in these settings, but don

Gender parity for women continues to fluctuate and it is not surprising with the current climate around inclusion. Women are equally qualified technically and data suggest that companies with more women in senior positions often see better business outcomes, including higher profits, stronger workplace culture and improved decision-making. But all business is not done in the boardroom or at work meetings. Women can increase their opportunity to get to the table through buildi