Instinctually, most people are caring, kind and compassionate. We carry empathic traits honed over generations of caregiving and kinship that have allowed humans to survive and thrive. Yet, pressures to perform at the highest levels, strive for excellence, be “on call'' whether working onsite or remotely, makes it challenging to protect personal time and self-care. No matter how well resourced or supported one may be—at work or at home—the demands may exceed any one’s ability to cope, leading to discontent and burnout. Certain self-defeating patterns may emerge, including negative self-talk, strained interactions with others, and chronic irritation or bad mood. Gone is common courtesy, kind behavior, and generosity! It takes teamwork to redirect attention to ways of increasing compassion and resilience, rekindling joy in your work, and reclaiming a sense of confidence. The talk will address three areas: Cultivating Self-Compassion, Understanding Social and Emotional Contagion, and Inspiring Workplace Positivity.

“While in the midst of a crisis of self-doubt and discomfort, I immediately opened up some of my notes and put them into practice... I appreciate all the strategies, resources, and advice you have shared with us.” - Attendee

“Can I bring you to work every day?! The realization that it takes more people to create an upward spiral of positivity to offset that one negative coworker really hit home. I know what we need to do now… top down and bottom up, it pays to be kind.” - Attendee

If you have a love-hate relationship with perfectionism you are not alone. We seem to have a love-hate relationship with the ideal of perfection. We grasp for it even when we might know it’s unrealistic. If the notion of perfection is compelling yet cringe worthy, it may be that you are trapped by perfectionism — a human need to be perfect, flawless or exceptional in order to achieve recognition, status and happiness. Perfectionism is neither personal failing or a cherished ideal. It is not about what you do or don't do well. Perfectionism is in large part your nervous system’s response to avoid the potential threat of exclusion or rejection. Societal narratives, including expectations in the workplace, can unwittingly provoke a fear-based response, and have the opposite effect, such as low productivity, high burnout, or trigger inner algorithms of compare and despair. It’s time to radically change the inner code. Learn how to strive for excellence with more ease and joy—and yes—become a happy achiever.

“This talk was a ray of light in my dark tunnel. My perfectionism had blinded me from seeing the sun on the other side of the clouds. I now have a glimpse at hope.” - Attendee

“The most important thing for me was realizing that (1) I have perfectionistic tendencies that aren't helping me and (2) other people have them, too - i.e., I'm not alone in this. Of the things we've learned, I will be intentional about absorbing positive experiences and not dismissing my efforts.” - Attendee

Feel like an imposter? Afraid to fail? Sensitive to rejection? Beat yourself up? Compare yourself to the rest of the world? Welcome to life as a human being.

It’s time to meet the inner critics taking up space in your mind. Forget all the hype about banishing or silencing your inner critic. It’s not happening! Yet, you can learn to befriend your inner critics and get curious about their motivations and positive intentions. Then when you’re really ready to evolve, you can release them from their duties. After all, your inner critics have been working hard for you and aren't going away easily. Not until you love them enough. You will learn the EVOLV framework to help you connect your head and your heart. It’s designed especially for those of you who struggle with inner critical narratives of “never good enough.” And that’s most of us.

“Never thought being kinder to myself would do a thing. But once I could relate to my inner critics , I found empathy for those parts. This really hit home in a new way.” - Attendee