Growth

A row of yellow rubber ducks dressed in business suits lined up on an office windowsill with a busy downtown skyline in the background, one duck facing forward in sunglasses, symbolizing The Ridicule Factor and the courage to stand out when leaving a company that no longer meets your needs.

The Ridicule Factor: When You Leave a Company That No Longer Meets Your Needs

By Sylvia Lafair | August 28, 2025 |

Summary: Forget the official goodbye emails and polite handshakes. The fear of gossip often haunts people when they resign. There is a whispered, “Can you believe she left? She’ll regret it.” Or the raised eyebrows that silently say, ”I bet he was really fired and they are just being politically correct.” Here are some thoughts…

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When Trauma Giants Falter: A Rashomon Moment at Omega Institute

By Sylvia Lafair | August 26, 2025 |

Summary: Leaders who can hold the “both/and” philosophy in our polarizing world are needed more than ever. CEO’s VP’s. therapists, educators, trainers, coaches, directors, and media do best when they lead others to better ways of interacting rather than telling them what is right or wrong. Here are some thoughts to consider. Dear Dr. Sylvia,…

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A leader walking across a bridge toward sunrise while an AI robot stands still, symbolizing personal growth as the real power move in the age of AI.

Why Personal Growth Is the Real Power Move for Leaders in the Age of AI

By Sylvia Lafair | August 20, 2025 |

Summary: Leaders today stand on a wild new bridge: one foot planted in timeless human capacities, such as empathy, courage, and intuition, and the other testing the unfamiliar terrain of artificial intelligence. The bridge is shaky. AI is moving at lightning speed, and the truth is, if leaders aren’t growing personally, they risk being left…

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A glowing constellation in a night sky above a quiet forest path, symbolizing the difference between coincidence and synchronicity as patterns that reveal hidden meaning.

Coincidence or Synchronicity? Here’s the Twist.

By Sylvia Lafair | August 19, 2025 |

Summary: A coincidence is like bumping into an old friend at the grocery store when you’re both reaching for the same bag of organic spinach. Random, curious, and a little funny. Synchronicity, though, that’s a whole different ball game. It’s when life’s things come together like a cosmic stage manager with perfect timing. Read on.…

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Illustration of King Midas turning his daughter into gold, symbolizing the tragedy of valuing net worth over human worth.

Beyond the Bank: Why It’s Time to Redefine Net Worth as Human Worth

By Sylvia Lafair | July 29, 2025 | Comments Off on Beyond the Bank: Why It’s Time to Redefine Net Worth as Human Worth

Summary: The term “net worth” was invented by economists to assess financial value. Fine. Let them keep it in their spreadsheets. But somewhere along the way, society hijacked the term and started using it as a proxy for who matters and who doesn’t. Here is another way to think about “net worth.” Dear Dr. Sylvia,…

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A green sprout growing through cracked concrete on a steep San Francisco sidewalk, symbolizing how curiosity transforms stress into growth.

When Stress Clamps Down, Curiosity Blows the Doors Off

By Sylvia Lafair | July 17, 2025 | Comments Off on When Stress Clamps Down, Curiosity Blows the Doors Off

Summary: You know that feeling, your chest tightens, your jaw clenches, and suddenly your to-do list feels like a personal attack. That’s stress! We all relate to stress. Instead of taking the meds, here is another way to pivot the stress factor and feel better faster. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I read your book “Invisible Stress…

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A single white feather floats against a vibrant blue background, symbolizing quiet strength and resilience, reflecting how to build self worth.

Stop Giving So Much: Think About Yourself Like a Feather in the Wind

By Sylvia Lafair | July 8, 2025 | Comments Off on Stop Giving So Much: Think About Yourself Like a Feather in the Wind

Summary: Are you always giving 110%, but you still feel like you need to prove your worth? You’re stronger than you think, and your persistence is your power. Read on. Dear Dr. Sylvia, It’s exhausting, constantly feeling like I have to do more, be more, just to be seen. I don’t need to be a…

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Happy Independence Day graphic with bold patriotic text declaring personal freedom and empowerment — “Happy Independence Day” in red and blue against a white textured background.

What Is Your Declaration of Independence?  Lead the Rest of 2025 Like You Mean It

By Sylvia Lafair | June 30, 2025 | Comments Off on What Is Your Declaration of Independence?  Lead the Rest of 2025 Like You Mean It

Summary: Flags, fireworks, and food sum up the traditional way Independence Day is celebrated.  Welcome to July 4th. But before we fall into another loop of red, white, and blue, let’s pause and ask the underlying question that the Founders discussed over and over as they planned a new way in the 13 colonies. Dear Dr.…

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A dramatic gap between two broken cliffs under stormy skies, symbolizing the communication breakdown and disconnection caused by mistakes leaders make.

Broken Bridges: 7 Trust-Busting Mistakes Leaders Make, and How to Avoid Them

By Sylvia Lafair | June 25, 2025 | Comments Off on Broken Bridges: 7 Trust-Busting Mistakes Leaders Make, and How to Avoid Them

Summary: Trust is a leader’s currency; make sure you don’t go bankrupt. Here are seven ways to consider navigating the complexities of trust. Also, a bonus true story from my executive coaching practice. Dear Dr. Sylvia, In every team meeting, we need to examine how we want to work together. There is a mysterious word…

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An intense close-up of a man's face screaming in fury, his head completely engulfed in flames symbolizing addiction to being right.

Why the World’s Biggest Addiction Isn’t What You Think.

By Sylvia Lafair | June 23, 2025 | Comments Off on Why the World’s Biggest Addiction Isn’t What You Think.

Summary: Let’s call it out. The biggest addiction in the world isn’t sugar, caffeine, alcohol, or your phone.It’s not even power. Let’s discuss what more people are addicted to than anything else. Dear Dr. Sylvia, No matter how many communication and conflict resolution programs we do at my company, there is still way too much…

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