Gutsy

Strong Teams Don’t Avoid Breakdowns, They Repair Them Fast

By Sylvia Lafair | March 24, 2026 |

Summary: Let’s start with the truth most organizations quietly sidestep: conflict is not the problem. Avoidance is. In today’s workplace, teams are often trained, implicitly or explicitly, to keep things smooth, professional, and drama-free. On the surface, that sounds ideal. But underneath? Resentment builds. Conversations go underground. Misunderstandings calcify into narratives that no one names…

Melinda French Gates: Leadership After the Hard Lessons

By Sylvia Lafair | March 12, 2026 |

Melinda French Gates shows how honest self-reflection, courage, and listening to inner signals can transform personal challenges into powerful leadership and advocacy for women worldwide.

When the World Feels Unsafe, People Look for One Thing from Their Leaders

By Sylvia Lafair | March 3, 2026 |

When the world feels unsafe, leaders set the emotional tone. Discover how calm presence, nervous system regulation, and steady communication support teams and families during chaotic times.

The Courage to Be Seen: Where Real Connection at Work Begins

By Sylvia Lafair | February 17, 2026 |

Discover how the courage to be seen transforms leadership and workplace culture when leaders finally address the elephant in the room.

You Don’t Need More Willpower. You Need a New Operating System.

By Sylvia Lafair | January 15, 2026 |

You dont need more willpower to lead better. Discover how outdated emotional patterns run your leadership on autopilot and why upgrading your inner operating system changes everything.

Taylor Swift and Leadership: What GLIMMERS and Behavioral Patterns Reveal About Power and Presence

By Sylvia Lafair | January 5, 2026 |

Taylor Swift and leadership meet GLIMMERS, stress mastery, and decision-making for executives leading with clarity under pressure.

The Leadership Blind Spot: Fear of Finding Out, and What It Costs You

By Sylvia Lafair | December 15, 2025 |

FOFO, or fear of finding out, keeps us stuck in avoidance, denial, and distraction—making small issues grow bigger. Learn how to recognize the subtle signals, regulate your nervous system, and take brave, manageable steps to face the truth and reclaim your agency.

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

By Sylvia Lafair | July 8, 2025 |

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…

This Mother’s Day, Celebrate the GUTSY Women Who Lead, Including You!

By Sylvia Lafair | May 8, 2025 |

Pattern repetition can keep us stuck, but pattern transformation gives us strength. We grew up learning how to fit in and be appropriate. Now is the time to flip those ingrained, outdated patterns and soar. We change when we are brave enough to face the old patterns and say, “No more.” Dear Dr. Sylvia, Yes,…

Celebrating Success: The Empowerment of Women Tooting Their Own Horns

By Sylvia Lafair | February 7, 2024 |

Summary: The world is increasingly recognizing the achievements of women in various fields. Thus, there is a growing need for women to take charge of their stories and proudly share their successes. Dear All, Today, I am celebrating my achievements as an executive and leadership coach. Once again, I have been named on the Top…