Self-Diagnosis Check-In: Thoughtful (and fun!)

Ditch the stiff year-end reviews—Crina and Kirsten grab the NYT’s “7 Reflection Questions for a Happier New Year” and remix it for work with fun and honesty.  Our hosts turn the New Year’s reflection into a playful self-diagnosis for work, riffing off a NYT article’s serious prompts but swapping them for fun, thoughtful, heart-singing versions that spark levity. Kirsten and Crina consider their answers live, revealing what eluded them, drained their energy, and made their hearts sing—proving honest check-ins beat vague resolutions every time. Expect laughs, aha moments, and work tweaks that feel fun, not forced.

Needy, Checked Out, or Defensive?

When the stakes are high and expectations are muddy, even the most competent humans can slip into self‑protection mode at work.  Deadlines, performance reviews, politics, and power dynamics can echo earlier experiences of exclusion or danger, so our nervous systems do what they were wired to do: defend.  In this conversation, our gals break down how that shows up on teams—and what to do about it. 

Celebrate!

Nearly every cultural or religious tradition celebrates something this time of year, reminding us that humans are wired to pause, connect, and acknowledge progress. The same is true in the workplace.  Yet many of us struggle with this. We forget to mark milestones, skip over achievements, and move on to the next task. The research is clear: celebration isn’t frivolous; it’s foundational.

How to Know a Person

Being seen is central to being human essential to human flourishing. Join us as we explore how to harness this super power and get more ease, meaning and joy!

How to Know a Person

Two women talk about work while drinking coffee

Being seen is central to being human essential to human flourishing. Join us as we explore how to harness this super power and get more ease, meaning and joy!

Two Jobs, One Life

Moonlighting encompasses everything from freelance work and gig economy jobs to online businesses and passion and experiment projects. The concept of two jobs has evolved beyond traditional notions of “after-hours” work and now includes diverse forms of supplemental employment. Working two jobs raises questions about burnout, work-life balance, performance impacts, and whether to implement formal moonlighting policies.

Protect Your Mental Health

Recent research shows that women experience mental health conditions differently than men, and we’re unpacking it all. We’ll discuss the critical role of connection—our go-to remedy for many mental health issues—even when social interactions feel like climbing a mountain. Setting boundaries and carving out time for self-care isn’t just important; it’s essential. 

Flipping the Script

Reverse mentoring flips the script, pairing ambitious younger employees with seasoned leaders to share insights on today’s hot topics, from tech trends to leadership styles. First popularized by Jack Welch at GE in the ’90s, it’s now a strategic powerhouse for attracting and retaining young talent.

Pay Attention!

Observation creates the feeling of being seen and heard—for both the observer and those around them. Observation requires not focusing cognitively, but noticing yourself, others, and the environment in real time, with awareness and intention.

The Leap into Leadership

The transition to a leadership role is a significant and often challenging shift. Research shows that over 60% of new managers fail to make this transition effectively. This is largely because leadership is not simply a scaled-up version of individual contribution; it requires a fundamental change in mindset, behavior, and priorities.