Bernadette Smith 10/4/24 Bernadette Smith 10/4/24

5 Things / Service

This week, I’ve been thinking about the horrible destruction and loss from Hurricane Helene. I’ve noticed a common theme shared by my friends and colleagues affected by the storm: people coming together in service to others. Good people compassionately showing up to help.

Bernadette Smith 11/10/23 Bernadette Smith 11/10/23

5 Things / Ratios

Last week I wrote about how some prestigious MBA programs have achieved gender parity among female and male students. A reader responded: “Having 50% women and 50% men means nonbinary and other gender diverse people are excluded because we don't fit in these options. While it's important to recognize when women have equitable opportunities, it's also important to acknowledge that we need to change how we measure gender ratios given the increase in gender exploration and identities.”

Bernadette Smith 11/3/23 Bernadette Smith 11/3/23

5 Things / Ouch Moments

This week I was on a sales call with an organization looking to train its account managers. The company provides a premium, high-touch 1:1 service, and its account managers were increasingly finding themselves having "ouch" moments.

Bernadette Smith 7/8/22 Bernadette Smith 7/8/22

5 Things / Unplugged

This week I spent time in California whitewater rafting and hiking with an old friend. There was no cell service while we were on the overnight rafting trip, and it felt great to be completely unplugged. After I returned from the solace of nature, I learned there was a parade shooting in Highland Park, Illinois about 30 miles from my home.

Bernadette Smith 6/10/22 Bernadette Smith 6/10/22

5 Things / Still Learning

This week I had a bunch of planning meetings in anticipation of upcoming keynotes. About 80% of the time, the client advises: “As a heads up, our employees are generally pretty conservative.” I’ve heard this from clients in many industries: financial services, energy, manufacturing, commercial real estate, and more.