Janet Fouts's Blog

The Quiet Belonging of Bookstores and Libraries

There’s a particular kind of hush that settles over me when you walk into a bookstore. The scent of paper, the blur of covers and titles, the low hum of curiosity. Whether it’s an indie shop tucked in an alley or a sprawling city bookstore with high ceilings and comfy chairs, something shifts the moment I come in. It’s a little bit like coming home.

That sense of  instant comfort blended with curiosity has been with me forever. I was a prolific reader, happily traveling the world of thought through the pages of books. I’d pick one up and be swept into someone else’s reality, stretching my imagination and awareness.

It’s no surprise that bookstores still hold that pull for me. No matter the size or selection, they feel like home. They offer connection and grounding. A place where I can wander freely and privately explore unfamiliar ideas. It’s quiet, yes, but far from lonely.

When I browse those shelves or tuck into a cozy corner near others doing the same, I feel part of something bigger. A quiet, unspoken community. We’re not talking or debating or sharing photos of our trips for likes. We’re just there, each on our own journey, engaged in the very human act of seeking.

And that feeling of belonging, of sharing space with other people in a gentle, non-demanding way, is deeply nourishing for our brains and our hearts.

Why Our Brains Crave These Moments
According to Dr. Rick Hanson, we each have the evolutionary “gift” of negativity bias. We tend to notice what’s wrong or threatening more than what’s good. This bias helped our ancestors survive in dangerous environments, but in modern life it often causes us to feel anxious, isolated, or cynical even when things are objectively fine.

“The brain is like Velcro for negative experiences and Teflon for positive ones.” — Dr. Rick Hanson

That’s why moments in places like bookstores, concert halls,  cafés or shared gardens can be so important. When we gently immerse ourselves in shared space without needing to perform or impress, we start to soften that bias. Our minds, which are constantly scanning for danger, begin to settle. We shift from what could go wrong to what’s interesting here?

The Positivity Offset
This brings us to something called the “positivity offset,” a concept that helps explain how we can shift our perception, even in neutral situations.

Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, a renowned researcher in positive psychology, teaches that small moments of positive emotion can help us override our tendency to focus on the negative. She identifies ten core forms of positivity: joy, gratitude, serenity, interest, hope, pride, amusement, inspiration, awe, and love. These don’t have to be huge gestures. They can emerge from a smile, a shared glance, or an idea that sparks something new in us.

Have you ever experienced interest, awe, serenity or immersion when browsing books?  Maybe you  stumble upon a book at the airport bookstore on a topic you’ve never considered, buy it on impulse and it opens a new door. That openness is key.

When we allow ourselves to interpret a moment as even slightly positive, it opens the door to curiosity. And curiosity invites connection with ourselves, with ideas, and even with the strangers quietly leafing through books nearby. Just like you.

This is the heart of Dr. Fredrickson’s “broaden and build” theory: positive emotions broaden our awareness and build our resilience. They make us more receptive. More capable of growth. More able to see possibilities rather than problems.

 

Belonging Beyond Philosophy
In the quiet open spaces like bookstores, gardens, libraries, we also find something that’s increasingly rare in modern life: a community that doesn’t require agreement. We can stand next to someone reading a book we’d never pick up ourselves, and it doesn’t matter. We’re sharing space in a way that feels peaceful and affirming.

That’s the kind of community that nourishes us. One where shared presence matters more than shared beliefs. Where our energy mingles quietly. Where we don’t have to agree to feel like we belong.

When we experience this kind of collective energy, we become more resilient. We let go of comparison, conflict, and judgment. We simply exist together.

So often, we seek belonging online or through shared ideologies. But places like bookstores remind us that belonging doesn’t have to be shouted or exclusive. Sometimes it’s just being in the same place with others who are open to ideas and willing to wander.

Bringing This Into Daily Life
You don’t have to wait for your next bookstore visit to tap into this feeling. How about trying one of these:

Go for a walk through your neighborhood and notice the variety in which other people liveGo to a concert hall and immerse yourself in the energy of the collective human experienceExplore unfamiliar ideas through a podcast or article and stay open to your reactionReflect on one of the ten positive emotions each evening and how you experienced it that day

These small practices help us stay grounded in a world that often pushes us to react, often without thinking at all. Bringing curiosity and openness to a shared space matters in more ways that we may realize. Try it and see.

When Stress Fuels Conflict: What are We Missing?

You’re in a team meeting about a new product launch and things begin to get messy.Half the group thinks speed is the most important thing. “Let’s get it out there and fix it later.” The other half is adamant about quality.“If we don’t get it right now, we’ll regret it.”

Voices get louder, people shift in their seats, and then it happens: someone folds their arms, turns slightly away from the group, and stops making eye contact. Another shakes her head and lets out that sharp sigh we all know too well. That feeling of impending doom rises up.

What looked like it was going to be a simple discussion over “the best way forward” was really just stress walking into the room and taking it over. The room splits in two, not physically but emotionally. It’s clear no one’s budging, and the meeting ends with some lingering heat. Real work just isn’t gonna happen right now.

The next morning, when everyone’s cooled off just enough to try again, the team wanders in to sit together again. What happened here and what do we do about it?

Stress Changes the Conversation

When stress levels rise, our nervous system does exactly what it’s designed to do. It protects us. The trouble is, that same instinct also shuts down the parts of the brain we need most: the ones that help us listen, empathize, and problem-solve. Suddenly, the issue isn’t about the product anymore. It’s about frustration, hurt, or the need to be right.

And let’s be honest, in the middle of a heated exchange, empathy is usually the first thing out the door.

Researchers tell us that stress affects not only our bodies but also how we perceive and interact with one another. That’s why so many conflicts feel like they “blew up out of nowhere.” It’s not the disagreement itself, it’s the stress tucked underneath it.

The Whole-Person Lens

When we approach conflict from a whole-person perspective and use a mindful and emotionally intelligent approach, it brings our humanity forward, allowing us to establish solid ground to work from. For example:

Mindfulness helps us read the room with awareness of ourselves and others, and notice reactivity before it takes over.

Emotional Intelligence gives us the tools to recognize emotions as they come up and respond to them rather than react.

Compassion reminds us there’s a human being behind the disagreement, someone who also wants to feel heard and respected, just like us.

Positive Psychology shifts the focus from what’s broken to what we can build on together.

Looking at the conflict through a different lens with these thoughts in mind doesn’t make conflict easy, but it does make it more workable.

A Simple Place to Start

In situations like this one, the natural human urge is to defend your side, judge the other side’s intelligence, or shut down completely. But if you can pause, even for just a few seconds, you can find space for a different way to engage. Try asking yourself:

What’s behind this?Is this really about speed vs. quality, or is it about not feeling valued or heard? Is it about something from home or otherwise unrelated to the meeting?

How am I feeling?Irritated? Ignored? Maybe a little embarrassed? Naming emotions helps calm the nervous system and gives you something clearer to work with.

What do I need?Maybe it’s clarity, respect, or just a chance to speak without interruption.

What do they need?This is where compassion comes back in. The other person may need recognition, inclusion, or reassurance that their concerns matter. too.

Where’s the shared ground?In the product example, both sides wanted success. They just defined it differently. Naming that shared goal is the first step to moving forward.

Things to Keep in Mind

If you find yourself in a situation like this in a meeting, with family, or in your community, here are a few thoughts to carry with you:

Stress isn’t the enemy, unmanaged stress is. Spotting it early changes the whole conversation. and we can take a moment to reset.

Conflict doesn’t make you a bad leader, colleague, or partner. It makes you human. We are ALL human.

Pauses are underrated. Five seconds of reflection can be the difference between a blow-up and a breakthrough.

Emotions are information. They’re not a problem to hide, or wrong, they’re signals to pay attention to.

Resolution doesn’t always mean agreement. Sometimes success is simply clarity and mutual respect and paving the way to move forward and get unstuck.

Conflict isn’t always totally negative

Conflict can be the thing that strengthens a team if we have the tools and space to work with it instead of fight it.

Maybe next time tension flares up, try pausing and asking: “What’s really driving this moment. Is it the issue on the table, or the stress behind it?” That simple question can open the door to a completely different outcome.

Celebrating Our Differences and Discerning Perspectives

Living and working in Silicon Valley, I’m surrounded by the vibrant pulse of diversity every day. From the markets filled with food from around the world to the festivals to celebrate  all our cultures it’s a daily reminder of the richness of our day to day experiences and how important it is to celebrate our differences. The variety in cuisine, art and the stories people share reminds me that what makes us different also brings us together.

In my corporate work, I meet people with all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. Every conversation is a chance to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Even when we disagree or come from different places, there is always an undercurrent of our shared humanity. As someone who teaches mindfulness and conflict resolution, I know how important it is to stay open, to stay curious and to let the experience of others help me grow.

This openness is part of what Thich Nhat Hanh calls “discerning perspective.” It’s more than understanding , it’s seeing how everything is connected. It’s knowing we’re not separate, no matter how different we may seem. We’re part of the same web of life, made of the same elements, breathing the same air. Whether we like it or not, whether we believe it or not, it’s a simple truth: I am in you, and you are in me. And so is that other person.

When we forget this, it’s easy for distrust, fear and anger to come forward. It may feel easier to label someone as “bad” or “other” than to sit with the discomfort of seeing ourselves in them. But those labels don’t help us heal. They just  keep us apart.

Mindfulness helps us see these labels for what they are — habits of mind, feelings and thoughts that can pass through our minds.

 Instead of letting them define how we treat others, mindfulness gives us a chance to reflect on the person we want to be. It invites us to ask: How am I seeing this person? Am I letting fear or bias decide? How can I meet this moment with curiosity and compassion?

This discerning perspective isn’t about judging ourselves or anyone else. It’s about being honest and gentle, and willing to look deeper. It’s about recognizing that we can’t really be part of a community if we’re stuck in seeing others as separate. When we notice the labels we use, we also begin to see the ways we’re all connected, and the ways we support each other in ways we don’t always realize.

I see this every day in my work. When people feel seen and heard, when they know their voice matters and they can hold space for others, something shifts. People listen with their hearts as well as their minds. Walls come down. Conflict can turn into conversation, and misunderstanding can open the door to understanding.

I know it’s not always easy. It’s tempting to judge or step back into what’s familiar, especially when faced with difference. But Thich Nhat Hanh’s teaching remind us that this is the work: to look beyond the surface and remember that there is no “other.” In truth, we’re always supporting each other, even when we don’t see it. Every kind act, every moment of patience is part of the care that binds us together.

This is the heart of interbeing — that we’re all here together, part of the same world, breathing the same breath. My hope, and the heart of my work, is to help people remember this. To encourage us to move from seeing differences as threats to seeing them as invitations. Invitations to learn, to understand and to act with compassion.

So today, I offer this gentle reminder: let’s be mindful of the labels we put on others. Let’s be kind to the parts of ourselves that want to judge or pull away, and let’s be brave enough to stay open. When we choose to see each other through the lens of interbeing, we build a world that’s more caring and more whole. I’m grateful every day to be part of that journey.

Resilience, Allyship, and the Power of Belonging

Thank you so much for joining me today at the Women in Tech Global Conference for my session on Resilience and Belonging. Every year I love being a part of this event filled with thoughtful, courageous women and allies who are ready to lead with intention.

If you’re reading this after our time together, I hope the message stays with you: We don’t have to wait for resilience to show up—we can build it together. The very foundation of that resilience is in allyship and belonging.

Resilience is Rarely a Solo Experience

In fast-paced environments like tech, sometimes we think resilience is about personal toughness—something we develop by pushing through, staying late, and never showing weakness. But that version of resilience is lonely and frankly, unsustainable.

REAL resilience is not just an individual strength—it’s a relational one. We become more resilient when we know we’re not alone, when we feel seen and heard, and when we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.

It’s why I wrote about Resilience for Entrepreneurs—because whether you’re building a startup or leading a team inside a large company, resilience grows when we have support, not when we isolate ourselves. We build together in community.

The Role of Belonging and Allyship

Belonging is more than being included in a meeting or added to a Slack channel. It’s the sense that who you are—your voice, your story, your perspective—matters.

And when you’re in a space where that’s true, you don’t have to spend energy proving yourself. You can spend it doing your best work. You can innovate, collaborate, and take creative risks.

This is where allyship becomes powerful. Allyship isn’t about saving anyone—it’s about creating space. It’s about pausing to listen, checking your own biases, and offering support in ways that actually meet people where they are.

In teams that practice this kind of mindful allyship, people thrive. Collaboration becomes deeper. Trust gets stronger. And even when challenges come up—as they always do—we’re more likely to face them together, not at odds.

Psychological Safety Starts With Us

One of the most common questions I get from leaders is: “How do we create psychological safety?”

And the answer is both simple and hard: it starts with you. With how you show up in conversations. How you handle mistakes. How you respond to feedback or opposition.

When people feel safe enough to be honest—even when it’s uncomfortable—they’re more willing to grow, take ownership, and connect.

That safety grows when we lean into hard conversations with care. If you’re navigating polarized workplaces or just trying to talk about the tough stuff, I wrote this post to offer some practical ways to start those conversations from a place of compassion and strength.

Overcoming Bias, Building Curiosity

We all carry unconscious biases. It’s human. But when we let those biases run unchecked—especially the negativity bias that primes us to look for what’s wrong—we miss opportunities to connect.

If you’ve ever caught yourself ruminating over a single criticism while ignoring ten compliments, you’re not alone. That’s negativity bias in action. The good news? We can train ourselves to shift. I talk more about that here.

When we make the effort to understand someone else’s story—even if we don’t agree with all of it—we build the kind of mutual respect that fuels collaboration and trust. And trust is the heart of belonging.

What We Practice at Work Ripples Into Our Lives

Everything I’ve shared today applies not just in the workplace, but at home and in our communities. When we practice allyship and psychological safety with our colleagues, we’re also building the muscle to show up for our families, our neighbors, and even strangers with more empathy and care.

The conversations we have. The stories we share. The assumptions we challenge. These are all doorways into deeper relationships.

You can read more about how positive psychology and communication create not only happier teams, but also stronger relationships at every level of life. Because when we understand each other better, we’re more likely to support each other especially when life gets hard.

Let’s Keep Talking

If something in today’s session struck a chord with you, I’d love to continue the conversation.Maybe you’re navigating a leadership transition, struggling to feel like you belong, or trying to create a culture of care inside your team. This is the work I do every day with clients—helping them lead with more emotional intelligence, compassion, and resilience.

On my site, you’ll find ways to work with me through coaching, workshops, and retreats—all grounded in evidence-based practices and real-life experience. I founded Nearly Mindful to help people discover what it means to thrive—not just survive—and to grow into their fullest potential as human beings.

You don’t need to go it alone. And you don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start with curiosity, care, and a willingness to listen—first to yourself, and then to others.

That’s how we create belonging. That’s how we build resilience. And that’s how we rise—together.

Nearly Mindful and Moments of Mindfulness

When people tell me they “can’t meditate” or that mindfulness is too hard, it’s almost always because of one thing – judgment. It’s so easy to judge ourselves. We sit down to meditate, and before long, our minds wander. We’re suddenly worrying, planning, or overthinking, and then the self-criticism kicks in. “I’m not doing this right.” “Why can’t I just focus?”

This self-judgment is one of the biggest barriers to simply being present. We go to a retreat or take a class, and then what? We come back, hoping for a sense of calm or clarity, but often, we find ourselves slipping right back into the noise of everyday life. The critical voice comes back, and we start to doubt our ability to ever “get this right.”

It’s not just you, or me.  Experienced meditators go through this too – the difference is time, self-awareness, and  the ability to begin again. Experience teaches us that every moment is a chance to begin again. There’s a kind of freedom in that. As my bestie says “You gotta get jiggy with starting again”. Until you get comfortable with the art of beginning again, with the messy, beautiful imperfection of each moment, you’ll always feel like you’re falling short.

I get it. For years, I struggled to sit in silence. My thoughts took over, and I’d end up frustrated, feeling like I’d failed at meditation. I’d give up. But then, once in a while, I’d stumble into a moment of pure presence – pulling weeds in the garden, watching sunlight dance on leaves, or sitting by a quiet stream. In those moments, my mind would settle, and I’d just be. No need to rush, analyze, or perfect – just a simple, quiet awe for the moment itself.

Those glimpses of pure presence are what keep me practicing. They remind me that yes, I can be mindful, and that these small, meaningful moments are what make life rich. I founded Nearly Mindful because I wanted to share this with the people I coach – that even the most seasoned practitioners aren’t 100% mindful all the time, and that being nearly mindful is enough. It’s about noticing those small, vivid moments and learning to linger there, even if just for a breath, and then repeating this to reinforce the habit of presence.

That’s when it clicked. I don’t need to measure how long I’m being mindful. It’s not about living in a permanent state of calm (I mean, who can do that with everything life throws our way?). It’s about those micro-moments of awareness – a bright spark of laughter, a glimpse of a cloud, a warm cup of tea. Bit by bit, these moments add up, creating a ripple of awareness in our lives.

This is where Microdosed Mindfulness comes in. It’s about embracing those tiny doses of awareness. A gentle reminder that even a small shift can make a big difference. When we practice this way, we start to find our center more easily. We become less reactive, more grateful, more compassionate. We create a ripple that touches everyone around us – offering the gift of presence, drop by drop.

I hope you’ll join me on this journey. It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. Nearly mindful, fully human, beautifully imperfect. I’ve created a Substack for Microdosed Mindfulness. Join me as we explore ways to microdose mindfulness into living life more mindfully day by day.

Surfing the Wave of Uncertainty When the World Feels Unsteady

If you’ve been feeling a little unsure about your future at work lately, you’re not alone. A recent LinkedIn Workforce Confidence survey shows that people across industries are feeling less confident in their job security—even lower than during the height of the pandemic. From GenZ to Baby Boomers confidence scores dropped significantly, and It’s not hard to figure out why.

Guess what? We’re living in turbulent times—economic shifts, political tension, environmental uncertainty, and the continued evolution of how and where we work. All that together can rock the foundations of even the most seasoned professionals.

Here’s the reality: we can’t always control what happens around us, but we can learn to ground ourselves in what matters most—and that makes all the difference.

Let’s talk about how you can use this moment to strengthen your growth mindset, reduce self-doubt, and show up with the kind of grounded confidence that makes people see you as capable, trustworthy, and invaluable.

Why Confidence Is Shaky Right NowThere’s a lot going on in our world, and when external threats rise, so can internal fears. Imposter syndrome surfaces. That little voice in your head starts to whisper, “Am I doing enough?” or worse, “Do I even belong here?” It’s easy to spiral into self-doubt, especially when the world feels out of control.

Don’t let that voice take over. This is where your inner work begins.

Ground Yourself in Your ValuesWhen the world around you is shifting it’s even more important than ever to know what you stand for.

Ask yourself:

What matters most to me in the work I do?

What kind of person do I want to be, regardless of the circumstances?

What strengths do I bring that no one else does quite the same way?

Getting clear on your values can be your anchor. It keeps you from drifting too far off course when the waves get rough. Whether it’s integrity, creativity, compassion, or reliability, naming your core values reconnects you with your purpose. When you lead from that place, people notice.

Cultivate a Growth MindsetA growth mindset means believing that your skills, talents, and capacity to adapt are not fixed—they can grow with effort, practice, and support.

This mindset doesn’t mean ignoring difficulties or pretending everything is “fine”. It means acknowledging the challenges and asking, What can I learn here? or How might I grow stronger because of this experience?

For example:

If your team is restructuring, you might think: This is a chance to learn new ways of working.

If you’re not getting feedback, you might ask for it: How can I improve and add more value?

When you step back for perspective these questions can spark new ways of looking at things and help you stay in motion instead of feeling stuck.

Emotional Regulation Is a SuperpowerWhen life gets uncertain, emotions ramp up. Anxiety, frustration, fear—they’re all normal. How we respond to those emotions is what sets confident professionals apart.

Instead of reacting from a place of fear, practice pausing. Take a breath. Name the emotion. Ask yourself: What’s actually true here, and what story am I telling myself?

A little bit more awareness gives you space to respond with intention rather than reactivity. That builds trust—not only with others, but within yourself. The more often we practice this, the more grounded and confident we can be.

Imposter Syndrome Doesn’t Mean You’re FailingFeeling like you don’t belong—or that you’re going to be “found out” as a fake—is even more common during uncertain times. Imposter syndrome isn’t proof that you’re not good enough. It’s proof that you actually care.You want to do well. You want to contribute. That matters!

Quiet the inner critic:

Allow yourself to celebrate wins and positive feedback.

Know that your worth isn’t measured only in productivity.

Surround yourself with people who see your value and remind you of it.

See theirs too, supporting others creates trust and collaboration.

Check how you’re talking to yourself. Would you say that to a friend who is feeling the same way?

Being Confident Even When You Don’t Feel ItConfidence isn’t about pretending to have all the answers. It’s about showing up fully—curious, open, willing to learn—and staying connected to your values even when it’s hard.

When you do that:

People trust you more.

They turn to you in moments of uncertainty.

They see you not just as capable, but as someone who helps them feel steadier, too.

This doesn’t have to be flashy achievements or titles. It requires presence, steadiness, and the ability to stay grounded even when others are losing their footing.

Yes, Times are ChallengingThere’s no doubt—we’re in a complex time, but that doesn’t mean you’re can’t do anything to take care of yourself. Your self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and your ability to stay true to your values are more important than ever.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You can choose to be the kind of person who meets uncertainty with a steady heart and an open mind. That’s how you stand out—not just in your job, but in your life.

Take a breath. Remember who you are. Let that be your foundation, even when the ground feels shaky. You’ve got this.

How AI and Emotional Intelligence Give HR Pros Space to Lead with Heart

In today's multi-dimensional work environment, HR professionals are balancing more than ever. From hiring and onboarding to navigating workplace wellness, culture, and conflict, they're often the glue holding everything together. But who's supporting them?

Focusing on mindful leadership paired with AI can add time to everyone’s day—not by replacing HR's human touch but by amplifying it.
When used with emotional intelligence and intention, AI tools can streamline repetitive tasks, uncover meaningful data, and give HR pros the time and clarity to do what they do best: support the people behind the business.

Jen's Story: HR Leadership With a Lighter Load
Jen is the HR Director at a mission-driven healthcare company. Passionate about her work and devoted to her team, she’d grown used to long days and reactive problem-solving, and she often felt like her job was always a step or two ahead of her calendar.

Things began to shift after she attended a weekend mindfulness retreat focused on stress reduction and emotional resilience. She was introduced to simple, science-backed practices that helped her regulate her stress response, understand the role of emotional intelligence in leadership, and reconnect with her values.

Back home, Jen began to study mindfulness more deeply and brought those small practices into her everyday work—starting meetings with a moment of stillness, noticing her emotional triggers, and practicing intentional responses rather than reactive ones. She began to feel something she hadn’t experienced in a long time: a sense of space.

Around the same time, her company adopted a suite of AI tools to help reduce HR’s administrative load. At first hesitant, but willing to explore opportunities, Jen embraced the technology. She started letting automation handle meeting summaries, candidate screening, and internal workflows. The combination of mindful leadership supported by these new tools became a game-changer.

Now, in the morning, she didn’t pick up her phone, check messages, and get bogged down in reactively responding. She started her day with intention-setting. She felt calmer in high-stakes conversations. She had more time to coach and connect with her team, and her own stress levels dropped significantly.

“I finally feel like I’m leading again,” Jen said. “I’m calmer, clearer, and more available for the work that matters.”

The Power of Emotionally Intelligent HR and Tech

Emotionally intelligent HR is just so... practical. This kind of leadership allows you to respond instead of react, to see clearly even in complexity, and to support others with insight and calm.

AI supports this by reducing cognitive overload and automating routine work. It also opens up access to insights that help HR professionals—and the employees they serve—make smarter, more human-centered decisions.

 Together it improves everything from team morale and productivity to employee retention and wellness.

Mindful, Human-Centered Applications of AI in HR

Here's how AI can support HR professionals and the people they work with, alongside simple mindfulness practices to increase clarity, calm, and connection:

Recruiting and Interviews

AI Support:

Tools like Paradox.ai and HireVue handle interview scheduling, initial screening, and response management.Analytics surface high-potential candidates while reducing unconscious bias.

Mindful Tips:

Pause before each interview to reflect: What energy does this team need most right now?Let AI handle logistics so you can show up present and engage with each candidate.

Blending efficiency and presence helps recruiters connect more authentically, ensuring candidates feel seen, not scanned.

Performance Reviews and Employee Growth

AI Support:

Platforms like CultureAmp and Lattice summarize feedback trends and track progress.Meeting tools like Grain transcribe and highlight key discussion points automatically.

Mindful Tips:

Use AI data to notice patterns—and pause to ask: What does this person need to succeed right now?Begin every performance conversation with appreciation, not just evaluation.

This approach supports a more emotionally intelligent feedback culture where people feel supported, not judged.

Managing Meetings and Communication

AI Support:

Tools like Otter.ai and Fireflies.ai record and transcribe conversations, pulling out action items automatically.Apps like Notion and Coda.ai help organize and centralize communication.Use AI to fine tune your workflow.

Mindful Tips:

Open team meetings with a grounding prompt like, "What's one thing you're grateful for today?"Use AI-generated notes so you can listen fully—making people feel heard, not hurried.Workflow and Time Management

AI Support:

Reclaim.ai creates smart calendar blocks and protects deep work time. Zapier or Make.com automate repetitive processes like onboarding or time-off requests. ChatGPT or Glean generate drafts for policies, internal emails, and content.

Mindful Tips:

Begin your day with a 2-minute breathing practice to set intentions.Schedule mindful focus blocks and honor them as acts of self-respect.

By creating structure without rigidity, HR leaders model healthy productivity and reduce the self-sabotage that creeps in when we're overwhelmed by self-doubt or trying to "do it all."

Supporting the Whole Organization
The benefits of emotionally intelligent AI extend beyond the HR team. By modeling mindful practices, HR leaders can gently encourage their organizations to adopt better habits, like:

Reducing multitasking by batching similar tasks for flowUsing AI to analyze data for more thoughtful, inclusive decision-makingPersonalizing support for employees through well-being surveys and pulse checks

When HR shares these tools and practices with others, it creates a ripple effect of clarity, presence, and shared responsibility. This is how we begin to soften the impact of negativity bias and foster cultures where appreciation and progress are noticed as much as problems.

It's also an opportunity to remind your teams that sensitivity at work is a strength, not a weakness. Recognizing emotional cues, responding with empathy, and leading with curiosity are vital skills in a changing world of work.

Ya know what?
HR professionals are often the steady hands and open hearts behind an organization's growth. You hold space, guide others, and advocate for people—even when your plate is full. You deserve that space to breathe in that Jen has.

Go ahead:
Let AI take some of the weight. Let mindfulness bring you moments of calm. Let emotional intelligence guide your leadership forward. Because when HR is supported, everyone benefits.

Just 3 Small Shifts

Try these 3 small shifts in your workflow and see how it works for you. Little by little you’ll see the difference!

Automate one routine task this week—use the saved time to connect with a colleague or support your team.Use a grounding prompt to open your next meeting, setting a tone of care and presence.Reflect weekly with a question like, What went well this week—and where did I lead with heart?

The Next Chapter: Finding Purpose in Midlife

If you’re reading this, I bet you’re feeling a shift in your life. Maybe your kids are out of the house, you’re thinking about what midlife will look like, or you’re just wondering what’s next. You’ve spent so much time focused on others, on work, on everything else, that you haven’t had the chance to pause and ask, “What do I really want from the next chapter?”

As someone who’s spent  some years now recreating the life that fulfills and energizes me, I want you to know that entering midlife is not a crisis. It’s a chance. A chance to look at all the things you’ve put off, the dreams you’ve left on the back burner, and ask yourself if it’s time to finally go after them.

Time for a break
Our busy lives sometimes feel like we’ve been on an endless treadmill, checking off boxes: building careers, raising kids, meeting obligations. Those obligations kept us running, many are still there, but when the pace slows it might feel uncomfortable at first. You might feel untethered, unsure of who you are now that familiar roles are shifting. But this discomfort can be the doorway to discovering or reviving interest and goals you never had time for.

Aligning Values
It’s easy to get swept up in the “shoulds”—what society, family, or others say we ought to do at this stage. But true purpose begins by reconnecting with our own unique set of values, the ones that feel deeply authentic and meaningful to us. Each of us holds a distinct set of guiding principles that reflect who we are at our core. This is a powerful time to pause and ask: Does the next chapter of my life align with these values? When we lead with what truly matters to us—not external expectations—we can craft a life that feels rich, purposeful, and uniquely our own.

Ditch Perfection
Here’s the thing: midlife is just a line drawn in the imaginary sand. You’re not done yet and this next chapter doesn’t have to be perfect. Maybe you spent years juggling responsibilities with the expectation that everything should be done flawlessly. Do you think you could soften the vise grip on that idea and just see what happens? Honestly, perfection doesn’t serve us, it never really did. Instead of stressing about creating the perfect plan or taking the “ideal” next step, focus on what feels right for you in the moment. Trust your instincts and see where they take you. The best things often happen when you take small, imperfect steps in the direction of what excites you.

What About Those Dreams?
Remember the things you used to swear you were going to get to one day? The hobbies you never had time for or ideas to make the world a better place? Now is the time to bring them back to life.

Start asking yourself questions like:

What things do you do and forget all about the clock?

When do you feel energized, not drained?

What did you love doing before life got so full of obligations?

What issues or causes make you want to get involved and make a difference?

The answers might surprise you. They could lead you to new career paths, creative outlets, volunteer opportunities, or simply deeper connections with the people you care about. It all starts with being open to exploring what’s out there for you.

Learning to Say Yes…and No
One of the most empowering things you can do now is learn to say “no.” You’ve probably spent years saying yes out of habit, out of duty, or because you thought you should. Midlife is your time to be more intentional about what you give your energy to. Saying no to the things that don’t align with your values means you’re making room for the things that truly matter. Say YES too, but to things you actually want to do. Those “yeses” can lead to exciting new opportunities—whether it’s launching a new project, volunteering, or finally having the time to invest in your relationships. Explore with an open mind and see what happens.

It’s a Journey, Not a Race
The road ahead isn’t about trying to reinvent yourself or filling every minute with activity. It’s about exploring what feels meaningful to you. Some days, it will all make sense. Other days, there may be doubts or moments of uncertainty. That’s okay. What matters is that you’re taking first steps toward something that reflects your values, passions, and the life you want to live.

Your Invitation
This chapter of life is yours to write. It’s an opportunity to create a life that isn’t shaped by anyone else’s expectations but by your own desires and values. You get to decide what’s next.

You don’t have to do it alone, though. If you’re ready to explore what’s possible for your next chapter, I’d be honored to support you as you figure out what truly matters and take those first steps toward a fulfilling future.

Are you ready? Let’s do this together.

The Journey Continues

Over the past 15 years, I’ve dedicated myself to doing some deep work, exploring how we can better care for ourselves and those around us through teachings and programs on mindfulness-based emotional intelligence, compassion, positive neuroplasticity, resilience, meditation, and managing wellbeing.

All of these practices have been at the heart of my work as a wellbeing coach and human potential facilitator, empowering individuals and groups worldwide to thrive.

Recently I completed a 9-month certification program in Applied Positive Psychology from The Flourishing Center, and this certification is an excellent addition to the foundation I’ve built over the years.

Looking through the lens of positive psychology deepened my understanding of the science behind the tools and strategies I already teach, while introducing innovative ways to enhance wellbeing and cultivate resilience. With this added expertise, I am even better equipped to support my clients in creating meaningful, sustainable change in their lives.

I’m weaving all of these into my workshops, coaching sessions, and mindfulness programs, offering evidence-based practices that promote growth, balance, and joy!

To my existing clients, thank you so much for being part of my journey and trusting me as a guide in yours. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to engage in this exciting next chapter through my website, Meetup groups, and on Eventbrite. Or reach out to me here and let’s talk!

 

Wrapping Your Head Around AI and Your Workflow

Up until about 10 years ago I’ve worked primarily in the tech industry and marketing. Those geeky genes run deep for me, and while that is not my primary business anymore I’ve kept my hand in, and with the advent of machine learning, over the last few years, and the literal explosion of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI.

I’ve been loving using these tools to learn, research, improve my knowledge and writing abilities, brainstorm now projects and help clients with creating customized training and coaching programs that suit their needs. As a public speaker I’m working with organizations to train AI models to better understand human emotions and recognize patterns.

If you’re curious about these tools but daunted by a feeling you aren’t geeky enough, don’t worry, there are some amazing tools that you can easily use, and you most likely are using them already.

For example.

Do you have a smart phone, smart speaker, smart lights? or smart TV? Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Siri or a gazillion of customer service apps are in the background helping us out.

Grammarly helps fine tune writing skills to make that presentation or email sing.  

I frequently use Otter.ai to keep notes for meetings, send transcripts, list action items,  and it even make suggestions or generate status update emails.

Chat GPT, Gemini, Claude and Jasper are all great to do your research for you, write a great story or marketing materials. I often use these as a basis for my work whether teaching, coaching or writing this blog post. Each of these tools has it’s own way of being, so it’s good to experiment a bit and see which works best for you. Ask me if you want advice, I love helping people learn how to easily use these tools.

Canva is my current favorite to create images and videos for websites, social media, printing flyers, posters nr t-shirts using AI assisted graphics,

Lingolette, DuoLingo and Jumpspeak are amazing language apps that use AI to process actual conversations with an AI program in natural languages.

Gmail and Gemini
I could go on and on, but I’m really writing this because I’ve been sharing a lot lately how the combination of Gmail and Gemini has been a gamechanger for me in my cluttered, sloppy, overwhelmed Gmail account, and wanted to share it with you. So I’ve put together a free e-book with some tips and 50 ways you too can use Gemini and Gmail together. Happy new year! Grab your copy now.