State of Women in the Workforce: It Ain’t So Bright
There is an abundance of information coming out these days about women in the workplace, and specifically, in upper level management. And from my Vida Aventura work with clients, I’m not surprised at what we’re learning. The numbers aren’t great, and when it comes to...
Neurodiversity, DEI & the Power of Knowledge
Let’s talk about diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) policies and programs in your workplace. If I asked you about the diversity part, and to name the types of differences that might be present within your organization, what would be your answers? I...
The Bright & Dark Side of Resilience
I’ve been revisiting the word resilience lately, and what it really means for a person to be described as resilient. You might be thinking, “Des, what’s the big deal?” And on the surface, you’d be right. Resilience is a revered trait and common topic in the coaching...
Whataboutism, Finger-Pointing & The Blame Game at Work
Oh, if only work teams could all get along. But it usually doesn’t work that way, and often due to three destructive elements: whataboutism, finger-pointing and playing the blame game—all of which are toxic if left unchecked. When Vida Aventura clients need help with...
Essential Tips For Successful Leaders in 2022
“All of the great leaders have had one characteristic in common: it was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time. This, and not much else, is the essence of leadership.” - John Kenneth Galbraith Working and...
Morning Routines: 8 Ways to Get Your Groove Back
“I have to get back into a routine!” If you’ve been muttering that to yourself lately, especially after having enjoyed a summer full of vacations, parties, late night movie binges and a less structured schedule, you’re not alone. Fall has a way of saying, “Hey, it’s...
The Frozen Middle: Defrosting Tips For Managers & Leaders
The Frozen Middle. It sounds like a great title for a television series or mystery novel, doesn’t it? In reality, the term describes those in middle management who are tasked with carrying out strategies and direction from upper-level management, but aren’t actually...
“Celebrate Victories” & Other Top Team-Building Tips
Whenever I come across an insightful article about team building, I still get a little giddy. That’s because time and time again, over the years and through my own work with corporations and organizations, I’ve seen the positive impact that it has - on employees,...
Reframing: How to Turn Problems Into Opportunities
Take a minute to think about this past week, month or even the year. I’m betting there were times when you didn’t get what you wanted, things just didn’t go your way, or you felt stuck in a rut and not going anywhere. Maybe it was due to a negative reaction from a...
Are Remote Workers Happier? New Study Says Yes
I’m fielding lots of questions from clients these days - especially executives participating in Vida Aventura leadership development programs - and they revolve around corporate culture, remote working, and hybrid work structure. Some of their biggest concerns? ...
Want a Promotion? Get Yourself A Critic
Standard advice for people looking to reach a new career level, get a promotion or start a new business includes things like, “Give more value to your workplace, get noticed … demonstrate your leadership abilities.” Those are all great tips, but I’d add another one...
Must-Do’s For Leading Exhausted Teams
If you know anything about me or my Vida Aventura work with clients, you are aware of my mantra about celebrating: Celebrate everything, often! But lately I haven’t been so great about following my own advice. The reason? Pure, bottom-of-the-barrel, end-of-my-rope...
We Just Hope Nobody Gets Hurt: A Conversation with Cuban & Sooner
What happens when two entrepreneurs, friends and sometimes colleagues put their proverbial money where their mouths are? A podcast is born. Deseri Garcia (the “Cuban), founder and owner of Vida Aventura, and Michelle Freed (the “Sooner”), founder and owner of Woodfish...
Proof That Retreats Are A 2022 Must-Do
When was the last time you took a break? And by that, I mean, went somewhere other than home, and to a place where you could genuinely chill out - without a strict schedule, or being responsible for anyone else? If it’s been awhile (or if you never really have), then...
Let’s Do This! 15 Inspirational Quotes for Spring 2022
I don’t know about you, but wow, am I ever ready to celebrate spring. And whether it’s while I’m working with Vida Aventura clients, enjoying some down time at home, or going on my usual morning run, I can sense the optimism and excitement for great things to come. ...
The Big Quit: Why Employees Leave, What Leaders Can Do About It
In a recent blog, I shared my perspectives about the Great Resignation, based on what my Vida Aventura clients are experiencing, seeing and observing. At the time I wrote it, a record-breaking 4.3 million Americans had quit their jobs (August 2021) across an array of...
New Study Shows Empathy is Must-Have Trait for Great Leadership
Hey leaders, what are the most important skills and abilities you should be honing and strengthening right now? According to new research, they include active listening, caring on a more personal level, being transparent, and helping others. In other words, it’s all...
New Korn Ferry Work Trends in 2022 Report – A Must Read
How will organizations reinvent themselves in 2022? According to the new Korn Ferry Future of Work Trends in 2022, “Power has shifted. From organizations to people. From profit to mutual prosperity. From ‘me’ to ‘we’.” The value of this year’s report is that it...