It’s a very exciting day today! My book “Quality In Quality Out: Caring Workplaces Inspire People to Do Their Best” finally has been published! As many of you may know, I have been on this journey for the past five years, ever since launching my eponymous blog. My personal aspiration has been to spread a […]
Confessions of a Grammar Nazi
Why is Grammar Important? We recognize the importance of communication skills for succeeding in what we do in life as leaders, professionals, parents, and partners. But the role of grammar in the accuracy and the quality of our communication often gets debated if not undermined. Those who point out grammatical errors in speech or writing […]
4 Ways to Keep Your Brain Sharp
Vacation lowers your IQ Summer is my favorite season and it’s the time of the year known for vacations. It’s up to us how to spend them – but most of us, at least in the northern hemisphere end up soaking in a lot of sun. Research shows that downtime, especially in hot places and […]
Where Do You Find Your Inspiration?
In this photo, taken on my last trip to Hungary, I am about to sharpen my writing skills by touching the pen of the Anonymous. Standing (or rather sitting) two meters tall, in a park tucked away in the heart of Budapest, this statue is a monument to a faceless writer and notary of the […]
More Than a Border Crisis
Children cooped up in cages crying and pleading with strangers for help. Migrant parents torn away from them, arrested and detained elsewhere. Public rage at the regime behind all of this. The equally loud outcry from those in power who justify their actions as a consequence of a long-standing problem inherited from previous administrations. This […]
Are there any Benefits to Pessimism?
We give a lot of praise to optimism and encourage people in our life to be optimistic as we know there are numerous benefits to positive thinking. But how about those to whom a bright outlook on life does not come naturally? Will the proverbial glass always be on the empty side for them? Well, there […]
The Flag Once Raised or 5 Lessons from 100 Years Ago
Where I come from, in Azerbaijan, as well as in other parts of the globe, that are home to Azerbaijanis, May 28th is celebrated as the Republic Day. And if all previous years this date was important, in 2018 it’s signified further by the 100th anniversary of the inception of the Azerbaijani Democratic Republic. Why […]
What Makes You Dislike Your Children?
This past weekend it was Mother’s Day here in North America – the time to celebrate all mothers and their countless contributions. The time for Sunday brunches, family outings, and potted orchids. To me, it’s also the time of the year to look back and reflect on my own work as a mother. Am I […]
I Can’t Come to Work – I am Dead…
Imagine you have a daughter who means the world to you. Imagine in her 12-year old mind her entire existence is based on the premise of you always being there for her. Imagine one day your daughter casually walks into your room just like she had done thousands of times before. Only this time she […]
YES TO SAYING NO!
As long as I remember myself I found it hard to say “no” to people – whether it was helping them with their school essays, giving endless rides, translating documents or taking care of their children. The list could go on and on – I just couldn’t bring myself to let anyone down. As nice […]