My Unexpected Lesson at 15,000 Feet

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Deirdre Maloney

I begin today’s post with a brief tale...of what could’ve been a foul, horrific experience for us all. It happened early on during a flight home on Southwest. Just as we got to about 15,000 feet, a man a few rows in front of me (in Row #3 to be exact) well…let's just say he lost his breakfast. Loudly. With no bag in sight to catch anything. It went somethi...

What Attraction is REALLY About

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Deirdre Maloney

Recently I learned another – humbling – leadership lesson. It taught me a thing or two about what really attracts people…to us as individuals and leaders, and to our organizations. I begin with a spoiler alert: Despite what we hear every day, attraction isn’t about our perfect outfit, our fancy new car or our carefully styled new hair-do. Attraction - true...

How One Day at Starbucks Rocked My World

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Deirdre Maloney

Last week found me plugging away in one of my satellite offices. Starbucks. I admit it. It's a favorite place of mine. After all, who doesn't like a little Starbucks fix now and then? I was working on a piece on leadership, thinking through the best leaders I know. The customers streamed in steadily, happily chatting and drinking with caffeinated-infused ...

Lessons Learned from a Major Meltdown

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Deirdre Maloney

Truth time. I had a meltdown a few weeks ago. It was not one of my finer moments. In fact, it was one of my very, very lesser-than-fine moments. It had to do with a big fight with U.S. Airways. It got ugly. It got personal. For both of us. But… It also provided a few quick lessons on how good leaders behave. And don’t behave. I’ll let you decide who ca...