Top athletes and prominent politicians do not drop out. When they do, it’s big news. That’s because stepping back can be seen as a sign of weakness that leaders must avoid at all costs—a sign that they’ve failed. But knowing when and how to step back is actually a sign of maturity and effective leadership. It’s a leadership skill that we need to see modeled more frequently. Here are three lessons we can learn from Biles and Biden...

American culture teaches us that self-sufficiency and independence are synonymous with success. In a highly individualistic culture, accomplishing things on your own is a virtue. I think we’re getting it wrong. Opening ourselves up to receiving help can be humbling, vulnerable, scary, and courageous. It’s learning to gracefully receive help from others that’s a virtue—and a needed professional skill.

So many of the folks I coach are going through changes right now—one just gave her notice in order to start her own business, another is starting a brand new job after being at his last organization for eight years, and another is leading his team through a major change in structure.

Change is a major part of our work lives. We need to get better at navigating it. Let’s explore a simple model that helps us understand the structure of change and how we move through it.

In April, I became a contributor to a knowledge base that I respect and consult daily. I'm so proud and excited to share this article on a topic that's at the heart of Penney Leadership: how to build an intentional career path that is unique, enjoyable, and adaptive to change.

Here’s a link to the article and the behind the scenes story of the process (read: dreams and doubts) that can go into a career achievement like this…

I believe that the coaching process and toolbox is powerful, meaningful, and essential to helping you capably meet the challenges you face.

But what is it actually like to work with me?

Here's an inside look at some of the common questions I get about the coaching process…

Seven years ago, I made the leap from traditional employment to running my own business. From the outside, you might be tempted to make up a story about how brave and confident I was to make this leap. But it definitely didn't feel that way at the time.

Let’s have a look at how a prop can give you the confidence to walk into a new space with your head held high, or help a gatekeeper take you seriously.

Seven years ago, when Penney Leadership launched, I set off in my little solo spacecraft. I exited my home planet on Nonprofit and began my journey across the vast solar system.

Even as I start my seventh year as a fully-fledged business owner, the pressure is on to get to a certain place. I actively resist it every day, and remind myself that I'm right on time. Where I am is developmentally appropriate.

Thanksgiving is this week, and while the prospect of gathering around a table with family can be warm and cozy, it can also be a lot.
Because getting together means catching up, and catching up means answering questions about our lives.

Continuing work as usual when there are layers of unthinkable violence and grief playing out is weird at best and completely heartbreaking at worst. Here are two undervalued leadership skills that might be supportive right now, whether you're a formal leader, a parent, or leading yourself through this difficult time.

Many of us feel the discomfort of uncertainty in our work, daily.
There's a word that describes the state of insecurity we feel around employment and income: precarity.

Understanding and talking about your unique, marketable skill set with clarity and confidence is essential to successfully navigating your professional path. But what if no one has taught you how to do this?

I’ve been driving for 22 years and it’s become second nature. I’ve been navigating my career for almost as long and it still doesn’t feel effortless. Maybe this is something you recognize too?

Here's a roundup of 5 five-star books I've read so far this year, and 5 I have on my nightstand to dive into this summer.

Take a moment to step back from the given version of American success (grow forward & up!) and ask yourself: What truly feels like success to me?

Gentle encouragement to rediscover what lights you up.

“Professional Development” is a big umbrella. Let’s take a look underneath it in order to understand different types of learning and how they might serve you.

Sometimes people ask what it means when we say that we work with mission-driven professionals. It may not be what you think.

Here's what you need to know in order to truly understand psychological safety and what it means for you at work.