Author Archives: Amy Kay Watson

Building a Networking System: Using A, B, and C Lists for Success

image shows colorful plastic game pieces arranged on a white surface connected by a network of lines. The game pieces are in various colors such as red, yellow, green, blue, purple, and black, symbolizing individuals or groups connected within a broader network or system. The lines between them suggest relationships or connections, illustrating a network structure or concept of teamwork and collaboration.

Networking can seem like a daunting task, especially if you are an introvert or prefer a structured plan over “mixing.” When you break it down into manageable steps, networking becomes much more approachable. Whether you want to advance your career, grow your business, or simply improve your effectiveness at getting things done, a structured networking

An Essential Checklist for Optimal Energy Management

Book cover of The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz. The cover features the subtitle: 'Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal.' It includes a circular red badge with the text, 'Includes the Complete Full Engagement Training System.' The background is divided into horizontal sections in shades of white, light blue, and yellow.

Have you ever felt drained trying to juggle work, family, and personal time? In today’s fast-paced world, sustaining high energy levels can be a challenge. To bridge the gap between knowing and doing, I’ve created a practical, three-part checklist inspired by The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz. Whether you’re kick-starting

An Essential Checklist for Difficult Conversations

Alt text: Cover of the book *Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most* by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen. The cover features a two-tone design with an off-white upper half and a blue lower half. It includes the subtitle “Third Edition Fully Updated and Revised” in a black circle on the right side, with the Penguin Books logo at the bottom corner.

Inspired by the book Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen. We’ve all been in conversations that feel overwhelming, emotional, or downright impossible to navigate. Whether it’s addressing a misunderstanding, offering critical feedback, or discussing sensitive personal matters, these moments can feel daunting. The good news?

Radical Candor: A Guide for Building Stronger Relationships

Hopefully by now you’ve had a chance to read Kim Scott’s Radical Candor. In today’s fast-paced, high-stakes work environments, clear communication and genuine relationships are more important than ever. Yet, many managers and leaders struggle with giving honest feedback without coming across as harsh or uncaring. This is where Radical Candor, a concept popularized by

Navigating Cultural Differences with Your New Manager

Leadership, management and teamwork between CEO and senior manager in a business meeting in the office. Leader and boss working as a team to plan the vision and mission for growth and development stock photo

Working with a new boss from a different cultural background presents challenges but can open doors to personal and professional growth. By applying these strategies, you can turn cultural differences into an asset for your team’s success.

An Essential Checklist for Crucial Accountability

Accountability conversations often come with high stakes and emotions, making them hard to navigate. The following checklist, inspired by Crucial Accountability by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler, will help you stay on track when holding others accountable. Use it before, during, and after conversations to ensure effective results. Checklist 1: Before

An Essential Checklist for Effective Crucial Conversations

Have you ever found yourself struggling to apply the lessons from Crucial Conversations to real-life situations? High-stakes discussions can be daunting, and bridging the gap between theory and practice isn’t always easy. To help you navigate these challenging moments, I’ve developed a practical, three-part checklist inspired by Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are

Use AI to plan your professional development in a changing world

depicts a futuristic representation of artificial intelligence and human cognition. It shows a human head with a brain visualized as a complex network of circuits or neural pathways, symbolizing the integration of AI and human thought. To the left, the circuits branch out, connected to nodes glowing with purple lights, symbolizing the flow of information. To the right, streams of data seem to be converging into the brain. The background is a starry, cosmic space, suggesting a vast, interconnected universe of knowledge and technology.

In a world where change is the only constant, professionals across industries must stay ahead of evolving trends to remain relevant and competitive. Used well, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be your secret weapon for navigating these changes! In this article I’ll show you how you can use Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity,

Tara Mohr’s PLAYING BIG Should Be Your Next Read

The image shows the book Playing Big by Tara Mohr resting on a wooden surface with a plant partially visible in the lower right corner. Sunlight casts a diagonal shadow across the book, highlighting its cover. The subtitle reads, "Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead."

If you’re a woman in leadership or aspiring to take on a bigger role in your professional life, Tara Mohr’s Playing Big is the book you didn’t know you needed. I’ve recommended this book to countless women, both in coaching sessions and in personal conversations, because it strikes at the heart of a common struggle:

Leaders Can Manage Stress by Orienting to Purpose

The image shows five colored blocks arranged in an upward diagonal line on a black background. Each block has an arrow pointing upwards. The colors of the blocks, from left to right, are black, red, orange, yellow, and green. The arrows and the progression of colors suggest a visual representation of growth or progress.

Have you ever felt that crushing weight of stress, the kind that sneaks up on you and suddenly feels overwhelming? For some corporate leaders, this stress isn’t just an occasional visitor—it’s a constant companion. High expectations, both of yourself and those around you, can turn into a relentless cycle of criticism and pressure. What if