Emerson Turns 16
Emerson turned 16 this week.
And every year on his birthday, I find myself thinking less about his age and more about how far he’s come.
We adopted Emerson when he was 11. Before that, he had spent his entire life as a breeder dog. He lived in a cage. No toys. No grass. No affection. Just surviving.
When we brought him home, he didn’t know how to be a dog.
He can’t hear. He has no teeth. And for probably the first year, he barely came out of his shell. Everything was unfamiliar. Everything felt hard.
There were moments I wondered if he’d ever really settle in, but little by little, things changed.
First came curiosity.
Then trust.
Then personality.
And now? He’s 16 and absolutely runs this house.
He has opinions. He has routines. He has places he expects to be picked up and put down. He’s got a little swagger to him now. A lot of confidence. And more sass than ever.
Watching him over the years has been one of the clearest reminders that change doesn’t always happen the way we think it will.
We want the big breakthrough.
The dramatic before and after.
The quick result.
But sometimes growth looks like tiny moments stacked on top of each other.
Feeling safe.
Trying again.
Trusting a little more each day.
Whether it’s a relationship, your work, something you’re building, or even yourself, not everything blooms quickly.
Some things take years.
And sometimes the things that take the longest end up becoming the most beautiful.
Happy Sweet 16, Emerson. Thanks for reminding us that it’s never too late to become who you were always meant to be.
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THIS MONTH’S BLEND
The best communicators don’t rely on one approach; they build their own blend over time.
A little perspective here, a new question there, something they picked up from a conversation, a podcast, or a moment that didn’t go how they expected. It all adds up.
This is where we share what’s been in our cup lately. Sometimes it’s a book or a podcast. Sometimes it’s a small shift that changes how a conversation unfolds. And sometimes it’s something unexpected we haven’t stopped thinking about.
Because great communication isn’t one perfect technique; it’s a blend of ideas, awareness, and experience that shapes how you show up.
✨ Skill to Practice: Notice One Small Win
This week, try looking for one tiny sign of progress each day.
Not perfection. Not the outcome. Just proof that something is shifting.
A client opening up.
A hard conversation getting easier.
A dog who once hid, choosing to sit a little closer.
Progress is rarely loud. But it’s powerful.
🎧 Podcast Recommendation: The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
This month I’ve been listening to conversations around connection, relationships, and what actually helps us build trust and resilience over time.
One reminder that stayed with me: growth doesn’t always look dramatic. Often it looks quiet, consistent, and safe.
🐾 Customer Experience We’re Talking About: Chewy
If you’ve heard me speak before, you’ve probably heard my Chewy story. I once ordered Emerson food that ended up upsetting his tummy. I reached out expecting recommendations on what to try next or maybe an exchange process.
Instead, they sent a completely different food option and included a handwritten card. No hoops. No script. Just kindness.
I’ve never forgotten it. Not because of the product, but because of how they made me feel.
It’s such a simple reminder that people remember care. They remember being seen. They remember the moments when someone chooses connection over transaction.
Whether you’re serving customers, leading a team, or showing up for people in your life, the little things matter more than we think.
WHERE TO FIND US
JUN 24-30 | Audio Book Recording
JUL 8 | In Person Client Training: Running Meetings Successfully
JUL 14 | Virtual Client Training: Asking Questions for Impact
JUL 16 | Amy’s Birthday!
JUL 21 | Speaking Event: How to Command a Room; Irvine, CA
JUL 27-28 | Client Consulting; Irvine, CA
1:1s all month long!
WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK
The goal isn’t more content; it’s better conversations.
So before we keep creating, we want to hear from you. What would make this newsletter more valuable in your day-to-day?
Your feedback helps us focus on what actually moves relationships and decisions forward; not just what sounds good on paper.
