Hiya,

⏰ Time for your update on SEO, SAIO, and digital marketing.

• While many companies are optimizing their content to be found and cited by AI platforms, others are trying to protect their content from being crawled by AI bots (as we reported last week). So much so that Google is exploring letting “sites opt out of AI search features” like its AI Overviews and AI Mode. Will other AI platforms follow suit? Too soon to tell.

• It’s not only about optimizing for AI chatbots… it’s also making sure your onsite search function is also running at peak performance! As search evolves, people will demand enhanced ability to search on the sites they visit as well. It’s all a part of the user experience — a critical piece of SEO success!

• What is LLMs.txt? Well, it’s “a proposal to standardize using an /llms.txt file to provide info to help LLMs use a website at inference time.” For websites trying to get citations from AI platforms, this file is a big, glittery arrow telling LLMs where to read on your website. Proposal is the key word here — it is not standardized yet. If you have someone on your team able to implement the file, then great. If not, it might not be worth the time yet.

• “How smart leaders use marketing metrics to navigate uncertainty.” Marketers need to stop thinking about analytics reporting dashboards as pass/fail tests. Rather, they should be directional guides to spot trend shifts for course correction. The iceberg analogy used by the author provides a framework for this approach to data, and the article includes a chart of data types and how to spot issues that need navigating.

• What’s the buzz in consumer research for Winter 2026? I’m glad you asked! Provoke Insights has a plethora of insights set in 15 industry-/topic-specific reports (like The Generations, Sustainability, and Home Improvement). Here are some top insights:
  • Discretionary spending: 62% of Americans are spending on apparel, while 59% are spending on vitamins and supplements.
  • Sustainability: 3 in 4 Americans are willing to pay more for brands that take sustainability seriously.
  • Fitness Gear: GenZ, Millennials, and Parents are all 17% more likely to purchase fitness gear products.

• Are you using AI agents to make purchases via channels like Amazon, Google, and ChatGPT? If so, you are among the ~30% of consumers who trust AI for this purpose. Conversely, 71% of marketers surveyed said “establishing ethical and privacy standards is the top step for preparing for AI agent-led commerce.” Read the full story for more on what marketers are thinking as AI agents grow in popularity.

• Marketers are using GenAI to make fun of GenAI. Adam Singer, VP of marketing at AdQuick said, “Because marketers are rewarded outsize for following trends early…the whole sector is conditioned to be early to things, whether that’s good or bad,” he said, citing the metaverse as an example of an early tech trend that resulted in “dollars lit on fire.” Marketers using GenAI as an intentional tool instead of an efficiency play — that’s when GenAI becomes a valuable tool, according to Omid Amidi, chief creative officer at McKinney. Thoughts to brew on as GenAI becomes part of our creative lives.

Since 1997, Dress for Success has been empowering women toward self-sufficiency by providing a network of support, professional attire, and development tools. This not-for-profit has chapters in communities across the globe and has helped over 1.3 million women. Learn about this organization and how to get involved: Dress for Success.

Pandas falling… It’s cute, for sure. Funny, definitely. How about inspirational?

Those rotund, clumsy fluffballs seem to make it their business to flop about. What I think is motivational is that they always get up… eventually. 

They take their time, explore the scenario in which they’ve fallen, and maybe find an exciting new diversion.

We can take a lesson from this: when life pulls you somewhere unexpectedly, explore your surroundings and take the time you need to get back up.

Have a splendiferous rest of your week!

Natalie

Toronto Zoo’s Giant Panda Fall Compilation.

You’re welcome. 😉

Hi, 

*Natalie unapologetically slaps a briefcase on the table while simultaneously unclasping the locks and opening the lid with a thwack. She pulls out a stack of neatly stapled articles and slides them across the table toward you.*

After a review of the marketing material (AKA articles), here’s what you need to know.

• Gather up your SEO tools — we’re in a “GEO Rush!” Here’s what search representatives have to say about it as quoted from Search Engine Roundtable….
  • Danny Sullivan from Google: “Are you doing things that are useful for human beings?” he said. “That’s what we want to reward.”
  • Krishna Madhavan from Microsoft: “Think beyond keywords to user intent, question‑answer structure, and machine‑readable cues that make your content easy to parse.”
  • Jesse Dwyer from Perplexity: “AI removes the “friction” of search and lets people buy things just by asking for them. As a result, building a strong brand will become increasingly important, he said.”

• The AI optimization name game remains without consensus yet. Search Engine Land provides a recap of its research into the 10-12 acronyms currently in play based on a survey of their subscribers, search trends, LinkedIn/Reddit positive sentiment usage, and labor market job postings. AISO (AI Search Optimization) — which is awfully close to DBE’s SAIO (Search AI Optimization) — isn’t as well known but seems to be gaining relevance. For our take on the naming kerfuffle, read Marc Engelsman’s most recent blog “What’s in a name? That which we call SAIO by any other name would smell as sweet success.”

• You know how food shelf life seems to be growing longer? Welp, that may not be happening with your site’s evergreen content. As AI platforms look for the latest information, older content starts to look… well, stale. MARTECH recommends keeping evergreen content on a 90-day refresh cycle.

• MARTECH covers two key 2026 strategic priorities from the recent Association of National Advertisers Masters of Marketing Conference: “bring back real-world brand experiences and get ready for AI-led discovery.” You’ve heard a lot about AI from us, so we’ll focus on the IRL experience priority. Harris Poll data shows “physical brand encounters now serve as social signals” for the Gen Z and Millennial generations. What the article doesn’t mention is sharing those experiences digitally can also be useful to extend your brand visibility and authority IRL and online.

• Tell me without telling me… a social media trend that teaches the world’s best writing advice. How can you say something without saying it directly? Try it in your marketing copy — it’s a fun exercise!

Quick! What organization has distributed 708 million toys to 314 million deserving children? You’re right if you guessed Toys for Tots! The Marine Toys for Tots Program’s mission is to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas. Learn how you can support them: Toys for Tots.

Hey, how are you? What smells permeate? How do your clothes feel on your body? Is there a taste on your tongue? Lift your head, and soak in the sights around you.

Welcome to the moment. We’re glad you’re here.

[Do this multiple times a day to ground yourself in the present.]

Happy December!

Natalie

The Obvious: Rest is important.

The Not-As-Obvious: Yoga Nidra can teach you how to rest. 

It’s a simple, guided meditation that often starts with a simple body scan. Try it out! (Here’s the scientific proof.)

Here’s a Yoga Nidra Playlist from Ally Boothroyd. Choose a practice based on your time and focus. 🙂

Hi all,

To whet your Thanksgiving appetite, today’s quiz on recent Perceptive Marketer issues is provided in three courses by our very own VP of SEO/SAIO and Strategy, Marc Engelsman:

Appetizers 🥗

1. A recent report showed significant drops in Click-Through Rates (CTR) for both Organic Search and Paid Search when AI Overviews are present on Google Search Results Pages (SERPs). Even when AI Overviews are not present, data showed Organic CTRs were down ____ year-over-year?

a. 21%

b. 41%

c. 61%

d. Deviled Eggs%

2. Which 2 of the below websites are among those being cited most by AI search platforms?

a. YouTube.com

b. NYTimes.com

c. LinkedIn.com

d. CheeseBalls.com

Side Dishes 🌽

3. Which of the following are elements of the 4Ms of Marketing Plans?

a. Market Intelligence

b. Modeling

c. Mix

d. Mac & Cheese

4. 34.8% of people surveyed (in Search Engine Journal’s recent State of Search Survey) answered this was one of their “most improved outcomes”?

a. Brand visibility had increased.

b. Brand authority had increased.

c. Brand ROI had increased.

d. Everyone wanted seconds of the Green Bean Casserole.

Dessert 🥧

5. Which one of the following statistics regarding the fragmented search journey was not included in Yext’s data?

a. 45% of U.S. consumers still start product research on a traditional search engine.

b. 52% say they use social media to find reviews.

c. 73% say they’ve used AI-powered search tools more in the past year.

d. 33% say they’ve used AI-powered search tools to specifically find AIpple pie recipes.

• THIS TRICK IS CRAZY COOL! Discover the queries ChatGPT is using to develop responses. (Warning: you have to look at the backend code.) With the right prompt, you now have an interesting new way to conduct keyword research for SEO and SAIO.

• What is the impact of AI platforms on my organic search and paid search success metrics? What metrics should I be focused on to show digital marketing success moving forward? Find out which metrics are relevant in tracking search performance in this AI-driven age.

• Tacking on to that, Brand Visibility and Authority are also important metrics in today’s search environment. Long-time SEO-er Bill Hunt adds an interesting perspective in his post “Digital Equity Is Brand Equity: Don’t Lose Search Visibility In a Merger.” The digital equity he describes is “increasingly stored in search visibility, content authority, and structured presence across AI and web ecosystems.” He discusses the potential value losses due to the “Digital Dilution Effect” in mergers & acquisitions and offers some remedies.

• Adobe is acquiring Semrush in a $1.9 billion all cash deal. Read Search Engine Land‘s coverage but remember Semrush owns SEL so it does feel PR-ish. At least they provide links to major media coverage at the bottom.

• A branded search query filter in Google Search Console? Yes, please.

• The 2026 B2B Content and Marketing Trends Report is out. Don’t have 30 minutes to read the full report? Here are our quick highlights:
  • “Creating content that prompts a desired action” ranks highest as B2B marketers’ biggest content marketing challenges.
  • AI-assisted content creation has positively impacted productivity and operational efficiency aspects of B2B marketing operations more than it has improved content creative capabilities, quality, and performance. (That said, AI investments are at the top of the 2026 marketing budget priority list.)
  • “Everyone creates thought leadership, but few manage it at scale.” LinkedIn is cited as the most effective channel for publishing thought leadership by a wide margin.

• One of my newest hobbies: spotting AI videos in my feed. TikTok apparently wants to help limit AI with a new setting and visible watermarking on videos created with some AI tools.

• Are you a Canva fiend? Do you squeal when someone asks you to make an event flyer? Did you make your last month’s social content exclusively on the platform? Well, these new launch features are for you!

We know that the mental illness crisis is widespread and people need support. The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation is one of those organizations working to alleviate the suffering caused by mental illness. They award grants to discover scientific breakthroughs in this area. Learn more about them: Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.

You almost always have time for a ten-minute break.

Let me make this a little more specific.

You almost always have time for a ten minute break, even during the holidays.

I’ve brought this up before, but it’s especially relevant this time of year.

Take a breath. Take a break. You got this.

Happy Thanksgiving if you celebrate!

Natalie

1. “Organic CTRs for queries without AI Overviews perform better (1.62%), but that’s still down 41% year-over-year.”
2. YouTube and LinkedIn are among the top cited websites in AI search results – and have an element of our SAIO strategy from the start two years ago.
3. Market Intelligence, Modeling, and Mix. FYI, the real 4th element is “Measurement”.
4. Brand Visibility has increased. Econsultancy also had an article mentioning “brand visibility is the ‘new version of ranking on page one.‘” And our own Marc Engelsman covers this in his recent blog on Measuring Search Success In The AI Age.
5. Couldn’t resist the AIpple Pie typo – maybe it’ll bring a little smile when it’s served at your holiday feast. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! P.S. here’s the link to the Yext story.

🧠 I’ve Been Thinking…

…about reality and perception.

In “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” there’s an image some people see as an old woman’s face, others see as a young woman in a long gown. Both views are correct because both are perspectives, not facts. Yet when groups of people are shown these images, arguments often erupt because people in each group are wedded to the idea that there is only one right answer. Until they can see what the other group sees, they remain convinced they are right and others are wrong. 

Life is like that too.

I could take this philosophical concept in a lot of directions, but today I’m using it to frame a question for us: How often do we question what we hold to be true? 

Our world changes rapidly; perhaps some of those shifts provide better vantage points for reconsidering the information on which we base decisions. To take advantage of a new perspective, we need to pause to recognize we have new information to work with.  

Last weekend, I intentionally did a relook. I had coffee with one friend and lunch with another. I shared what I was experiencing. They listened intently, asked brilliant clarifying questions, and helped put me in a position to dive deeper on my own. In the afternoon, I went into quiet mode for a few hours and came away with new insights and a much higher vibe that has continued throughout this week.

I highly recommend periodically investing the time to ask yourself if your decision-making is based on your current cache of info. If not, think about it a bit, tee up some questions for a trusted advisor or two, and package up their inputs to unpack on your own shortly afterwards. We’re in flurry times, but they don’t have to be blurry times. Get your clarity on!

🚀 Information & Resources to Help You Drive Change

Here are my shares for this week:

SPECIAL NOTE: If you hit a paywall on any of the stories I share, go to Google Search, enter the name of the publication and something about the story (author, title, subject) to get a natural search link that usually by-passes the pay wall. And hey, if you like the publication, consider subscribing to it—that’s how they keep the good info rolling! I’m hearing some paywalls are impenetrable, so for pubs like The Wall Street Journal and the NY Times, I’ll share a bit more here for those of you without subscriptions.

• Are compassionate workplaces calm and harmonious? Not always. In fact, some of the best teams, “genius teams,” have what Merete Wedell-Wedellsborg calls generative tension. The 3 key characteristics that define her “genius teams” are: each member brings characteristics that complement the others; they aim high; and “The energy on the teams is sparked by benevolent friction, conflict, impatience, and even well-intentioned intolerance. What truly sets genius teams apart from other high-performing executive teams is their ability to manage — and willingness to generate — this tension in the service of the larger challenges they’re drawn to solve.” Well worth the read, here you go.

• If you need more convincing, here’s another piece on the very same topic. Neela Singh talks about what she’s learned and shares data to make her case, including a 2024 study by Tech Rapidly that found companies where healthy disagreement is embraced earned more than their competitors.

• @ThePlanetDoctor has advice on how to win an argument every time. Ties to my opening today on perspective.

Sensing a theme here? Good, glad you’re paying attention. 😊 Mixing it up and experimenting is a good thing. Here comes more…

• Smart leaders aren’t being complacent about the decline in people seeking work elsewhere. Your best people want new challenges and learning experiences and job swapping can be part of the answer. Learn about what companies including Synchrony Financial and McKinsey are doing to provide new career experiences when promotions aren’t an option, like a job swap.

• And while we’re helping our colleagues to foster better work cultures through generative tension, work swapping for new experiences, and arguing in healthier ways, we can also reap the benefits of a new emphasis on what were traditionally called “soft skills.” Turns out, they are must-haves for companies to thrive. So, let’s get better at leveraging them so we can not only make our companies stronger, we can make the world better too.

• New C-Suite title: Chief AI Officer.

• And look at this list of companies tomorrow’s workforce (today’s high school students) wants to work for. Tech no longer reigns supreme, and Aki Ito writing for Business Insider gives us lots of reasons why. So, what’s at the top of the list? Healthcare companies! When we talk about the need for more kindness and compassion in the workplace to help our businesses thrive, pay attention to what’s important to the young people who will become your workforce. Your 2034 self is sending me texts right now. You’re welcome. 😎

🌟 Do Good Spotlight: The Conservation Fund

Conserve Land. Combat Climate Change. Build Vibrant Communities. The Conservation Fund is working on all these through its comprehensive programs. They’ve protected 8,880,336 acres of land and water nationwide since 1985. Check out their mission, their success, and how you can help.

🎵 On a Personal Note

Sometimes all that’s needed is a little distance—time and space—to help you see things differently and respond better. 

Do you need to do it now? Say it now? Might you be a better version of yourself if you put a little distance between the person, challenge, or the opportunity and your response? 

I’ve learned there’s a lot less that requires a decision “right now” than I used to believe. Just putting it out there…

⏳Until Next Time…

Hey, we still have about 5 weeks of “summer” left so make sure you’re prioritizing all those wonderful summer activities. Life is short, make the most of it!

Enjoy,

Niki

🧠 I’ve Been Thinking…

…about what constitutes a healthy, respectful, profitable, and productive workplace culture. 

I think it takes alignment with the principle of 360° respect (everyone shows everyone respect and consideration) by people who are self-aware and aware of their impact on others. And the ribbon around the package is communication, where attentive listening reigns supreme. 

What do you think is required for the positive workplaces we’re cultivating through Niki’s Notes and like-minded initiatives?

🚀 Information & Resources to Help You Drive Change

Here are my shares for this week:

SPECIAL NOTE: If you hit a paywall on any of the stories I share, go to Google Search, enter the name of the publication and something about the story (author, title, subject) to get a natural search link that usually by-passes the pay wall.

• Be sure to read this piece on balancing old leadership wisdom with new realities, by Sanjay Menon for Forbes. It’s chock full of meaning stats and quotables, including:
  • “Leadership today is more about steering the ship than being the sole captain. This involves recognizing that knowledge is a moving target and that the best solutions often arise from collective brainpower.”
  • “The complexity leaders face today is of a multi-interest workforce. The shift isn’t just about age; it’s about understanding and accommodating the unique priorities and values that drive each group. For instance, research shows that millennials seek meaningful work and transparent communication, while Gen Zers prioritize happiness through purpose.”

• Four “fitness” strategies for HR pros via SHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management).

• Speaking of SHRM, they’re moving away from using the “E” for “equity” when talking about “DEI” initiatives. We’ve watched major companies shy away from DEI, now the largest professional organization for HR people is doing the same. The Wall Street Journal has the details.

• And on the flip side, Etsy’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Toni Thompson, is leading the charge to improve Etsy’s success through DEI initiatives.

• Make sure your company isn’t creating “bait and switch” jobs. Here’s the short version of this situation on LinkedIn, and here’s the more detailed story on Fast Company.

• Why is building a positive workplace beneficial? Here’s why….

🌟 Do Good Spotlight: Covenant House

More than 4 million youth will experience homelessness this year. Covenant House provides immediate and long-term support for young people facing homelessness and survivors of trafficking. They are open 24/7 and provide help to young people across Central and North America. Discover more about them: Covenant House.

🎵 On a Personal Note

If for some reason you cannot take a vacation right now, and you are being honest with yourself, as in, you absolutely can’t, consider a long weekend. Taking time off to refresh and recharge is vital for your success. And along those lines, have you been protecting your weekend time? Fast Company has stats and suggestions in this piece that includes new ideas and good reminders.

⏳Until Next Time…

Watch for the launch announcement for ABetterParadigm.com, an online resource for everyone working to build positive work cultures. We’re just about ready to launch, and I’m so excited to have you all as part of this “better business = better world” journey!

And here’s a little inspiration for you heading into the weekend.

Enjoy,

Niki

P.S. A houseguest found my missing AirPod under my favorite chair. Still don’t know how I put the case away with one missing but at least this mystery is solved. 🙂

🧠 I’ve Been Thinking…

…how a person can lose one AirPod. You take them out of your ears, you put them in the case, you close the case. Who puts away one and doesn’t notice the other is missing? Glitch in the matrix or regular weird? Asking for a friend. 😂

🚀 Information & Resources to Help You Drive Change

Here are my shares for this week:

SPECIAL NOTE: If you hit a paywall on any of the stories I share, go to Google Search, enter the name of the publication and something about the story (author, title, subject) to get a natural search link that usually by-passes the pay wall.

• Need some inspiration? Many U.S. Olympic athletes have day jobs, training during off-hours and weekends. Here you go.

• We all know it’s smart to hire people smarter than us to win the long game. But how do you lead them for 360° wins? Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic has answers.

• Chicken-sandwich wars. Even if you’re not in the food industry, I bet you’ll find neat insights in this story like I did. If you want a quick review, check out their video summary.

• Have you taken a vacation or two yet this year? Do you have any planned? If you’ve answered “No,” this is for you.

• Would your business benefit from a 4-day (32-hour) work week? Check out the POVs in this article by Nicole Gull McElroy for Fast Company for data and ideas.

• When is dinner time in the US? Depends on which state you live in.

• Leaders: an employee seems distressed. Should you ask what’s wrong? Rules are changing, you’ll want to read this on how and when to intercede.

🌟 Do Good Spotlight: World Wildlife Fund

Most of us can recognize that cute panda logo associated with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). For 60+ years, they’ve been spearheading conservation efforts worldwide. They work with local communities to conserve, advocate, protect, and restore natural resources. Learn more about them and their pet projects: World Wildlife Fund. (Did you see that?😂 I just cannot help myself sometimes. Please “bear” with me. Somebody pull me away from this keyboard!)

🎵 On a Personal Note

• In case you’re feeling the need to up your watermelon game: how to cut a watermelon 3 ways. Enjoy!

• Bonus: is w a vowel? Yep. When it is with an “a,” “e,” or “o” to form a single sound. Think of words like “draw,” “few,” or “bow.” So when you see “aw” or “ew” or “ow” and there’s one sound, you have “w” as a vowel. Not convinced? Here’s more. Now, go out and bet someone “w” is a vowel and let me know how that goes!

⏳Until Next Time…

Many of us are experiencing successive heat waves with little relief other than hunkering down with the AC going strong. How are you keeping your cool this summer? Maybe this can be an impromptu time to reflect and revamp? That’s what I’m doing in tandem to prep for the launch of ABetterParadigm.com. Learning a lot, meeting great people, and excited for the changes this new resource will make for so many. Stay tuned, and stay cool! 😎

Niki

🧠 I’ve Been Thinking…

I get super curious when I meet people whose work lives are very different from mine. And after a series of these interactions last week, I gained a new appreciation for the need for 360° respect and appreciation in the workplace.

Leaders cannot expect employees to just blindly follow orders anymore; and employees cannot expect their leaders to have all the answers. Our world has gotten much too complicated. And employees often don’t know the challenges their co-workers are experiencing.

By opening up dialogues so communication flows in all directions, we share our realities and pave the way for positive change.

Here’s an idea to try out this week: have a conversation with someone whose work is very different from yours–either inside or outside your own company. What are their biggest challenges? What do they enjoy most and least—and why? See if what they share provides insights for your workplace and the roles in it. I’m going to wager that respect and appreciation are huge factors in their answers. Let me know how it goes!

🚀 Information & Resources to Help You Drive Change

Here are my shares for this week: 

SPECIAL NOTE: If you hit a paywall on any of the stories I share, go to Google Search, enter the name of the publication and something about the story (author, title, subject) to get a natural search link that usually by-passes the pay wall.

• J.J. Mazzo hits the right points in this short piece for Forbes on what he learned when his company grew from 1-20 employees. Especially love his share about hiring carefully–a valuable lesson I, too, learned the hard way. 

• This WSJ piece is written for consumers, but it applies to business banking too. AI is helping the bad guys–heads up.

• If it seems very quiet the week of July 1, it is not your imagination, according to this article from Inc.

• I get it…some employees are dishonest, need supervision, and don’t perform to expectations. But I think we need to “get off the clock” and innovate better ways to set performance goals and assess productivity. “The clock” is too subjective for today’s workforce. That being said, I understand the deception needed to be punished, but true confession, I clicked through to the article because the link said it was about mouse jigglers and I didn’t know what those were. Now I do and you can too. 😂

• Now this is cool: blue collar talent is finding lucrative side hustle work—as social influencers.

• Practicing gratitude seems to be on everyone’s list of important skills for leaders to cultivate, including this list from Rolling Stone. Rock on!

• Is it possible to be “too nice” at work? Absolutely! When we’re focused on being “nice” as a mask to our anxiousness, we can come across as disingenuous and untrustworthy. This TEDTalk by social psychologist Tessa West shares her research on how people mask anxiety with overly polite feedback. She, also, gives three tips to be more clear and consistent with feedback.

🌟 Do Good Spotlight: The American Heart Association (AHA)

Founded in 1924, the AHA has become the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Heart Disease is the #1 killer worldwide and AHA continues to provide research funding and programs to help people live healthier. Learn more about aiding their cause: American Heart Association.

💞 Better Workplaces Intention Pod

We’re revamping the intention pod and will be bringing it back in a new format with new times so more of you can participate. It’s an uplifting way to help keep yourself centered throughout the business week (and on the weekend too). Stay tuned…

⏳Until Next Time…

Do you have good plans for the weekend? Active or chill? Do what you need to do to stay refreshed and focused. Taking care of ourselves is the best foundation for helping others, so make sure to invest time in the recharging activities that work best for you. 

I’m listening to “James” by Percival Everett and loving it—that’s my chill. Dinner party at a friends’ home on Sunday—that’s my active. Saturday is me pushing myself to get back on my e-bike after the knee surgery—definitely not chill, hoping it’s active! Wish me luck!

Enjoy the rest of the week and your weekend too,

Niki

🧠 I’ve Been Thinking…

It’s so hot. Like, really hot. So hot that I keep repeating how hot it is to anyone within earshot, who, of course, already knows it’s so freakin’ hot. There’s relief ahead, but in the meantime, it’s so freakin’ hot! 🔥

🚀 Information & Resources to Help You Drive Change

Here are my shares for this week:

SPECIAL NOTE: If you hit a paywall on any of the stories I share, go to Google Search, enter the name of the publication and something about the story (author, title, subject) to get a natural search link that usually by-passes the pay wall.

• ABetterParadigm.com, the new home for Niki’s Notes and so much more, is almost ready to launch. It will be a centralized resource for coaches, training & development programs, assessments, conferences, reading suggestions, and more. All focus is on helping business people like you build and strengthen compassionate workplaces. Special thanks to Natalie Lorenzo of DBE who has contributed significantly to the look and feel of the brand: logo, website, marketing materials, and more. Stay tuned!

• A strong golf game is an in-demand job skill. Not kidding. Here’s more from The Wall Street Journal. Oh, and just as I’m getting back into the swing of things (couldn’t resist) golf clothes for women are leveling up.

• Are you a healthy worker or a workaholic? Quick quiz gives some answers and perspectives. (Scroll down, it’s not the top story on the page.)

• According to researchers, when leaders say, “I am very grateful” rather than “thank you” it has a stronger impact on employees and their productivity. I’m not sure about this one. I think either works well when you provide details, like, “Thank you for the details you provided; going deeper helped me uncover insights I wouldn’t have had….” I think any thanks are appreciated when they don’t feel superficial. Thoughts?

• Want to live longer? Less TV the answer according to this new study.

• It’s not your imagination – air travel is becoming more turbulent. Find out how to keep yourself and your “fellow travelers” safe.

• Some people are not comfortable with the notion of seeking power. Is this you? Perhaps a new definition is in order. Here you go.

• I was at a great presentation/Q&A with former Navy Seal Gregory Hake last week. I keep thinking about a phrase he used, “break contact.” It refers to a strategy to withdraw from a situation when you don’t have an advantage. As he explained, in the movies the hero and their friends always fight through an ambush, but in real life, withdrawing when surprised (and at a disadvantage) can be the smartest move. Business is evolving to where admitting vulnerability is a strength: we can withdraw, regroup, and come back stronger. If the Navy Seals can do this, what a great model for the rest of us.

🌟 Do Good Spotlight: National Civil Rights Museum

To commemorate Juneteenth, we are supporting the National Civil Rights Museum. By remembering the past, we teach ourselves what’s important as we journey forward to equality for all. The National Civil Rights Museum continues the legacy of sharing stories that changed our nation. Learn how you can help: National Civil Rights Museum.

🎵 On a Personal Note

With kids heading off to college soon, these moving tips seem timely. Actually, they work for anyone changing homes, so check out these more-than-clever packing hacks. 😉

⏳Until Next Time…

There’s so much going on in our world, and it’s often challenging to stay focused on what you can influence. When I feel myself spending too much energy outside my areas of influence, I purposefully pause and redirect my attention where my energy has an impact. If we all do that, our ripples will become the waves of change we’re seeking. Let’s keep vibing at those higher frequencies and stay cool regardless of the temperature.

Niki

🧠 I’ve Been Thinking…

…about how to get more “deep sleep.” There’s lots of information about getting “better” sleep and I’m doing all of it, but I still cannot get more than 30 minutes or so of deep sleep each night. According to my Oura, it should be at least 90 minutes per night. Any info out there to help me get more of this restorative level of sleep?

🚀 Information & Resources to Help You Drive Change

Here are my shares for this week:

SPECIAL NOTE: If you hit a paywall on any of the stories I share, go to Google Search, enter the name of the publication and something about the story (author, title, subject) to get a natural search link that usually by-passes the pay wall.

• Consider: “A 2024 Gallup survey indicates that the percentage of employees who strongly agree that their organization cares about their overall well-being has plunged from 49% in 2020 to 21% in 2024, while a previous survey found that improving well-being and culture rated much higher than increasing compensation among the things “quiet quitters” would like to change about their work.” This article from Harvard Business Reviews talks about what employees really need and what companies need to avoid.

• Going “gray rock” isn’t a go-to strategy for all tough situations, but when you have someone in your sphere who just wants to argue for the drama of it, this does work wonders for your peace of mind.

• I’ve talked about the loneliness epidemic and how it affects young people. Here’s some good news and an idea that could work for more of us than just the Gen Z’s reading today.

• I was going to share this video because I thought it made the point about management leading with support rather than leading with force…but then I read the comments, and frankly, I’m sharing this for another reason now. Why is it some people feel the need to turn any post whatsoever into an argument. Some of the comments are relevant, e.g., there is one from someone who said they don’t like being touched, and another from someone who said he uses the “walk and talk” technique, but there were so many other comments that were either irrelevant or missed the point (purposefully?). It’s a serious question, because I post a lot of curated content, and sometimes the post makes a point I want to share but I hesitate when I scan the comments. Thoughts?

• How is your company exploring gen AI? Here’s a tip sheet—well, much more than a tip sheet—on mitigating risks as you and your colleagues wade into the AI waters. Via Öykü Isik, Amit Joshi, and Lazaros Goutas for Harvard Business Review.

🌟 Do Good Spotlight: Home Sweet Hudson and Their Comedy Night Fund Raiser

Navigating the transition for special needs children reaching the age of 21 can feel like “falling off a cliff.” This critical period, when individuals are no longer eligible for IDEA (federal) services and must depend on State vocational rehabilitation and Medicaid waivers, is often challenging and confusing. The team at Home Sweet Hudson provides inclusive aid to families with special needs children during this transition. They assist with accessing unknown services, mentoring, direct community engagement, legislative advocacy, and consolidating resources for parents and caregivers in Hudson County, NJ.

Of special note to my readers in northern NJ, there’s a comedy show fund raiser on Thursday, June 20 in Hoboken. It starts at 7:00 p.m. and features 5 comedians. Sure to be a fun time. Shout out to the founder of Home Sweet Hudson, David Tornabene, I love how you found a community in need and built an organization to support it!

🎵 On a Personal Note

What kind of friend are you? (I’m a firefly).

⏳Until Next Time…

Enjoy your time with family and friends this weekend–life is fleeting, and those connections are everything. And Happy Father’s Day to everyone celebrating!

Niki

🧠 I’ve Been Thinking…

… about how enjoyable it was planting flowers on my deck this past Saturday. It was a lot of work, but it looks really pretty out there now. I ventured into uncharted territory with begonias, a calla lily, and another hibiscus. Since I’m still healing from my knee surgery, I took breaks throughout the afternoon to listen to Huckleberry Finn to prep for listening to a new book, “James.” It’s narrated by the character Jim, and I wanted to absorb the original before moving to the new one.

Intermixing planting and listening was a perfect way to spend an afternoon: sunshine, exercise, and nature. All on the microcosm of my deck. 

How are you integrating activities? If you can’t do everything all at once, can you break it into segments?

🚀 Information & Resources to Help You Drive Change

Here are my shares for this week:

SPECIAL NOTE: If you hit a paywall on any of the stories I share, go to Google Search, enter the name of the publication and something about the story (author, title, subject) to get a natural search link that usually by-passes the pay wall.

• DEI. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Neela Singh talks about DEI as the new Macarena. Everyone’s doing it but not everyone knows why. This article is well constructed, and she shares personal experiences that provide interesting elements.

• Piggybacking off the DEI Macarena piece, here’s an interesting take on DEI by Alain Hunkins for Forbes. Did you know DEI means different things to different generations of workers? Where do your definitions fall? Helpful stats and research, dig in.

• Sean Kernan talks about curiosity as a basis for relationships. While the focus of this piece is on personal relationships, we need more of this at work too, so here you go.

• I couldn’t wait to share this one: HBR Ideacast podcasters (Juan Martinez and Tom Stackpole) and their guest (Ethan Mollick, a management professor at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania) do such a great job making comparisons between how we looked at the pros and risks of early digital technology and considerations businesses are facing with gen AI now. There’s the 39-minute podcast and a transcript: take your pick, but do peruse.

Do Good Spotlight
🌟 Out & Equal 🌟

To celebrate Pride month, this week’s charity is Out & Equal, a global nonprofit working exclusively on LGBTQ+ workplace equality. They leverage Fortune 500 partnerships, worldwide programs, and conferences to create inclusive company cultures. See what they do and how you can help: Out & Equal.

🎵 On a Personal Note

I always thought most trees had roots that went down as far as the trees went up. Or maybe not quite so far, but I always assumed they went very deep.

Guess what…most trees, even very large ones – have roots that go down about 2-6 feet! They do, however, spread out horizontally, below the ground, 2-4x the diameter of the tree’s crown.

What does this have to do with creating better workplaces? I could find a metaphor but honestly, I just was amazed by this and wanted to share.

Now, my editor, Natalie Lorenzo, on the other hand, thought this was cool and too good not to go for the metaphor, so here’s her note:

One way forest trees communicate with each other is through the fungal network at their roots. Redwoods, in particular, can grow above 300 feet in the air, while their root system is only ~10 feet down. Their roots interlace with each other to hold all the trunks up together.

So by communicating through interconnection, the whole forest is healthier.

How’s that for a metaphor?

⏳Until Next Time…

Please take good care of yourself. We only have one you, and you touch many lives in many ways. Stay strong, stay focused, and keep bringing your best self to all you do. It’s appreciated! Thank you!

Niki