The beginning of the Everything HR Podcast felt like speaking into the "social media void." But over time, I realized I didn’t just want to speak—I wanted to connect, to have meaningful conversations. I’ve kept those early episodes on the podcast, even though I’m not thrilled with their quality, because they serve as a reminder of how far I’ve come. Those early videos represent the courage it took to start, to record myself, and to share my voice. Progress isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth celebrating. https://open.spotify.com/episode/3MqBsWJwoQrzq1cH8PXDvD?si=7a57df493fe74a0e

One of my favorite songs is Vienna by Billy Joel. During my own "Rocky cutscene," it was a song I listened to more times than I can count. It reminded me that you don’t always know when you’re right or wrong. When you’re on the path, you have to trust that you’re focusing on the things that matter and keep moving forward—letting the other dominos fall into place. In a recent episode of the Everything HR Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Kate and Bob Carpenter, the two owners of Sunny Side Kitchen in Escondido, CA. Their story really resonated with me because, as a business professional, their path sounded like they did everything right: - They had the courage to push forward and try something new. - They tested their product by doing pop-ups, serving food at local bars, and building relationships within their community. - After three years of developing a strong community presence, they opened a brick-and-mortar location. - They spent 1-2 years refining the restaurant’s operations before focusing on marketing it. - They prioritized quality and people, earning spots on Yelp's Top 100 and other accolades. - They listened to others and tried new approaches, even if they didn’t fully understand them at first—like leveraging social media and outsourcing accounting. - They based their decisions on their life goals rather than chasing money, focusing on what made sense for their future happiness. When I shared my perception of their journey, it was striking how different it was from their lived experience. For me, their story looked like a perfect execution of strategy and growth. But for them, living it meant facing struggles, anxiety, and moments of indecision. It’s a powerful reminder that success doesn’t feel linear when you’re in the thick of it. You don’t always know when you’re right. But as Kate and Bob’s story shows, trusting the process, staying aligned with your values, and pushing forward can lead to both personal happiness and business success. Sometimes, you just have to keep moving and let the dominos fall.

I think this is a message that hits home. There are times when I feel like the fact that I’m not happy or that my life isn’t working out exactly how I hoped or expected means there’s something wrong with me. But that’s not the case. We’re all where we are in life for a reason—it’s simply the season we’re in right now. It’s okay to not feel happy all the time, to stress about things, or to be anxious about the future. Whether you’re in a high or low point, sometimes it’s only in hindsight that we can see the purpose behind it all. Life isn’t meant to be easy, and happiness without hardship is empty. If we can find a way to appreciate the struggle as much as we cherish the good moments, we’ll see that every part of the journey has meaning. Embrace where you are, knowing that each season, good or bad, shapes who you’re becoming.

I recently took my family up to Tennessee for my oldest daughter’s birthday—she just turned 8 and, somehow, is a big Dolly Parton fan! We hiked in the Smoky Mountains, enjoyed a show, and even went to Dollywood. It was an amazing time. I promised myself that I wouldn’t work at all during the trip. For someone like me, where my brain never fully “turns off,” that was a big deal. Usually, I’m jotting down notes or creating posts, even between work breaks. But this time, I decided to leave all that behind. I wanted to be present, fully focused on my family and enjoying nature. And honestly? It was refreshing. Sometimes, we all need a few days to disconnect, appreciate the people we love, and recharge. Now, I’m back at work with a clear mind and more energy. Taking breaks isn’t just about rest; it’s about coming back stronger and more focused. So, if you’re always “on,” consider giving yourself permission to truly unplug.

When something truly matters, when a deadline is crucial, don’t stop and don’t give up. The key to achieving those big goals is persistence and dedication—putting in the work even when it’s tough or time-consuming. If you find the work valuable, or see it as necessary for your growth, then investing your time and energy isn’t something to feel guilty about. Meeting deadlines isn’t just about checking off tasks; it’s about making meaningful progress that moves the ball forward. This is where big moves happen—when you push through, stay committed, and refuse to let obstacles stand in the way. Progress might feel slow at times, but every bit of effort counts. So when you’re up against a tight timeline or a challenging project, remember: if it’s important to you, that time is worth it. Keep going, and watch as your efforts build momentum, bringing you closer to the big picture you’re working toward.