It’s so frustrating to have to reduce what you do to a soundbite. When I first started my business and people would ask about my consulting firm, I would stammer and talk too much and I quickly lost the interest of the listener. Nowadays, I simply say “I am an organizational shrink.” This works better and largely prompts a good conversation. It’s an attention-getter but I often wonder, “Does it accurately reflect the many ways I work with clients?”

Over my 20-year career, I have worked in safety and quality. I have set up teams, given keynote addresses, assessed cultures, taught communication skills and helped people find their true purpose. I brainstorm with clients, clarifying what their problems are and designing the fix.

Bottom line, I am a consultant, diagnostician and facilitator and now I have an associate who brings mindfulness to the practice. I think it’s time for a new soundbite.