10/09/2026
You can't control how other people communicate. But you CAN control how you respond.
That was one of the key messages I shared Wednesday morning at the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber's final Professional Edge workshop of 2026.
During The EQ Edge: How Self-Awareness Transforms Communication and Drives Business Growth, we explored three skills that can change how you lead, communicate, and achieve results:
✅ Self-Awareness – Recognizing how your thoughts, habits, and choices influence your actions.
✅ Emotional Intelligence – Understanding yourself and others, practicing empathy, and responding intentionally.
✅ Effective Communication – Listening with purpose, choosing your words carefully, and making sure your actions match what you say.
From real-world leadership challenges to difficult conversations, the audience brought thoughtful questions and meaningful engagement.
A sincere thank-you to the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber, Joe Bauman, and Annie Burns for the opportunity, and to Michigan United Credit Union and Linda Hatfield for sponsoring the Professional Edge series. We also appreciate Oswald Companies for hosting us.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and shared their experiences.
Now, here's my question for you:
When you're faced with a difficult conversation, what challenges you the most?
1. Managing your own thoughts and reactions
2. Understanding the other person's perspective
3. Finding the right words to communicate effectively
Drop 1, 2, or 3 in the comments.
Let's start a conversation.
