Baxter's Buzz

Quick story: We were emailing with the teacher of one of our kids and received this GLOWING feedback on how well they were starting the school year. Literally the next day, they found themselves in a bit of trouble. Life comes at you fast! LOL Balance is not some mathematic equation that we solve and then move on from. It is a constant challenge to make sure that priorities are aligned. #BaxtersBu...

How often do you try to downplay your gifts and accomplishments in order to make others feel more comfortable? It never works! They're still uncomfortable AND you're not performing at your best. It's a lose lose proposition. By embracing the gifts we were blessed with we provide inspiration to others who may be dealing with the same reluctance. #BaxtersBuzz #MindfulnessMondays

You never know who's paying attention to the things that you're doing. Conduct yourself in a manner as if the entire world is watching.    #BaxtersBuzz

Sandy Harvey, chief diversity and human resources strategist at Exodus Consulting, talks about what new leaders need to start their careers successfully. In one phrase, it's "emotional intelligence". Are we communicating in a way that gets the best out of our team? We also talk about the delicate balance of going from a peer to a manager and how's there's no difference between consulting new pasto...

What are you doing to make sure that YOU are aligned and at your best? Even cars need to undergo maintenance on occasion! Don't feel guilty about taking time for yourself.  Be sure to find time to press the reset button, even if it isn't for as long as you would like. #BaxtersBuzz #MindfulnessMondays

Why do we underestimate the amount of work others put into their craft? Because it makes us feel better about our inaction. #BaxtersBuzz

Did you know that there's FIVE GENERATIONS in the workforce? All with different experiences and perspectives on what it means to be an employee. Understanding someone's backstory provides important context and that is Dr. Cooney's expertise. Dr. Mary Cooney, Generational Diversity & Inclusion Consultant talks about some of the differences that all of these generations have and their experience...

James Edwards III is a writer for The Athletic, covering the Detroit Pistons. In this segment, James talks about his thought process as an 18 year old, aspiring to be a professional writer. Success can be attributed to the opportunities that we have, but we must be ready to capitalize. I also share my very limited knowledge of the DiSC Assessment. #BaxtersBuzz #MindfulnessMondays

When you're able to truly earn something, not only is it more rewarding, the feeling lasts longer. Overcoming adversity allows us to inspire others as well as provide us with a blueprint for the next challenge. #BaxtersBuzz #MindfulnessMondays

People are not always hating on you. They've experienced failure going down that path and believe they are protecting you. But just because something didn't work for them, doesn't mean it isn't going to work for you. Dig in and research before you give up on that idea. #BaxtersBuzz

Losses are part of life. There's no way to avoid them. Many of them are leading us to our next win IF we're receptive to the lessons. Sometimes we just need to ask for feedback in order to improve internally and that takes a great deal of humility. Are you humble enough to ask for feedback? #BaxtersBuzz #MindfulnessMondays

Your goals don't have to be easy, they just have to be meaningful enough to you to keep pushing through the difficult times. #BaxtersBuzz

Networking can sometimes be a bad word these days. In order to truly connect with someone, CURIOUSITY has to lead the way. How can you add value to someone if you don't know what they find valuable? We should focus more on giving than receiving #BaxtersBuzz

Indifference is not cool. It's foolish and a waste of time. Being cool is caring enough to try your best, regardless of the outcome. #BaxtersBuzz #MindfulnessMondays

Dr. Lee Meadows, author, speaker, and president of National Association for African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR), Michigan's Chapter, talks about his journey into Human Resources, what has changed most in the past 20 years in the industry, and this diverse and dynamic workforce that is here to stay! Learn why he never says, "no" when asked to be a mentor and the importance of getting grea...

We often talk about developing skills like leadership, but rarely do we talk about the importance of an open mind. Curiosity and an open mind allows you to capitalize on wonderful opportunities that may not be recognized by most. #BaxtersBuzz #MindfulnessMondays

Kamau Inaede, the founder of Warrior Financial Services, is a man of many talents and passions. He is a financial advisor, youth advocate, and family man (to name a few). We met in the summer of 2020 and I become more impressed with him each time we talk. We talk about the principles of Kwanzaa, his involvement with Threads for Success, and the legacy that he wants to leave. Oh yeah, he's a full-f...

James Edwards III is a writer for The Athletic, covering the Detroit Pistons. On the brink of the first #1 pick in 50 years for the our hometown team, James takes some time to talk about his path into journalism, personality assessments, hip hop, and some NBA draft hypotheticals and potential future lineups. Enjoy! #BaxtersBuzz 

Leaders need to make sure they are providing real feedback to their team. It doesn't always have to be positive, but it does have to be genuine. Many times employees just want to know that you're in tune and invested. #BaxtersBuzz  

When we admit to our shortcomings, we empower ourselves and others to take those lessons and apply them in our next journey. Sharonda Simmons, founder of Thrive and Shine LLC, feels these so-called losses are actually wonderful lessons when we can zoom out and look at the experience that it provided. Perceived disadvantages can be competitive advantages when viewed properly. #BaxtersBuzz #Mindfuln...

Discipline is what allows us to transform our talents into skills. I do NOT believe that everyone is doing their best. Many of us (including me) are just skating by at times. Sharonda Simmons, founder of Thrive and Shine, LLC., and I talk about honing your skills, paying attention to your areas for improvement, and assembling a team that will bring out the best in you. #BaxtersBuzz #MindfulnessMon...

Admission: Nobody has detracted, distracted, or discouraged me more than...ME I talk about a recent trip to the doctor and wonder if grit can be taught. How do we know when we should work through the pain versus changing course? #BaxtersBuzz

Continuing our conversation about fear and the weird ways it teams with our ego, I am joined by Sharonda Simmons, the founder of Thrive and Shine, LLC. Sharonda says we have to go low before we can go higher and the process doesn't have to produce perfection. #BaxtersBuzz #MindfulnessMondays

Jennifer Sutherland, Senior Director of Training and Development at KellyConnect, talks about her approach to leadership, mentorship, and how to handle high achievers (it's not just attempting to fit a round peg in a square hole and calling it a "promotion").  We talk about women in leadership about how there needs to be an intentional effort to ensure that diversity reaches all levels of an...

Don't pause, waiting for perfection. That's not how it works! Sharonda Simmons, the founder of Thrive and Shine, LLC., talks about her own journey as a business owner and having to get over fears. Living life is about having a bigger goal in mind and not worrying about looking "silly" in your pursuit. We also talk about the ego and how it plays into our fears. #BaxtersBuzz