It’s not what you say; it’s what you don’t say that counts.

As a speech-coach for a wide variety of C-level executives, I am quick to teach them just that among my 10 Tips of Effective Speaking.

I’ve found that most speakers…well, most people—whether in meetings or on the big stage—are less than comfortable with dead space. Sublime silence.

Every Sign Has a Feeling

When my mom, Hella Drizen, died 21 years ago this July, I started seeing things.

Empty parking spaces for one. And not just any space—the space. The one at the front right next to the place I was going. The lot could be packed without a space for miles; and there, as I drove to the front, would be the empty space—my space that somehow magically appeared. My sons and I became so used to automatically driving to the front of well, any place we went, we named this uncanny phenomenon after her. We call the coveted empty space a “Hella spot.”

Then there’s the hummingbirds. They were prominent on the teapot I bought her when I was a teenager. She loved that teapot; so much so that after she died I am convinced she brought it to life. I’d be sitting at my kitchen table and out the window a hummingbird would appear…much too often to consider it random. Then it would hover; like it was letting me know she was with me. On vacations, on walks, on my way into restaurants and sitting in my parked car—at the most unlikely times and in all seasons—these little hummingbirds come to visit. And every time, I smile and tell Hella hello.

Lovin’ What I Do With All of You

How do you know you love what you do?

Travel to Australia on the best trip of your life…and see if you find yourself brainstorming ideas for client projects and company improvements.

There I was, watching sunsets, marveling at sunrises, floating in infinity pools, ferrying out to the Great Barrier Reef and drinking umbrella drinks as dusk came over the beach. The word “relaxed” seemed like an understatement. It was more like pure “pinch myself” bliss.

Want to come on a short walk with me?

It’ll be fresh, bold, colorful, meaningful and full of surprises.

How can you resist?

We’ll walk down the DDCC Studio hallway, where our new mural by DOHS (Brenden Dohs) reveals artistically what our Studio is all about.