Relationships & Communication

I discuss the evolution of my annual networking event, which began in 2013 in LaGrange, Illinois. What started as a very localized event has evolved into an extraordinary opportunity for people to interact with other like-minded people. The event has grown significantly, with attendees flying in from many different locations, many of whom conduct business […]

I believe effective communication is all about layering conversations to ensure understanding and keep people engaged. I make it a point to politely interrupt when needed to clarify something—because getting clarity in the moment can save confusion later. I also like to write down key details during conversations to help me stay present and organized.

A Senior Partner at Schiller DuCanto and Fleck LLP, Anita attended the University of Michigan and graduated from the College of Law at DePaul University.  A Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Anita currently serves as Counsel. She serves on the Board of the American Bar Association Family Law Section Trial Advocacy Institute

I discuss the importance of making mental connections in networking, emphasizing that it requires effort to understand individuals and find common ground. I highlight techniques such as asking open-ended questions and building a roadmap of the other person’s life. I stress the value of listening and adding value, like offering helpful information or articles. I

For more than three decades, Jay Winkler has worked with many smart and talented people and served as a leader at family-owned, privately held, and private equity-backed companies in manufacturing, non-profit, communications, consulting, consumer products, education, technology, business services, and globalization. He has started factories around the world, launched businesses, succeeded in turning around distressed

In this episode, I discuss the concept of sabbaticals and finding personal inspiration— discovering what makes life better and more fulfilling. From there, I tackle the challenge of dealing with difficult people, sharing a personal story about a life coach who gave me the advice to focus on de-escalating rather than escalating conflicts. This simple

In Episode 39 of Light Bulb Moments, I sit down with Lou Wallach, a media visionary whose career includes creating iconic shows like Chappelle’s Show and The Colbert Report and leading teams at Netflix, Comedy Central, and more. Lou shares how he balances creativity, adaptability, and genuine connections to thrive in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.

I had the privilege of sitting down with Doug Sandler, a seasoned interviewer and co-host of The Nice Guys on Business Podcast. Doug’s impressive track record includes conversations with industry icons like Gary Vaynerchuk, Arianna Huffington, Dan Harris, and Jeffrey Gitomer, just to name a few. He’s not only a podcasting expert but also a

I often reflect on the growing issue of polarization and how it’s been accelerating in today’s world, largely fueled by social media. It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of listening only to those who share our own perspectives. But I firmly believe in the power of open dialogue. By engaging with opposing

In this episode, I reflect on a powerful lesson I learned at a 2023 conference. One of the speakers emphasized the importance of avoiding arguments when the outcome doesn’t really matter. Applying this principle has been a game-changer in my personal and professional life. By steering clear of unnecessary disputes-whether in family dynamics or business