Authentically Written
Blog articles about communications, marketing, advertising and more.
“Just Be Yourself” isn’t the whole story
Being yourself doesn't mean sharing every thought, experience, and detail of your life. It means understanding which parts of your story are most relevant to the people you want to serve.
Why I think AI will make storytelling more important
As AI becomes more capable of producing content, authentic storytelling will become even more important.
Before you push forward, pause
A new year often brings a sense of renewal. It's a time when we establish fresh goals and new strategies. Yet somewhere between January's enthusiasm and December's finish line, it's easy to become consumed with the work and stop evaluating whether the message still aligns with the mission.
The power of a father’s presence
I am so grateful I grew up in a household where my Dad was present. Well ... most of the time.
Juneteenth: A story of American freedom
In just a few days, the United States will observe Juneteenth. Juneteenth is more than a date on the calendar, it's a defining part of American history.
Content vs. copywriting: What’s the difference?
What's the difference between content creation and copywriting? It's a question I hear often and for good reason. Many people use these words interchangeably, but they're not the same.
Before the words: Finding clarity through listening
In my nearly three decades of crafting messages, I've learned that writing rarely begins with the words themselves. Long before I put pen to paper or type out words on a screen, I listen.
Beyond the scroll
We live in a world where attention has become currency — literally and figuratively. In the U.S., TikTok has more than 90 million users who spend nearly an hour on the platform every single day.
Where stillness shapes the story
At the end of the day, I simply love words. It's been a lifelong affair that began with reading, and I feel incredibly fortunate to pair that passion with my livelihood.
The stories we inherit
Well, if you didn't hear and see it enough yesterday, I'm going to say it one more time: ℋ𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓎 ℳℴ𝓉𝒽ℯ𝓇'𝓈 𝒟𝒶𝓎! Honestly, can we ever say it enough for all that the mothers and mother figures in our lives do for us?
The courage to write what’s real
Earlier this year, during one of my book club meetings, the author joined us to discuss the book and her writing process. She’s a prolific best-selling author, and something she offered as advice to other writers has stuck with me ever since: Don’t be …
The lessons that shape me
I consider myself a lifelong student, not only because I was diligent throughout my primary and undergraduate education, or because …
Start before you feel ready
One of the most meaningful lessons I've learned in the midst of the changes going on in my life right now is you don't have to feel ready to begin a new thing. As someone with a strong A-type personality, I naturally want all the boxes to be checked and logistics in order before I take a leap …
Who’s sitting in your front row?
Here’s what I know, we rise higher when we rise together. And we do this by having a supportive front row.
Reinvention isn’t a detour
If you're standing on the precipice of your own pivot, remember you're not starting from scratch.
Stronger together: The power of continuous learning
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that learning never stops. If you want to grow, lead, and stay aligned with the work that matters, you have to continually evolve and learn.
The importance of being honest
Honesty really is the best policy. When the people around us, whether they be in personal or professional relationships, are less than truthful; it hurts.
The power of the pivot
One thing I’ve learned in my career, and really just life in general, is that progress is rarely a straight line. Whether it’s work, school, or in relationships, detours are inevitable, but they aren’t failures.
This is my rain
In our careers, we all experience seasons that feel a little heavier than others. Rejections. Proposals that didn’t land. Opportunities that slipped through our fingers. Speeches that didn’t resonate the way we hoped. These things can sting.
You are here.
If you’re old enough to remember when malls were the place to be, you might also remember the freestanding map, usually found at either end and in the center of the shopping establishment. The map would detail all the stores and clearly mark your location with an arrow and …