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I don't have it all figured out.
Published 2 months ago • 4 min read
Hello Reader,
Something has been on my mind, and I want to share it with you.
If you’ve been following along with these newsletters, the social posts, the podcast - you’ll know I write a lot about how we show up for the people around us. How we communicate. How we treat others. How we navigate the moments that matter.
And I want to be real with you about where all of that comes from.
It’s not from having it all together. It’s from spending a lot of time - probably more than most people would consider normal - thinking deeply about these things. Researching. Observing. Reflecting on my own experiences, the way I’ve responded to people, the way people have responded to me. Conversations I’ve had in trainings that stayed with me long after the room cleared. Things I’ve read that made me uncomfortable in the best way.
My hope is that none of this ever comes across as: here’s what you’re doing wrong. That’s not what this is. What I’m really sharing is what I’ve come to understand - through research, through real conversations, through lived experience - about how we connect with one another. What makes people feel seen. What makes people feel overlooked. What genuine consideration actually looks like in practice.
And that’s exactly it, isn’t it? Human connection. It’s right there in the header of this newsletter - Where Workplace Etiquette Meets Human Connection - and it’s been there since I launched. Because that’s what this is all about.
Here's Something That Gets Misunderstood About Etiquette
People hear the word and they picture rigid rules. White gloves. A certain kind of person from a certain kind of background. And honestly, I get it - that reputation exists for a reason.
But here's what I know to be true: etiquette, at its core, is free. It costs nothing. And what it asks of us is actually quite beautiful - it asks us to shift our focus outward. Away from ourselves, and onto the people around us.
Yes, I teach dining etiquette. I love a proper table setting, and I'll never apologize for that. But a place setting is just the beginning. The real question is: are you thinking about the people you're hosting? Are you thinking about the host who invited you? Are you walking into a room with some awareness of how others might be feeling?
That's what etiquette is really teaching us. Consideration. Respect. Honesty. The things that make human connection possible - and sustainable.
And it forces humility - which is, honestly, what I love most about this subject. Because you cannot truly practice etiquette while keeping your focus entirely on yourself. It doesn't work that way.
I haven't figured it all out. I'm still learning, still observing, still refining how I think about all of this. But I show up to this work every week because I believe deeply that the way we treat people matters. That the small things add up. That a little more consideration in the world goes a long way.
Thank you for being here and thinking through these things with me.
What's Happening in the World of Boost Academy of Excellence:
The Art of the Business Table - at Verity in Toronto
On June 24th, I'm hosting an intimate business dining etiquette experience for a remarkable group of senior professional women in Toronto - and I'd love for you to be part of it. We'll be covering everything from formal place settings and wine etiquette to hosting protocols, strategic conversation, and how to handle the moments nobody prepares you for - all over a beautiful four-course dinner at Verity. This is the kind of evening that changes how you show up at every business meal you'll ever have. A handful of tickets remain, and they won't last long.
Gen Z Professionals Met Last Week - Here's What Happened
We hosted our Gen Z Professionals Meetup in Toronto last week, and it was a massive hit. It tackled something I'm genuinely passionate about: the art of hosting. We started by exploring what leaders say this generation struggles with – communication, reading the room, handling setbacks – and realized the solution was staring us in the face.
Hosting teaches all of these skills. It's how you recover gracefully when things go wrong. It's how you read whether a guest is comfortable. It's how you show up for people with intention.
So we challenged everyone to host someone in their community by next month – a colleague, friend, or family member - and make them a meal instead of ordering takeout. Not because hosting is about entertaining, but because it's about developing professional presence, and it's a skill we've lost in the post-COVID world. They committed. They drew the dishes that represent them. They shared stories about culture and connection. Details on the July meetup coming soon.
Boosted's Newest Episode Dropped Today (And it's on First Impressions)
A brand new episode of Boosted dropped today. This one is about first impressions: why seven seconds can open doors - or quietly close them before you even knew they were there. I share a vendor story that perfectly captures what a first impression actually costs when it goes wrong, the preparation mistake even seasoned professionals make (one I made myself), and the three things that separate the professionals who show up well from those who don't. If you're stepping into a high-stakes meeting, a new role, or a relationship you want to get right from the start - this one is for you.
Have a question, a scenario, or a topic you'd like me to explore? Hit reply. I read every message, and your questions may become the inspiration for the next newsletter.
Subscribe for tips on handling workplace challenges, building communication and social skills, and exclusive course updates. Hear success stories from professionals, perfect for young professionals and leaders aiming to sharpen their skills and foster respect.
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