5 Things / 5 Themes

It’s a long weekend in the U.S., and I don’t have a show on Monday. In the spirit of reflection, I decided to feed ChatGPT my 5 Things content over the past 5 years and tell me the top themes.

Wishing you a peaceful weekend.

Top 5 Intro Themes:

1. Connection Before Content

   • In all of life and definitely at work, the real magic happens when we connect first. I believe relationships are the heartbeat of inclusion. When people feel seen and safe, that’s when trust builds, and everything else becomes possible: innovation, collaboration, belonging. This is why I champion authentic relationships in everything from sales strategy to ERG programming. It’s not fluff. It’s the foundation.

2. Equity Over Equality

   • Equity means giving more to those who need it; it’s not about treating everyone the same; it’s about giving everyone a shot. From feeding the shy cat first to challenging assumptions in the workplace, I’ve seen how small shifts in approach can have a big impact. Equity isn’t abstract. It’s the daily decisions that build a culture of belonging. That’s what I help organizations do: embed equity everywhere.

3. Joy and Play as Strategy

   • Joy is not a bonus. It’s a leadership tool. When we make space for play in work and in life, we release stress, foster creativity, and build community. I don’t believe in grind culture. I believe in finding joy even in heavy moments. Because when we give ourselves permission to play, we can then bring our full selves back to the work. We’re better for it.

4. Curiosity as Inclusion

   • Curiosity is my favorite leadership skill. It’s the gateway to empathy and the key to connection across differences. I teach people to ask better questions, not assume, and approach awkward moments with kindness, not fear. That’s what my ARC Method® is all about. When we lead with curiosity, we don’t have to be perfect, we just have to be open. And that’s where real inclusion begins.

5. Authenticity and Vulnerability Build Trust

   • I’ve shared stories about getting fired, getting divorced, and getting humbled (a lot). It’s not about oversharing. It’s about modeling what it means to be real, so others can do the same. Vulnerability builds psychological safety, and that drives everything from retention to innovation. If you want stronger teams, start by showing a little more of who you are.

Top 5 Good Vibes Types:

1. Amplifying Underrepresented Voices

   • Highlighting marginalized stories, leaders, or creators to reshape narratives, increase visibility, and challenge dominant perspectives in media and culture.

2. Implementing Inclusive Desig

   • Developing products, policies, or environments shaped by disabled, neurodivergent, or diverse users—not just for them, but with them.

3. Advocating Policy Change

   • Organizing campaigns, protests, or petitions to dismantle harmful laws and create equitable systems rooted in community needs and lived experience.

4. Investing in Equity-Focused Initiatives

   • Funding or scaling programs that redistribute resources to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other excluded groups through grants, hiring, and supplier opportunities.

5. Transforming Workplace Culture

   • Shifting internal practices like hiring, training, or benefits to prioritize inclusion, psychological safety, and long-term belonging over short-term optics.

Good Vibes to Go:

Catch up on 5 Things in 15 Minutes over on YouTube.