Bernadette Smith 5/2/25 Bernadette Smith 5/2/25

5 Things / Shared Laughter

Tuesday arrived, and once again, I stressed about what I was going to bring to comedy class that night. Everyone in class has the same “what am I going to write?” moment every week. We all figure it out and show up. One of my classmates was recently laid off and didn’t come with prepared material to work out. Instead, she riffed off a keyword.

Bernadette Smith 4/18/25 Bernadette Smith 4/18/25

5 Things / Transparency

I’ve remembered a truth lately: when things feel shaky, people want more communication, not less. Even if it’s imperfect. Even if it’s “we don’t know yet.” Especially then.

Bernadette Smith 4/11/25 Bernadette Smith 4/11/25

5 Things / FAQ

I enjoyed a few days last week in Monterrey, MX, a beautiful, vibrant city in the mountains with a kind pickleball community. It reminded me that community is everywhere if you look for it. Feel free to follow me on Instagram.

Bernadette Smith 2/28/25 Bernadette Smith 2/28/25

5 Things / Strategic Play

I'm competing in an LGBTQ pickleball tournament today and slowly finding a queer pickleball community here in Chicago. I played five times this week; I had plenty of time with no keynotes on the schedule. Entrepreneurship brings uncertainty but it also brings the privilege of freedom – if we accept it.

Bernadette Smith 2/14/25 Bernadette Smith 2/14/25

5 Things / A Shortcut

I gave a speech this week where I talked about my divorce and how the distraction led to mistakes at work. Because I didn’t tell anyone, I never gave them a chance to be understanding or empathetic.