Articles

Here are the recent articles I wrote for BRAINZ.

01

Time For A Pronoun Paradigm Shift?

During a recent large online meeting, I felt different. Like I didn’t get the memo saying: “Post pronouns beside your name.” If all those talented Harvard alumni women posted their pronouns, I should too, right? Me2.


02

Top Ways Leaders Manage Conflict And Reduce the Cortisol-Related Stress Response

Nested within a wide circle of family, colleagues, and community systems, we humans find health, happiness, and meaningful purpose. And sometimes, friction.


03

It's All In Your Head – Cultivating Conscious Conversations

When you inaccurately imagine something, “It’s all in your head.” It’s also what the car mechanic thinks when you complain about that clicking sound that mysteriously disappears during the inspection.



04

What’s Worse? Scary Movie 3 Or “We Have To Talk”?

Does “We Have to Talk” trigger an inner primal scream? Perhaps you’ve heard these ominous 4-words from...

  • The Boss: “I have some feedback”
  • A Partner: “It’s me, not you”
  • Garage Mechanic: “It’s the transmission”
  • Child's teacher: “About their behavior”

05

Do You Have A Clearing Disorder?

Have you ever complained about busy work distracting you from strategic, high-impact projects and planning? You’re not alone!




06

Silence Your Perfectionista

Did you get all that? If English is your native language, most likely you understood it, errors and all. Spelling mistakes did not materially impact the outcome.



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Even my cleaning lady complained... (muy fuerte)

March 11, 20232 min read

A frantic text from my ex-boss: "Are you in Spain?" 

Her niece and friend were stranded without lodging.

Their hostel canceled reservations (due to bedbugs).

Sure, I said. The young globetrotters could stay two days. Besides, they'll be sightseeing and won't disrupt my busy week.

Then... They blew through the door like TNT.

Buttons were pushed—my buttons—from constant interruptions...

  • Do you have a yoga mat? 

  • What's the WIFI password? 

  • How do I use this stove?

  • Can I wash (weeks of) laundry?

  • Can I have an extra key?

  • Where's the bank?

  • Hairdryer? Curling iron?

I practiced my mantra with every request and interruption: Get curious, not furious.

Then it dawned on me... Why not use the invasion of the loud bohemians as a Self-Assessment?

As with clients, I reflected on my real, concrete experience — Had my inner state, resilience, and imperturbability improved after years of practicing to become a conscious leader?

The good news? I didn't have a pity party — even with bonus point irritations...

  • Their 2-day visit extended to 4-days

  • They blew a fuse while I was on an important call

  • My chargers were occupied with their gadgets

  • Food scraps in the recycling bin 

As humans, we all suffer. But we don't have to suffer in our suffering.

Did I feel I pecked-by-pigeons? Indeed.

Yet beyond the nose rings and patchouli-oil, I saw their vibrant energy, aspirations and courage.

Now, Self-Assessment time!

Consider someone who pushes your buttons...

How capable are you at thinking: "You're the type of person who drives me up the wall... thank goodness you're here"? (extra points if you tell them that!).

We don't have to like everyone. I don't. 

But I'm grateful for the experience of building Inner Will - so I can contribute to my beloved people, places, and causes at a higher level.

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Janet Macaluso

Janet Macaluso, Ed.M., MSOD, CPC works with successful midlife Change Makers to help transform their success to significance. As a previous executive of leadership, learning, and organization design functions, Janet has equipped thousands of global leaders to grow and evolve their leadership, businesses, and causes. Her unique anti-hero approach combines modern science and ancient wisdom to navigate constant change in flux. In addition to breaking the spell of the "old story," Janet is keenly interested in a regenerative, interconnected, nonviolent future. Her deep and broad experience includes: ▫️Masters in Education, Harvard ▫️MS in Organization Development, Pepperdine ▫️Organization Design ️️Advanced Certificate, USC ▫️BRAINZ Top 500 in 2021 ▫️Certified High-Performance Coach ▫️Certified Tiny Habits Coach ▫️Certified Immunity2CHANGE Facilitator ▫️Certified Professional Retirement Coach ▫️Certified Search Inside Yourself Facilitator ▫️Certified HeartMath Facilitator

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