Humans often believe that rewarding people for what they love will increase motivation. But social psychologists—and dogs like me—know otherwise. When external rewards are attached to natural enjoyment, what was once instinctual play starts feeling like an obligation. I learned this firsthand as a herding dog. My ancestors thrived on the chase, the movement, the READ MORE

Humans often misunderstand optimism. Some think it means ignoring risks, dismissing challenges, or blindly hoping for the best. But true optimism—the kind that leads to growth and resilience—is far more strategic. I see this all the time in my world. As a herding dog, my job isn’t just about moving fast—it’s about reading the environment, READ MORE

Humans often believe they need to feel confident before they take action. But I can tell you from experience—that’s not how it works. When I first came into my new home, I was unsure. Everything was unfamiliar, and fear kept me hesitating at doorways, uncertain about the world beyond them. If I had waited until READ MORE

🚀 Innovative Leaders, let’s talk decision-making strategy. If you’re tackling big decisions at the end of the day—or at the tail end of a meeting—chances are, you’re maintaining the status quo rather than igniting innovation. You’re not alone! Most professionals power through emails and executive-function-heavy tasks first, only to arrive at their most crucial decisions READ MORE

In today’s fast-paced, unpredictable environment, even the most resilient among us have days where life feels out of control—like trying to chase your tail and never quite catching it. These moments aren’t weaknesses. They’re signs of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the starting point for personal growth. As your trusted canine coach, I’ve learned that resilience READ MORE

Hello, innovative leaders! Jakki here—your friendly canine coach, sniffing out the best strategies for unlocking leadership potential. 🦴 Today, let’s talk about development planning and how to position yourself for your next high-impact opportunity. Feeling Stuck? Let’s Change That! If you’re questioning your next career move, unsure how to amplify your impact, or wondering how READ MORE

One of the most impactful discussions I’ve had recently were about the difference between reacting and responding. Ever fire off a quick reaction and then immediately think, “Uh oh, maybe I should’ve taken a breath first…”? Yep, we’ve all been there. 🙃 Even my co-coach, Jakki the dog, demonstrates that below! Reacting is quick, emotional, READ MORE

One of the most powerful and unexpected outcomes of being a coach is how your clients shape your worldview. At iPEC, one of our core coaching principles is, “Everyone is our student and our teacher.” As your canine co-coach, I’ve lost count of the number of “AHA moments” I’ve experienced for my own personal growth READ MORE

Hi, Jakki here. ‘Tis the season to review and relive client stories and celebrate their achievements. This year, we’ve had the privilege of working with several clients transitioning from one job to the next. Often, they’d spent multiple months job hunting, many getting interviews but without a job offer. Three common themes emerged in their READ MORE

Hi, this is Jakki, your canine coach. I’d like to take a moment and celebrate all the servant leaders… with a nap. I know that your primary focus is serving others, empowering your teams, and fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. But in the pursuit of these noble goals, we often overlook an essential READ MORE