Liz Trocchio Smith
Certified Executive Business Coach
and Trusted Advisor
Get “Monday Morning Coffee with Liz”
direct to your in-box every Monday Morning with tips on what it takes to be a great leader
I was recently elected to sit on a national CEO Council, which I equate to as an executive sounding board. It isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategic advantage. As professionals, when we move into higher levels of leadership, the space to think out loud, challenge assumptions, and pressure-test decisions becomes increasingly limited. You’re often expected to have the answers, not ask the questions. A trusted sounding board creates a confidential space…
Burnout doesn’t show up overnight—it whispers before it roars. The key is noticing the signs early so you can lead yourself well before things spiral. Here are a few early signals to watch for: You’re always “on,” but rarely effectiveYou’re busy all day, yet nothing feels truly accomplished. Small things feel bigMinor frustrations start to feel overwhelming or personal. Your energy dips earlier than usualNot just tired—drained, even after a…
Sticking your neck out and taking charge of your career is no trivial matter. Whether that’s switching careers, going back to school, or walking away from a j-o-b to start your own business, it takes a lot of guts. But guts will only get you so far. Once you build up the nerve and make the leap, you’re no more than 5% of the way there. You still have to…
I want to share with you today three habits to unlearn in order to lead with greater steadiness and presence during uncertainty. Unlearn avoiding conflict; learn to sit with tension. Don’t rush to smooth over disagreement. Structure it. Ask each side to name what the other fears losing. Reflect the shared stakes you hear. Decide only what is ready to be decided and put the rest back on the agenda…
Spring Break is a good reminder that even the most driven professionals need time to step away and reset. In a world that celebrates constant productivity, there is real value in slowing down and spending time with family. Taking a few days to recharge isn’t stepping away from your success—it’s investing in the energy, clarity, and perspective that help you lead better when you return. The best leaders understand that…
Success in business isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working with intention. One of the most powerful coaching tips I give professionals is to pause before the week begins and ask yourself a simple question: What outcome matters most this week? Not ten outcomes. Not a long task list. Just one or two meaningful priorities that will truly move your work, leadership, or relationships forward. High performers often overwhelm themselves…
Being a great leader isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about doing so in a way that adds value. Here are four types of higher-order thinking you need to develop as a leader—and when to use them. Expert thinking is rooted in deep knowledge in a particular field, developed through years of experience, training, and consistent practice. Use it when a situation requires a quick, automatic response based on a…
Strong leaders aren’t only defined by their charisma or ability to command—they’re also distinguished by how well they follow. Here’s how to develop the skill of great followership. Active listening. True listening means suspending your ego. When you absorb input without defensiveness, you pick up signals others miss and create space for honest dialogue. This kind of listening helps you reduce blind spots, pick up weak signals earlier, and create…
Gen Z is shaping the future of work with how they use generative AI—and how they feel about it. If you want to lead or manage these younger workers effectively, focus on four key priorities. Acknowledge AI ambivalence. Even though most young adults use AI regularly, most worry it makes people lazier and less intelligent. They’re not anti-tech—they’re anxious about its long-term effects. Take those concerns seriously, and don’t dismiss…
As you gather your coffee this Monday with us, think about what leadership truly looks like on a big-stage day like yesterday: in the grit and grind of a championship clash where every play — even field goals and third-and-longs — are tests of preparation, resilience, and trust in your team. In the midst of the Super Bowl, where underdogs and favorites alike have beaten the odds to reach the…
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking better questions. This week, notice how often you jump in to solve instead of slowing down to listen. Try replacing advice with curiosity: “What do you think the best next step is?” or “What’s getting in your way?” You’ll be surprised how capable people become when they’re trusted to think it through. As leaders, our real impact shows up in how…
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” …………………..Martin Luther King Jr. Make it a great day!