Liz Trocchio Smith
Certified Executive Business Coach
and Trusted Advisor
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Every fall thousands of geese fly from Canada to the southern part of the United States to escape the bitterly cold Canadian winter. As soon as a flock of geese take flight from Canadian waters they quickly form a v-shape flying pattern, with one rotating goose in the center lead and all the other geese trailing behind in two close lines. Wildlife scientists have conducted extensive studies to determine why…
On June 6, 1944, more than 156,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, in what became known as D-Day—the largest amphibious invasion in history. Facing overwhelming obstacles, uncertainty, and danger, these brave men advanced anyway, helping turn the tide of World War II and ultimately securing freedom for millions around the world. Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment remain some of the greatest examples of leadership and service…
Graduates, as you start to think about entering the workforce, reminder that job searching is only about resumes, applications, and interviews. Those things matter — but relationships matter just as much. One of the biggest mistakes young professionals make is waiting until they “need” something to start networking. The most successful careers are built long before the job search begins. Every coffee meeting, LinkedIn connection, internship conversation, alumni event, or…
Most young adults have just graduated from college and will, with any luck, be entering the work force. If you have children, nieces, nephews or friends of those that fall into this category, you may want to pass on some of my advice to them this morning. Or, if you happen to be a recent graduate entering the workplace, listen up. First, check your attitude at the door. You are…
Career burnout rarely happens overnight. It builds quietly — through constant pressure, blurred boundaries, long hours, and the belief that slowing down somehow means falling behind. Many high performers wear exhaustion like a badge of honor until they wake up one day disconnected from the very work they once loved. Burnout isn’t always about working too hard; sometimes it’s about carrying too much for too long without giving yourself permission…
Mother’s Day has a way of reminding us where it all started. Not in the big moments—but in the quiet ones. The early mornings.The sacrifices we didn’t fully see.The steady presence that shaped how we show up today. Because motherhood doesn’t look just one way.It’s strength, honesty, resilience, and love—lived out in real time. And for many of us, it wasn’t just one woman.It was the mentors, grandmothers, aunts, and…
It’s easy to let work take over. Not because we don’t value family—but because work is always there. Always one more email. One more call. One more thing that feels urgent. And before we know it, the days fill up… the weeks pass… and the time we meant to spend with the people who matter most gets pushed to “later.” But here’s the reality: Later isn’t guaranteed—and it rarely shows…
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…