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
Sometimes the things that weigh us down aren’t on our calendars or our to-do lists. They’re the conversations we keep replaying, the mistake we haven’t forgiven ourselves for, the responsibility that really belongs to someone else, or the need to make sure everything gets done our way. We carry worry about things we can’t control, expectations that no longer serve us, and sometimes even a little resentment we’ve held onto…
There’s something about back-to-school season that feels like a reset. New schedules. New routines. New goals. And, of course, that unmistakable feeling that summer went by much too quickly! But maybe there’s a lesson in this season for all of us. Kids head back to school knowing they won’t have all the answers on day one. They’re expected to learn, ask questions, make mistakes, try again and keep growing. Somewhere…
It’s amazing how often we think leadership is about having the right answers. But the leaders people remember aren’t always the smartest person in the room—they’re the ones who ask the questions that unlock ideas, build trust, and help others think differently. This week, before you jump in with your solution, try asking one more question. What am I missing? How can I help? What’s your biggest challenge right now?…
Every team is waiting for someone to go first. The first person to ask the difficult question. The first to admit they made a mistake. The first to offer encouragement. The first to volunteer for the challenge. Leadership isn’t about waiting until everyone else is comfortable—it’s about creating the environment where others feel safe enough to follow. Courage is contagious. When one person steps forward, it gives everyone else permission…
Spain is the World Cup champion. After weeks of competition, the tournament ended with Spain defeating Argentina 1–0 in extra time. The winning goal came from Ferran Torres, a substitute who entered the match ready to make a difference. His moment is a powerful reminder that championships are not won by one star or in one dramatic play. They are built through preparation, discipline, trust, and people who remain ready—even…
As the FIFA World Cup moves closer to crowning its next champion, millions of fans are watching incredible displays of athleticism, skill, and determination. But the teams that rise to the top are not simply the most talented. They are the ones that trust one another, communicate under pressure, adjust when the game changes, and put the success of the team ahead of individual recognition. One player may score the…
As the fireworks fade and we settle back into our routines, this Fourth of July carries a little more significance. We aren’t just celebrating another Independence Day—we’re stepping into America’s 250th birthday year. For 250 years, our nation has been built by ordinary people willing to do extraordinary things. They faced uncertainty, embraced responsibility, and believed that what they did today could create a better tomorrow. Freedom has never been…
One of the most remarkable stories from international soccer isn’t what happens on the field—it’s what happens after the game. For years, Japanese soccer fans have become known for staying behind after matches to clean the stadium, picking up trash and leaving the venue better than they found it. They don’t do it because someone tells them to. They do it because they believe in respect, responsibility, and contributing to…
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…