Liz Trocchio Smith
Certified Executive Business Coach
and Trusted Advisor
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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…
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…