In the Mix with Aaliyah Miller

“It's been my experience, Langford, that the past always has a way of returning. Those who don't learn, or can't remember it, are doomed to repeat it. ” ― Steve Berry With today being the final day of Black History Month (BHM), Mr. Berry's words remain relevant and important to heed. In 1970 Kent University first recognized BHM, but it wasn't until six years later when president Gerald Ford officially acknowledged the month as part of the United States Bicentennial. While I personally see the importance of BHM there are moments when I feel our country's national observance is like a washing machine cycle. We wash, rinse, and repeat until the next year. While it's on every calendar, has social media hashtags, and you'll hear your local news anchor remind you February is BHM, this type of recognition is PR light. Black history is American history; however, our culture doesn't treat it as if it is. It's why I made a point of posting a BHM fac...

My husband Karim takes pleasure in reminding me that I’m old. He's been doing this for a few years. There's a six year age difference between us so I’ll always be older than him.   This Friday is my birthday. I'm turning 40. I'm not sure what 40 is suppose to feel like, but it's not old. If I had the power to turn back the clock my 12 year-old self would agree with Karim and say, “Forty is old.” Let's fast forward a few years; My 25 year-old self was dreading this day. Fast forward 10 more years and my 35 year-old self was beginning to make peace with the idea.  Probably because I realized it was around the corner. Now that corner is just two days away.  Enough time has passed. I’m okay with turning 40. I’m actually better than ok, I’m finally ready to own it. And while I’m proud to own my 40 th and the years I have ahead of me, I would be remiss if I didn’t  acknowledge I live in a society where I may be the exception and not the rule....

Are you fully present when you’re talking with colleagues, family, or friends? If you said, “no,” I’m not at all surprised. There are many distractions clamoring for your attention. If your day is something like mine you’re doing your best to manage work life with family priorities. The lines between our personal and professional lives constantly blur and intersect. And thanks to smartphones we’re only one swipe away from the next distraction.  Additionally, it also doesn’t help that the average person remembers between 25% and 50% of what he or she hears according to various studies. Before you have time to focus and then process what you’ve heard you’re already onto your next task.  But, if you want to be more productive or a better leader, research suggests actively listening to others and being fully present in conversations will make you more effective.  Listening is hard work There are a many reasons we check out. Some popular examples are: You’re...