How high-performance activation goes on - even in a construction zone!

In the last two weeks, I’ve helped 1,200+ accountants Break Free From Busy and Elevate Their Focus—so, I've been calling on my inner Yoda to keep my own focus while living in a construction zone...

We’re renovating our kitchen, and thanks to the open-concept living, my office studio is the only available space to store our stuff. (It currently looks like Wayfair threw up in it.) In our 1,100-square-foot house, my studio is my sanctuary… only now, it’s a temporary storage unit with high-grade studio lighting.

My friend Nicole, an interior designer and “construction doula” (Yep, that’s a thing!), helps people manage the overwhelm and emotions that come with remodeling. Thankfully, I don't need a doula, but I applaud the innovative concept because, wow, the stress is real. Praise to our designer, Amy Taylor-Proffit, who narrows down her expert choices before sending them to my inbox. If you’ve been following me for even a minute, you know I don't want a buffet of options for anything.

Road report: I drove from Raleigh to Greenville, SC, to speak to the Fluid Power Distributors Association about Reclaiming Their Workday and Elevating Their Focus. Zero prior knowledge of their world, 100% interest in learning about it. Downtown Greenville? AWESOME. I’m back in November for the South Carolina Home Care & Hospice Association, with a plan that includes extra time to enjoy their riverwalk.

Team joy: It’s Lisa’s 4-year RaderCo-versary on November 1st.

We celebrated with pizza before a performance of The Sound of Music Broadway touring musical —her favorite childhood movie. Verdict: still magic. Tears were blinked away. I just barely resisted belting “doe, a deer...”

Travel plot twist: I was set to present Super Sexy Speaker Systems in Salt Lake City for the National Speakers Association Mountain West, but with Wednesday’s sea of cancellations and delays, I pivoted to a virtual presentation.

May the travel elves be with you—and may the grown-ups at the table learn to disagree respectfully.

Bonus time: I used my would-be travel hours to update every profile - LinkedIn, YouTube, Chamber of Commerce, eSpeakers, CPA Academy, and Amazon. When did you last refresh yours? If your headshot predates your current haircut, it’s time. If you wouldn't be recognizable, it's way past time. Set a yearly reminder. Opportunities love current info.

When you get this, I’ll be bracing for more kitchen chaos, cheering on my husband with Big Bang Boom band, then heading to a wedding in one of my favorite little NC villages—Saxapahaw.

On with the Weekender!

PERFORMANCE POWER TIP Microwave or Crockpot? Learn when speed in action opens doors and when stew time saves you from rework. Get the guardrails, the two questions you must ask, and the meeting tweaks with your own Red Team to make smarter decisions. LISTEN (24-MIN) READ SUMMARY

RADER-WORTHY RESOURCE Dead butt syndrome is real and fixable! This practical episode of The Wirecutter Show podcast explains the health risks of marathon sitting, why “movement snacks” matter, and which office gear actually helps. Perfect for desk-bound pros who want to work well without wrecking their bodies. LISTEN (31-MIN)

RADER-FAVORITES My Top Three Reads of 2025 I wrestled it down to three—totally different, all keepers. Curious which books made the cut? SEE MY TOP THREE Bonus: Make your own Top 3 on Shepherd and share with friends + family—no author creds required. Be sure to share it with me!