The Courage to Be Disliked

This book challenged a belief I hadn’t even realized I was carrying: that if I just worked harder, fixed more things, “healed” the right way, then I’d finally be good enough. Then I’d finally belong.

You Might Be Vegemite

The Weekly Fix | 8.4.25 At the end of last year, during my performance review, my boss looked at me through the screen, gave a small grin, and said: “Nic… have you ever had Vegemite?” I smiled. I already knew where this was going. “You either love it… or

When They Don't Know They're the Problem

Dealing with Unconscious Incompetence Ever feel like you’re losing your mind... over a calendar? I once opened a project plan I’d built—complete with carefully mapped deliverables and internal due dates—only to find every single task now scheduled on the exact same day as the final publish

From Solo Star to Team Lead: Don’t Panic

“Everyone says ‘congrats’—but all I feel is pressure.” “I used to know what I was doing. Now I’m just guessing.” “People are looking at me for answers… I’m still looking for the manual.” “Was this a mistake? Am I a mistake?” “I want to lead. I just

The Weekly Fix | 07.21.25

⚠️ Casual Project Management Will Get Your Fired⚠️ I’m currently behind on my project paperwork. Again. Not because I don’t know how to write a charter or outline a milestone path - But because, in the thick of meetings, stakeholder updates, and supporting teams through chaos, it’s the

Indecision Is a Decision

You tell yourself you’re just being cautious. That waiting is smart. Strategic. But be honest: You’re not stuck at the fork in the road. You’ve set up camp there. Because you’re not avoiding the decision— you’ve already made one.

Invisible Work = Invisible Money

You’re doing the most. But it looks like you’re doing the least. Because none of it is documented. 👀 You answer the late-night questions. You fix the stuff nobody sees. You make sure the launch actually launches.

I’m Managing Everything - Except Myself.

You’re managing everyone else’s fires while your own desk is burning. It feels noble. But it’s costing you. And worse? It’s costing your team real visibility.

The Weekly Fix | 07.13.25

The Quiet Weight We’re All Carrying In 2020, we all said: “When things go back to normal…” But normal never came back. And eventually, we stopped asking.

I Want to Get Organized—But My Life Feels Like Chaos.

You’re not disorganized—you’re unstructured. Let’s build a system that works with your life, not against it. Let me know when you’re ready to prep the socials or write your intro blurb for The Fix Files!

🎶 Don’t Go Chasing Platforms 🎶

Most leaders don’t have a technology problem. They have a people and process problem. But solving for that requires facing the mess and that’s where a lot of execs tap out.

Why do I start everything—and finish nothing?

You start strong. Bursts of energy. New tabs. New notebooks. Big plans. But somewhere between “this is exciting” and “this is complete,” something short-circuits. You stall. You switch. You start something else.

The Fix Files

Why does everyone else have it together - and I don’t?

“It’s not that you’ve done nothing. It’s that somehow, you’re not where you wanted to be by now—and that comparison makes it feel like you’ve failed.”

The Weekly Fix

The Weekly Fix | 07.07.25

The Cost of Staying Stuck Staying stuck feels deceptively safe. You know the terrain. You’ve memorized the exits. You’ve learned how to shrink your needs, dull your instincts, and rationalize your way through another day. But here’s the truth: Familiarity isn’t the same as security.

The Fix Files

Stuck in a job I’ve outgrown - but afraid to let go.

“You’ve outgrown something—but fear is whispering that this might be as good as it gets. The truth? It’s not. But that fear is real, and it’s keeping you stuck.”

The Fix Files

I need to make money - but I’m totally lost.

“Let’s say it out loud: you need to earn more money than you’re making right now. That’s not selfish. That’s survival.”

Applied Strategy

The Healthcare.gov Launch Failure: A Case Study in Readiness Issues

The 2013 launch of Healthcare.gov was intended to provide a seamless experience for Americans to purchase health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Instead, it became a high-profile failure.

Applied Strategy

A Case Study: Washington Metro’s Silver Line Delays: A Lesson in Communication Failures

The Washington Metro’s Silver Line project was one of the most ambitious transportation expansions in the region, intended to provide access to northern Virginia and Washington Dulles International Airport. However, the project faced numerous delays, cost overruns, and communication breakdowns

Applied Strategy

Case Study: HP’s Autonomy Acquisition: A $9 Billion Strategic Mistake

In 2011, HP acquired British software company Autonomy for $11 billion in a deal that was supposed to bolster HP’s position in enterprise software. However, just a year later, HP wrote down $9 billion from the acquisition, citing fraud and mismanagement.

Applied Strategy

Case Study: Sears’ Slow Decline: A Leadership Failure to Evolve

Once a retail giant, Sears was a staple in American shopping for over a century. However, due to a combination of strategic missteps, leadership issues, and a failure to adapt to modern retail trends, the company filed for bankruptcy in 2018.

Applied Strategy

Case Study: The Challenger Disaster: When Leadership Fails to Listen

Despite these warnings, NASA officials proceeded with the launch, pressured by schedule commitments and media attention. The lack of proper communication between engineers and NASA leadership led to the catastrophic decision to launch the Challenger under unsafe conditions.

The Exec Advisor

How to Build Influence Without the Manager Title

Real leadership means earning respect and influence, especially when you don’t have a formal title.

The Exec Advisor

A Project Manager’s Secret Weapon? Soft Skills.

Did you know? 89% of project failures stem from communication and collaboration breakdowns. It’s not just the technical skills—soft skills like emotional intelligence, adaptability, and communication are the key to project success.

Applied Strategy

Kodak’s Missed Opportunity: A Lesson in Strategic Resistance to Innovation

Despite inventing the digital camera, Kodak decided to keep the technology hidden for fear of disrupting its film sales. While competitors like Sony, Canon, and Nikon embraced digital technology and rapidly gained market share, Kodak clung to its legacy business model.