Lessons From My Father

My dad didn’t like to borrow anything from anyone. He would give you the shirt off of his back, but wouldn’t borrow one from you. He would choose to buy something even if he was rarely going to use it, rather than borrow.

He also didn’t like to stay in people’s homes, not even relatives. There is not one time I can remember him sleeping at someone’s home. There isn’t one time I can remember staying overnight at a relative’s home.

When I showed horses, some people bought a camper or motor home so they could stay close to their horses and not have to always stay at a hotel. My dad said, no way. He was not staying in a motor home. Too close to someone’s home I guess.

So it is no surprise that I have rarely stayed in someone else’s home. Except for Chautauqua. When I get invited to a home at The Chautauqua Institution, I am so there. All of my inbred inhibitions go out the window for the wonderful, magical, experience of the Institution.

To attend a Renee Fleming concert and her Master Class, was a part of my magical 50 hours in Chautauqua. Sorry dad, I loved it.

What barrier can you break through?

ASK LESLIE

Stay on Your Cutting Edge

You may have heard me talk about the value of visibility. I believe good things happen when you are visible that otherwise would not happen.

At The Chautauqua Institution I heard author Andrew Meier speak. Later that day, I noticed him in the audience and was able to have a private ten minute conversation.

What I Have in Common with Renee Fleming

I don't have a musical bone in my body. So I was surprised to find I had much in common with this international soprano when I attended her Master Class at the Chautauqua Institution.

1. The Value of Breathing



When I am on the Peloton, instructors will remind you to breathe. It made a big difference when showing a horse, when you hold your breath the horse feels your anxiety. When working with a client I often remind them to breathe. I even suggest important conversations should be made standing up as it is easier to fill your diaphragm so you can sound and feel empowered.

Lesson Learned: I was surprised by the importance of breathing at this level of singing. Renee Fleming had four students in the Master Class. To the audience each sounded great. To Ms. Fleming each needed to work on their breathing. As a renowned soprano, she could hear differently. What could a professional see and hear that could elevate you?

2. Improvement in Increments

I was shocked at how much my Video & Vino event was like this Master Class. Each participant would sing, Renee Fleming would critique. They would sing. She would critique. And on and on it would go. There may not be a big difference between the first and the second attempt. There was a huge difference between the first and the fifth.

Lesson Learned:  I was grateful to find out that not even Ms. Fleming’s magic wand really works. Improvement comes in little steps, like drops of water from a leaky faucet. It is the incremental changes that eventually appear to be drastic. Is there a change you can make?

3. Promise to Your Audience

The program was to start at 2pm and end at 3pm. At 2pm there were about 10 seats unfilled. So the ushers spent the next 15 minutes guiding people, eager to nab a seat, to the seats they could identify as empty. Of course those seats were always in the middle of a row and often at the top of the steps.

Lesson Learned: The process of filling seats took an additional 15 minutes. Then an announcement was made that the program would be an additional 15 minutes more. Now the program is going 30 minutes over the promised time. I had planned my time on the promised end time of 3pm, not 3:30. Did you know the start and end time is a promise you make your audience?

On Saturday Benji convinced me that he had a serious ear problem. The ointment from PetSmart helped to a degree. On Sunday I knew he was still bothered, but we had to practice for Monday’s class.

Monday rolled around and he was better. Still bothered by his ears. A vet appointment wasn’t possible until the following day. What to do about class?

I knew he wasn’t contagious – unless hiding under chairs to get out of receiving medication counts as contagious. So I figured I would either be a good dog mom or a bad dog mom and “make” him go to class.

He did really well and even received an ovation. I made a purposeful decision.

Whether you push yourself or give yourself a break, can you be purposeful?

Video and Vino

September 11, 5pm - 7pm

We would be excited to have you join us at this unique session. Each participant will be taped, we will play it back, make suggestions, and tape you again. You will see immediate improvement!

You learn by doing and by observing others. Guess what? You have fun throughout the process!

• This session will prepare you to be ready for your time in the spotlight whether it is in person, on TV, a podcast, Tik-Tok, YouTube or Zoom.
• Leave with VINO and a gift bag!

HorseTalk: Lessons in Leadership

Next Sessions

August 23, 9am - 4pm

October 11, 9am - 4pm

Welcome to the wonderful world of HorseTalk where magnificent 4-legged creatures will teach you more about your communication and leadership skills than you could learn in a decade . . . or even a lifetime.

If you can lead a horse, you can lead anyone.

Are you ready to learn something new in a new way?

You could be one of a carefully chosen group of special people who will share this day together. We keep this a small group so: 

1. You get much individual attention
2. You receive the benefit of observing others and learn through these observations
3. You have the ability to learn at your own pace

Come yourself or plan a day with your team!

Email us at [email protected] for more information or to RSVP to one of our events.

Ask me about my 10 in 10!