Hi Reader, Let's be honest: The world feels shaky right now.Politics are spiraling.People are scared.Everyone’s gripping for control in a moment where control is the first thing to disappear. And underneath all that noise… something else is happening. Fear is making people small. Fear collapses us inward.Fear disconnects us from ourselves.Fear makes us reactive, fragile, manipulable.Fear turns leaders into survivors. And I’ve felt that pull myself these past few months. This year pushed me...
10 months ago • 2 min read
The Communication Edge by F R E D V A N R I P E R Why most communication advice fails read on SEATATTHETABLECOACHING.COM | January 26, 2025 We’re drowning in communication advice these days. “Use ‘I’ statements.”“Mirror your partner’s feelings.”“Just be a better listener.” Sound familiar? On the surface, this advice seems harmless—even helpful. But let’s be honest. How often has “just listen better” stopped an argument? Or “I feel” magically fixed a marriage teetering on resentment? Here’s...
over 1 year ago • 3 min read
The Communication Edge by F R E D V A N R I P E R Lead like this in 2025 read on SEATATTHETABLECOACHING.COM | January 12, 2025 Leadership advice is everywhere these days. "Find your why." "Follow your passion." "Be a servant leader." It sounds great in theory, but in practice? Most of it is too vague, too fluffy, or just plain impractical. You don’t need another motivational slogan. What you need is clarity: How do you lead effectively, without overcomplicating your life or burning out? The...
almost 2 years ago • 2 min read
The Communication Edge by F R E D V A N R I P E R The 12 Communication Lessons of 2024 read on SEATATTHETABLECOACHING.COM | December 29, 2024 As we close out 2024, I’ve been reflecting on what this year has taught us about communication—the bridge between who we are and who we want to become. Whether in relationships, at work, or with ourselves, communication is at the heart of every challenge, breakthrough, and quiet victory. Here are my 12 most important lessons from this year—one for each...
almost 2 years ago • 3 min read
The Communication Edge by F R E D V A N R I P E R The gift only you can give this season read on SEATATTHETABLECOACHING.COM | December 22, 2024 It's the time of year when two things are in full swing: holiday chaos and the buzz around goal-setting season. Soon enough, everywhere you look people will be talking of resolutions and the "new year, new me" mindset. It's exciting... but let's be real. Most of us know how this story goes. Studies show that 88% of people abandon their New Year’s...
almost 2 years ago • 4 min read
The Communication Edge Welcome to the Edge Read time: 4 minutes Last week, a client asked me, “What’s the most important communication skill to master?” It’s a big question. And I thought about the usual suspects: listening, clarity, or empathy. But the answer I gave surprised them—and might surprise you too. “The skill that changes everything?” I said. “It’s learning how to use misunderstandings to your advantage.” They raised an eyebrow. “Misunderstandings? Aren’t those bad?” Not always....
almost 2 years ago • 2 min read
The Communication Edge Before You Speak Again, Read This Read time: 4 minutes There's a lot of communication habits that matter. So when my client asked me, "What's the one habit that changes everything?" I had to think about it. Is there one thing that can truly change everything? After reflecting on years of coaching—and plenty of my own missteps—I landed on this: The Pause. Why Pausing Is the Ultimate Communication Habit In a world that demands instant gratification (which in the world of...
almost 2 years ago • 3 min read
The Communication Edge Tap Into The Neuroscience of Gratitude Read time: 4 minutes Years ago, when my daughter was 4, we told her about a Thanksgiving tradition we have of going around the dinner table and saying what we're thankful for. And she took it to heart. When her turn came, she stood up and walked around the table as she shared her gratitude. When she was done, she sat back down—but the rest of us couldn’t just stay seated now. One by one, we got up and followed her lead, walking...
almost 2 years ago • 4 min read
The 3 Point Advantage The Truth Behind 'Flipping The Switch': What The Gurus Won't Tell You Read time: 4 minutes We’ve all heard it before. "Just flip the switch." Self-help gurus make it sound so easy. Like you can just wake up one day, decide to change everything, and bam—your life is different. But here’s the truth: It’s not that simple. You struggle, you stumble, and when those instant results don’t come, you end up feeling even worse about yourself. Let’s face it—most self-help advice is...
about 2 years ago • 5 min read