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Finding Balance: Small Steps to Self-Care in Stressful Times
Lately, with so many things happening around us—from global events to the daily demands of our jobs and relationships—it’s easy to feel like self-care is just one more item on an endless to-do list. But true self-care isn’t about perfection or adding pressure; it’s about small, intentional choices that ground us, help us connect, and remind us why we do what we do.Understanding stress with a glass of water.I know the weight of balancing responsibilities with finding time to reset, which is why I
Lead with a C.A.P.E.: The 3 Skills Every Leader Needs to Succeed
Becoming a leader of leaders isn’t just about guiding a team; it’s about empowering others to grow into their potential. One of the greatest joys in leadership is watching someone take what they’ve learned from you and transform it into their own unique style. My C.A.P.E. isn’t about me—it’s about helping others rise to a place where they’re wearing their own capes, ready to lead with confidence and resilience. Here are three core skills that every leader should develop to inspire and elevate th
Effective Communication in High-Stress Environments: Tuesday Tips for Public Service Professionals
Public service professionals often find themselves navigating high-stress situations, whether it’s working with distressed clients, managing multiple urgent cases, or dealing with crises. In these moments, effective communication is crucial for resolving issues and maintaining trust. Here are some Tuesday Tips to help you communicate more effectively under pressure.1. Stay Calm and Grounded • Tuesday Tip: Before responding in a high-stress situation, take a moment to ground yourself. Sometimes o
The Power of Empathetic Leadership: Building Strong Teams in Human-Centered Fields
Empathy isn’t just a buzzword in today’s leadership lexicon; it’s a critical skill that can transform teams, especially for those working in human-centered fields like social services, workforce development, career programs, juvenile justice, and probation. Whether you're a high-level supervisor or managing your first team, understanding and practicing empathy can significantly enhance your leadership effectiveness. In this blog, we’ll explore why empathy matters in leadership and how you can cu
Breaking the Cycle: How to Avoid Power Struggles and Promote Constructive Conversations
We’ve all been there—those tense moments in conversations when it feels like everything is turning into a battle of wills. Whether it's at work, with family, or in social settings, power struggles seem to sneak into our lives when we least expect them. But here’s the thing: a power struggle only happens if both parties choose to engage. What if you didn’t have to participate at all?In a recent video, I explored this very idea using scenes from The Boys and The Office, two shows that seem worlds
A Blog That Lets You Decide the Ending on Purpose
Welcome to a new kind of blog experience. Today, you’ll choose your own path to discovering your purpose. Along the way, you’ll make decisions based on real moments from my journey. Every choice leads to a unique insight, just like life. As you read through each step, select either Choice A or Choice B to guide your path forward.Good luck!Step 1: The Crossroads of ReflectionYou wake up knowing there's more out there for you, but you're not sure what that "more" is. It feels like a familiar uncer
The Search for Purpose: A Story About Rediscovering Your WHY
There was once a professional named Elian, someone who always seemed to have it all figured out. Elian was driven, passionate, and always ready to tackle the next challenge. Each day, they walked into work with a sense of purpose, knowing exactly why they were there and what they wanted to achieve.But as time went on, something shifted. The once-clear path began to blur, and the fire that had fueled Elian’s ambition started to flicker. Days became routine, tasks became tedious, and the work that
Do you have Compassion, Sympathy, or Empathy?
Spoiler alert: The answer is Yes, No, and Maybe Anyone who knows me or Speak4MC understands how passionate I am about empathy. So much so that I frequently speak nationally about its role in inspiring change, and recently, I started a podcast called "Empathy Here, Not There." While the feedback has been positive, I have received many comments about what empathy means to them, its true definition, and the sometimes conflicting roles of values, sympathy, and compassion. As a result, let's take a d
How to Create and Expand Your LinkedIn Profile: A Step-by-Step Guide for Young People
Young people! After speaking with the amazing youth leaders at the Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy (TFLA), I was inspired to share valuable insights on using LinkedIn to kickstart your career. If you didn't know, TFLA is doing incredible work to empower and equip young people with the skills they need for success. BIG shout out to all the TFLA members for their enthusiasm and dedication!The Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy (TFLA) is the City of Tallahassee’s award-winning summer youth emplo
The Myths About Motivational Interviewing: Debunking Common Misconceptions
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a powerful communication technique designed to help individuals overcome ambivalence and engage in positive change. Despite its effectiveness, several myths and misconceptions about MI persist. Understanding the truth behind these myths can enhance your ability to use MI effectively in personal and professional settings.My Journey with Motivational InterviewingMy journey with Motivational Interviewing began in 2014 when I worked with at-risk teens in Florida. On
A Life of Purpose: My Pursuit of Positive Change
About Curtis Campogni"If you give a plant soil, water, and sunshine, it will grow upwards towards the light."Why I Am Writing ThisRecently, I received a review on my book suggesting that I better explain my "origin" story. As an only child who is naturally an introvert, talking about myself feels a bit odd. It's why when I speak at conferences, I tell the moderator that I don't need my bio read, as I prefer to jump into the workshop without much emphasis on my background. Still, inspiring real c
Embracing Change: The Power of Letting Go
“I appreciate what you are doing here, but things aren't going to change. They have tried this before and it never works.”These words were spoken by an attendee during one of my workshops on managing organizational change. The sentiment behind this statement is something many of us can relate to. Change, especially when it’s linked to past failures, can seem impossible. This resistance to new change often stems from our inability to let go of past experiences, particularly those that were unplea
The Hidden Gift: A Lesson in Optimism
*Disclaimer—Instead of a blog, I am going to tell you a story about Jessie and Kevin. There will be no pictures, videos, or links to a service or book. Just a story. Jessie, the program leader, sat at her desk, lost in thought. She faced a dilemma that weighed heavily on her mind. In her team of high-performing staff, there was one member who stood out—brilliant, talented, and full of potential. Yet, this same individual had a significant drawback: a tendency to fall into a "when it rains, it po
Unlocking Creativity: The Surprising Connection Between Running and Creative Thinking
Ever gone for a run and suddenly found yourself flooded with brilliant ideas? You're not alone. Many people experience their best creative thinking while pounding the pavement. But what is it about running that sparks creativity? Let’s dive into the fascinating connection between physical exercise and creative thought.The Science Behind ItRunning increases blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive function and stimulating creativity. This boost in brain activity can lead to what scientists ca
The Ultimate Guide to Asking Open-Ended Questions
Asking the right questions is an art that can significantly impact the quality of communication, whether in business, education, or everyday interactions. Here's how you can transform closed-ended questions into open-ended ones to foster richer conversations and gain more insightful responses.What Are Closed-Ended Questions?Closed-ended questions are those that can be answered with a simple "yes," "no," or a specific piece of information. Examples include: • "Did you like the presentation?" • "A
How Superhero Communication Can Transform Youth Engagement: Insights from 'C.A.P.E. Conversations'
Most would agree that effective communication with young people is more crucial than ever in today's fast-paced world. Drawing inspiration from the world of superheroes, my book, C.A.P.E. Conversations: How Superheroes Communicate with Children, offers a unique approach to engaging and inspiring youth. Having worked with youth and families for over 15 years, I’ve seen firsthand the power of these techniques.Why Superheroes?Superheroes are not just fictional characters; they embody qualities that
Behind-the-Scenes: 5 Tips for Successful Presentations and Conferences
This week, I had the privilege of hosting two uniquely themed workshops at the United Way of Broward County Conference in Fort Lauderdale: "Choose to Be Super: Why Wearing a C.A.P.E. Makes You a Hero" and "Motivational Interviewing for Toddlers and Pre-schoolers."Before proceeding, I want to give the United Way of Broward County a BIG shout-out! The conference was phenomenal, and the attendees’ energy was incredible! 👏👏👏👏Here are five crucial behind-the-scenes tips that saved the day and cou
The Emotional Empathy Challenge – Do you have the Power?
Recently, I had an unexpected and heartwarming encounter at Lego World. A young man who worked there approached me and, with a beaming smile, told me that I had been his mentor about ten years ago. He shared how our time together had a profound impact on his life, helping him stay out of trouble and navigate his challenges. This unexpected affirmation of appreciation meant the world to me. It reminded me of the power of emotional empathy and gave me the fuel to tackle even the hardest tasks.Do y
Speak, Earn, Inspire: 3 Proven Tips to Monetize Your Public Speaking Passion
Recently, I've received an increasing number of requests for advice on how to get paid for public speaking. Often, these are from individuals who have attended my workshops, eager to learn how I carved out my niche in this field. I always strive to provide actionable advice, and I encourage you, the reader, to also reach out. To assist a broader audience, here are three pivotal tips for entering the world of paid public speaking. 1. Understanding the MarketWhen entering public speaking, one of t
From Nervous to Noteworthy: Insider Tips for Delivering Powerful Speeches
Recently, a friend and colleague reached out to me for guidance. They were nervous about an upcoming keynote speech and unsure how to deliver it effectively. Having given numerous keynote speeches myself, they sought my advice to help calm their nerves and ensure their presentation would be memorable. This conversation inspired me to share three fundamental tips to enhance your effectiveness as a speaker and ensure your message resonates powerfully with your audience.Tip 1: Seek Objective Feedba
Motivational Interviewing for Florida Families: Empowering Parents and Children
Parents always seek ways to foster growth, change, and independence in their children. That's why I recently conducted a training session for the community, introducing the principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a tool for Florida families. This blog post explores how MI can be a transformative approach for enhancing family dynamics. Over the past few sessions, held at locations including SPC College and the Boys and Girls Club, we've shared these tools not only with parents but also wi
How Communication and Collaboration Impact Interpersonal Relations
About a year ago, I contracted with the City of Tallahassee to provide training on Interpersonal Relationships in the workplace. Since then, I've gained a wealth of knowledge about how interpersonal skills influence organizational culture, coworker relationships, and overall team motivation. My experiences have inspired me to share my insights through this blog.Defining Interpersonal SkillsWhat is Interpersonal Communication? Interpersonal communication is the process through which people exchan
Inspiring Change: 5 Insights Gained from Hosting Community Events
On April 18th, I hosted my sixth community event aimed at parents and professionals. This was a no-cost event primarily funded by my company, which absorbed about 90% of the costs related to marketing and materials. My goal was to raise awareness about tools and techniques that inspire and to create a platform for community members eager to make a difference.The events were successful, drawing around 300 attendees across six sessions—one virtual, two in Pinellas County, two in Highlands County,
What I Learned from Writing and Publishing My First Book
The phrase "You should write a book" was a regular refrain from my friend and inspiration, Hope Cross. Despite the encouragement, I struggled with the idea, weighing the benefits against the enormous time commitment. However, a year after embracing my role as a tiny superhero's parent, I found the right motivation—and I finally did it!I’d love to say it was easy. I’d equally love to say it was hard. Truthfully, it was both. Here are four key lessons from my journey of writing and publishing a bo
24 Goal Ideas For 2024: Take the one-per-month challenge!
In December, we set goals; in January, we take steps towards them; in February, we go on a goal sabbatical; and in March, we say in December, we will set new goals. What if, this time, we committed to setting one short-term goal per month for six months? Pick one short-term goal from each category below, identify a month you will complete it, and our brain will reward us with motivation and encouragement! Print this page and track your progress! Every goal you ever gave up on was partly because
14 Powerful Lessons after 14 Months of Being a Dad
At dinner, my wife was telling a story about her father. When she finished, my little one scooted closer, put her head on my shoulder, and said, “My daddy is this guy right here.” NO. WORDS. Fourteen months ago, I became a first-time father. Not by traditional means, as my wife and I are unable to have children biologically. Still, these unfortunate circumstances ultimately led us to our tiny superhero, which is, quite simply, EVERYTHING. I've learned having a child is similar to the plot of Mig
The Moral Dilemma of Using Empathy: When Does It Become Detrimental?
Two of my neighbors had a heated argument (Mark and Kevin). They were screaming so loud people began coming out of their homes to observe the interaction. Later that night, Mark (allegedly) went across the street and tossed a brick through the windshield of Kevin’s 1972 Ford Mustang Classic. A car that was passed down to Kevin after his father died. The conflict escalated until charges were made, resulting in Mark eventually moving. At the height of the incident, another neighbor approached me a
9 Ways Be More Patient with People (and yourself)
On November 20th, 2022, I thought I understood what it meant to be patient. Three hundred sixty-five days later, I am writing this blog with an understanding that patience is not just trusting the process; it's how you behave when it doesn't go your way. In this article, I will discuss 9 ways to add patience to your personality and explain how to manage your mind in the most emotionally challenging times. If you are impatient and wish to skip to the 9 WAYS, click here. 😉😉 (Before reading any
Motivational Interviewing Tips: 4 Ways We Promote Change
Speak4MC, LLC was created because of Motivational Interviewing (MI). Whether I was doing an unannounced visit at a client's home, presenting a performance improvement plan to staff, or de-escalating a 3-year-old on her third piece of Halloween candy, MI consistently proves to be the most potent approach to inspiring change. Since creating Speak4MC in 2021, I have trained upwards of 10,000 professionals in person and virtually across 17 states. However, like any skill, the power of MI is dependen
Unleashing Your Inner Creativity: Five Strategies to Foster Thinking
Creativity is often regarded as a skill bestowed upon a few. However, the truth is that being creative is something anyone can do. In today's purpose-driven world, where innovation is key, unlocking your creative genius is who you want to be. This article will challenge us to take five essential steps to unleash our creative minds and become the version that’s the best. 1. Embrace the Power of Control: To tap into your creative potential, being fully present is the key. You need to cultivate a
3 Ways to Break Free from Your Comfort Zone
How often do you think about your morning? 🤔 How often do you think about what you think in the morning? 💭 How much did you learn this morning? 🤷♂️ How much would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could? 😱 Sometimes, it is expected to feel stuck or stagnant, as if we're trapped in a monotonous routine that offers no room for personal growth. 😪 The dreaded comfort zone, while seemingly cozy, can hinder us from achieving our full potential. Worse, it allows us to justify our lack of learning
The Psychology of Competition: Unleashing Your Team’s Full Potential
"I hate to blow my own horn, but I gave a lot of people fits" - Bo Jackson What is Motivational Interviewing? The 80% Rule What is the locus of controllability? The Importance of Self-Awareness and Locus of Control The Locus of Causality Locus of control quiz Undoubtedly, physical talent is part of the equation when achieving success in competition. One such example is Bo Jackson, the first athlete to be named an All-Star in two major American sports and ran the fastest NFL 40-yard dash ever. St
Happy Birthday: 39 Incredible Life Lessons Learned Before 40
“Bro. That must have been a heavy sock.” It is official. Today, I turned 39, and the milestone of turning 40 is approaching. This realization caused me to reflect upon a recent conversation. Friend: Are you going to the gym? Me: No, I strained my back pretty bad. Friend: What happened? Me: I reached down to pick up a sock. Friend: That must have been a heavy sock. Me: (Hangs up) At this moment, I discovered an essential lesson about stretching and socks. I also wondered how honest I should be wi
Mike Evans: Harry Potter, Humility and Helping Others
“My best teammate?” McCoy said. “A guy like Mike Evans.” 12 years, four different organizations, and relationships with hundreds of players, yet when two-time Superbowl champion LeSean McCoy was asked about his best teammate, he said the following: “My best teammate I’ve ever had — that doesn’t make him my best friend, but my best teammate — a guy like Mike Evans. This dude’s a great person,” McCoy said. “He buys stuff for the starters, buys for the practice squad, everybody. Holidays, Christma
Motivational Interviewing in the Workplace: Better Employee Engagement and Motivation is Possible
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid." The question I have for you at this point of our journey together is, What is your genius?" – AE Affirmations, empowerment, and open-ended questions! Perhaps Albert Einstein was the first person ever to use Motivational Interviewing! What is Motivational Interviewing? The Importance of Achievement. MI and Staff Retention. Creating a Non-Judgemental Workplace. Givin
Another Meeting? How to Stop Boring Your People at Work
"Let's start by conserving our time and stop having these stupid meetings. No more meetings! No more meetings!" – Pam from the Office Meetings are critical for an effective workplace but often can become monotonous and unengaging. We all have experienced the dreaded virtual meeting where everyone stares blankly at their video, checks their phones, and "accidentally" turns off the cameras. What about the mandatory weekly conference room meeting that never starts or finishes on time, repeating the
Confirmation Bias, Empathy, and 4 Ways to Escape Jurassic Thinking
“You were so preoccupied with whether or not you could; you didn’t stop to think if you should” – Ian Malcolm Jurassic Park. Have you ever watched a scary movie and then began hearing noises at night? After a tough breakup, is every song on the radio about heartache? Have you ever argued strongly about voting rights, marriage, immigration, etc., and then indulged in articles, new stories, and like-minded people who agree with your perspective? The good news is that you are normal. The bad news i