Permission to Simplify

I heard a woman tell her friend that she was now in her late sixties and realized she didn’t want to work until 5 o’clock every day. It was a routine she had always done, and she decided to change it. When was the last time you took a moment to revisit your routine? This woman shared that she now works fewer days, and less hours. “I’ve earned it!” she declared.

Most of us entering what I fondly call the “seasoned and savvy” years were raised in an era of rigid job environments. Working from home wasn’t a real thing yet, and personal appointments? All squeezed into your lunch hour or after work. Sound familiar? I’ve caught myself in this pattern many times. It’s no wonder I hear so many women looking for a refresh.

Today, grant yourself permission to simplify. Instead of racing into the next project, take a moment to reset.

Notice how often your mind tries to turn back to old, ingrained work habits. While there is always more to do as a business owner, there is also more time than we tell ourselves. Watch how often your brain suggests that more work and more hours are the only answer.

This time, question your thinking. Redirect with one simple question: How can I make this easy? Your answers might surprise you. You can continue to learn and grow without the stress and pressure. Choose to simplify.

Here are examples of how to invite more ease into your plan:

• Can you expand your timeline by a day, a week, or a month? Not from the energy of procrastination or fear, but from a place of completing the details with a fresh and rested perspective.

• Can you launch your project in two stages instead of finishing everything upfront? This allows you to keep moving forward with flexibility.

• Who can help you? It takes a village.

• Do you need to fully bake every step in your plan? Or, can you begin with solid first steps and outline the rest? Tweak and update as you go.

As you explore ways to simplify, avoid letting your mind turn to thoughts of shutting the whole idea down or giving up. That’s not the point of a refresh. When you find yourself white-knuckling, limiting your creativity, or struggling to enjoy the flow of ideas, take a step back.

Adjusting your plan comes with the confidence of having a strong, centered foundation. It’s what I call dialing into your brilliance. Once you’ve dialed in to who you’re becoming and where you’re headed, every decision becomes much easier.

Coming Soon: The Dial Into Your Brilliance coaching capsule. I invite you to join the waitlist here.

Savvy & Sparkling

While this month is full of sparkle and pinks, dazzle and dreams, I ask, are you being your own, best Valentine? Can you count on yourself for a passionate pep talk?

These sweet sentiments don’t just impact our personal lives. What’s the most important relationship in your business? It’s the one with yourself. You are the CEO of your life.

This week, I’m sharing ideas and questions to add both sparkle and savvy to how you lead your business. What does it mean to be your own, best V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E? First, I invite you to bring the fun: print this (on purple paper?), create a colorful card featuring one word, or draw vibrant letters, add one question in markers, crayon, red lipstick - whatever sparks your imagination.

Most of all, use this as an excuse, an opportunity, a reason to start loving on yourself, and watch how it ripples across your life and business.

V - Vision. What images do you hold of your ideal future? What are you doing in that scene? Where are you? Who are you with? See it and speak it, every day. Bring your future into your present. (If you need the science behind this concept, look up the Reticular Activating System, your internal filter, defined by you.)

A - Age is an Asset. With years of experience comes a finely tuned intuition, wisdom you can’t find in a book: the ability to spot genuine (or not) a mile away, valuable evidence that you can handle and learn from, anything that comes your way. Let your knowledge and skills work for you.

L - Let Go. Say goodbye to terrible stories you’ve carried for twenty years, words some random college student, confused family member, or coworker spoke to you without a thought. What is one thing, one habit, you can release today? Stop the second-guessing, and turn your focus toward tomorrow’s opportunities.

E - Energy. What energy do you bring to your day, to your creative ideas, to your customers? Joy, optimism, possibility? Fear, confusion, and doubt? What excites you to start your day, to open your office door? What, and who, drains your energy (see above, Let Go)? What do you want more of this year? Define it, dream it, and declare your…

N - Next Steps. Stay in motion. On the challenging days, take a breath and decide, what’s one thing, one small step you can do to move forward? Call a friend, book the appointment, read an inspiring chapter. One small step moves you forward, and maybe tomorrow you’ll be ready for a bigger step.

T - Trust. Have your own back. Trust that you are capable, a problem solver, and that you’ll bounce back. What if it all works better than you ever imagined? When things don’t go as planned, trust you’ll figure it out. Today’s decision isn’t forever; you can always make a new one.

I - Invest in Yourself. Support your brain and body. Take time to rest, to turn off the screens, to be in the quiet. (Yes, ten minutes, if that’s what you have.) Elevate your energy with a walk around the block, down the street, or to the park. Open yourself up to beauty: the sunrise, friendship, the purring kitty, the caring family member. Self care is real, it matters - especially now - and it’s uniquely defined by you. What is one non-negotiable way you will invest in yourself this month?

N - Nurture Your Creative. Set aside time for your hobby, your passions, something you love to do. Bake the cake, play the guitar, plant the flowers, paint the picture, write, or read the book. Finding moments to reflect and relax isn’t a “nice to have”; it’s what allows your mind to breathe. This is where the problem-solving happens: the next idea, the solution, the workaround. Allow the answers to percolate, to rise to the surface.

E - Elevate Your Everyday. (One of my favorites!) Turn ordinary moments, routine activities, into a treat for yourself. Pick a unique glass for water; choose a different cup for coffee or tea (Tip: the cups don’t require handles). Pack a festive napkin in place of a plain white square or paper towel. Wear the crazy socks. Enjoy a plate or a colorful bowl for snacks, use a cutting board, or a fun tray. (I snagged a vintage tray out of my Mother’s basement.) These don’t need to be new purchases; they’re likely right in front of you. What’s one simple thing you can alter to upgrade your routine?

Each day, consider the message you’re sending yourself. Remind yourself that you’re special, you are loved (by you), and you are on your way!

The Luxury of Letting Go

What if the key to our growth and fulfillment is letting go? Instead of adding more, what if we ease our grip and shake loose restraints?

We’re so used to piling on as a first option. Ask yourself, where are you holding back, restricting, instead of moving freely? Before you do more, release the limits you’ve placed on yourself. Are you staying silent when your ideas make a difference? Are you hiding your passions and skills, thinking they’re not quite ready?

Make space, move lighter, dream bigger.

When I look closely, I find there’s still plenty to release, like nonsense, for starters. I’ve also lovingly let go of relationships that live in lack, people who focus on the negative without a helpful idea or meaningful action in sight.

Moving freely means choosing topics and conversations that inspire you, owning your brilliance, and meeting with people who joyfully hold space for you and encourage forward momentum. It does not mean rigid perfection.

What if we let go of NOT speaking up? We invest time and/or resources in causes and organizations we believe in, and make our voices heard. Say what feels genuine, share your stories, which inspires another, and the ripple effect continues.

Inspired and Informed, Your Chapter to Define

There’s nothing like the blank slate of a calendar and the white pages of a notebook to inspire. They invite us to answer questions of who we choose to be, what’s next, and scribble fresh ideas. I love the page turn into a new year, to imagine what’s possible.

Some people choose to carry the baggage of last year forward, like luggage on a roof rack. I’ve learned to focus on the glimmers, bring the quality lessons, and toss the rest. With a fresh perspective, we move with lightness in thinking and doing. The lessons inform our choices and priorities, and help us create momentum.

I don’t slide into the new year, letting precious days slip by without purpose. And to be clear, some days, rest is the purpose. Or, the day may be business-driven. You get to decide.

I’ve learned to avoid diving straight into tasks and to-dos before defining the big picture. Jumping into tasks is a natural tendency, and one I often see. We instantly make ourselves busy to feel good, but busy is different than productive.

In this new season, we’re not starting over; we’re starting informed. What glimmers and lessons will you pull forward as the foundation for this year’s success?

Sparkling Sentiments (Notes that get noticed)

There’s no better way to set your message apart than with a handwritten note. As a business owner, coach, and human, I find thoughtful sentiments are a beautiful gift in this rushed, rambunctious world.

Simple in design yet powerful in impact, words of compassion and cheer shine brighter than any designer tag or trending toy.

The magic of cards and letters is often overlooked amid the tinsel and treats of the holiday season. Your wishes of calm, congratulations, or encouragement will melt the heart of any Scrooge in the bunch.

Today, I’m here to help you connect in warm and wonderful ways with family, friends, and clients. You’ll find tips for sending your most genuine message, and ways to add a dash of dazzle to your notes, sure to be saved and shared.

Short, simple, a kind sentiment.

One of the most common questions I hear is about what to say in a card. When the right words aren’t coming to mind, think: One moment, one memory, one message.

Decide on a single focus for your note. Reference an experience together that brings back fond memories, or meet them where they are in hard times, with a note of care. When cheer is the mission, celebrate the small and big wins - the trip, project, race, or business launch. It’s not how much you say; it’s the thoughtfulness that leaves a lasting impression. Watch this short video (Instagram reel) for more.

Dazzle & Details

Personalizing your note is easier than ever, with the addition of artisan tape, specialty pens, and unique stamps. Pick one option, or include them all (my choice, of course!).

Marker casings, like this black and white design from Sherpa, allow you to easily switch the pen color based on the season or event. It also makes it more fun to write when you have a little dazzle in your desk drawer! Frixion pens are another favorite, for their colorful, erasable selection.

A Creative Complement

Stamps are no longer a boring utility in the mail process. The colorful varieties available let you choose causes, occasions, and designs that are genuine to you. Accents like these, round button-like stamps, offer creative choices to complement your message. Be sure to peruse your USPS stamp choices; you might be surprised at what you find.

The Surprise Seal

If you receive a note from me, odds are good there’s tape across the back. You’ll find unlimited options to match a letter's mood and purpose. (Explore Washi tape if you need a place to start.) In my experience, the element of surprise (when you turn the card over) is always welcome. People love an extra touch that is fun and festive, or mirrors the contents. And, it’s an opportunity to highlight your personality too.

Whether it’s the holidays or anytime during the year, the few minutes you spend on a handwritten note will leave a lasting impression on the person who opens it.

Beauty: More than a view, it's your door.

Instead of looking at beauty as an ancillary concept, what if beauty is a key to elevated, creative thinking?

Consider this mindset shift: Defining beauty on your terms isn’t a frivolous exercise. When you place yourself in your premium environment, it invites, allows, and encourages you to think differently. Why? Because you’ve surrounded yourself with elements that are genuine and meaningful to you.

Don’t settle for the cluttered chaos of other people’s definitions. When you claim what beauty means to you, you're not living in the land of wishful thinking; you’re immersed in an environment that sparks your mind and raises the bar on how you think, move, and operate your business.

Here are tangible ways to use your definition of beauty to shift into your full potential. See how this concept can work for you and how it has evolved for me.

Define It
Define what it is you call “beauty.” You can’t absorb its magic if you haven’t identified what it means. What images, activities, or experiences inspire you, bring calm, and clear your mind?

For example, being outdoors is my definition of beauty. I’m not hiking the highest peaks; I’m the trail walker and sunrise stroller. It inspires me, helps me breathe deeper, and gives me a fresh perspective. I’ve been doing this for years and thought it was just what I did in my downtime.

Once you define it, seek to create subtle, simple, and sensational ways to weave this inspiration into your life. For me, it means candle scents in birch, pine, ocean, and other aromas fill my studio. Photos and artisan decor representing these scenes are displayed throughout my home and office.

Taking this step will allow you to find more joy, renewed excitement, and calming fulfillment. Consider how this powerful energy enables you to think differently in your work.

Pay Attention to Your Passions
What do you love to do when you’re alone with time? I walk each week in neighborhoods and parks. I’m up at sunrise to witness the serenity of daybreak, and I take a lot of pictures everywhere I go. I also value quality, unique print products; magazines (yes, the ones you hold), stationery, cards, bookmarks, journals. And, I write, I note what I’m thinking, jot down ideas. All the time. For years, I considered these separate from business. Until now.

When Beauty Meets Business
A few years back, I was taking photos outdoors for our artisan gift business at clients’ home properties. This activity sparked a connection with another long-held passion, a love of print elements. After years of this creative current running under the surface, the light bulb switched on, and I began experimenting. I could use these photos to create postcards as a thank-you gift for the homeowners. They could use them as notes to invite others to come and visit. Suddenly (Well, this took years to figure out!), I combined print, artisan gifts, and photos to create a product, a gift for others - a meaningful combination.

The door in my mind opened, leading to new product ideas and expanded thinking, events, and collaborations. Now, it allows me to stretch beyond focusing only on traditional business topics to a powerful blend of beauty, brilliance, and business savvy - more of what I truly enjoy.

Moving forward, you’ll see the impact of this combination in my quest to inspire and elevate seasoned and savvy women in business.

Ask yourself, where do you see beauty? What passions are you overlooking that can add excitement to your daily work? How might these create opportunities to impact your business bottom line?

Practice weaving the work you love around the life that fulfills you.

Photo examples of how defining beauty, owning my brilliance, and elevating my business savvy moved me toward new ideas and next steps. Visit the new Collection!

Opportunity Rewards Those in Motion

It’s tempting to wait for the approval, the likes, the confirmation, and then move forward. Most people can’t dream as big as you, can’t imagine what’s possible. What if you have to take the first step before the next door opens? 

When I launched a media business years ago to write about entrepreneurs and startups, it was before LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Other than word of mouth, there was no way for people to hear the exciting things that startups were doing - the clutch hires, the strategic deals, the angel and venture investments. Regional magazines and business journals were only writing about the big corporate news; they didn’t have the interest or ability to see the wave of local content coming, the innovation economy on the horizon. 

At the time, I worked for an organization investing in entrepreneurship and tech businesses. I pitched them on the idea of letting me write a weekly newsletter to distribute across the region - to investors, talent for hire, economic development leaders, and other founders looking for connection and inspiration. I was passionate about sharing the startups’ accomplishments and believed in the momentum this news would create across the region. The organization said no. So, I launched the business on the side, and eventually, I left my full-time job. Later, that same organization became one of my biggest advertisers. You know what they said, “Who knew?!” 

What if you see it now? What if it’s your vision that leads others? Don’t wait for those who can’t see what’s possible or don’t share your passion. Put the work you are called to do out there, share your ideas, talents, or products. Opportunities reward those in motion. Post the photos, tell your story, invite buyers and business. There are tons of ways to test the waters now. (The beauty of social media.) What’s one next step you can take today to move your dream forward? 

Navigating the Unexpected

How do you navigate change when the waters turn murky and the way forward shifts without warning? You’re more in control than you think.

Clients, colleagues, and friends are adjusting to unexpected changes impacting their lives in immediate and unpredictable ways. If you enjoy life long enough, this is part of the journey. I have been there many times.

I used to believe I had no control over this. Now, I know how I think about these challenges will either slow or speed the arrival of my next opportunity.

With time and intention, we add skills, resources, and different ways of thinking to our toolbox. These skills help you process situations with grace, self-love, and determination. Know that on the other side of uncertainty are opportunities and new beginnings. Keep moving forward.

As Duke women’s basketball coach Kara Lawson says, “We learn to deal with hard better.”

When you find yourself navigating change, drop these two skills into your mental toolbox to guide you to your next opportunity:

Look through the lens of possibility. Revisit your past experiences, capture your milestone moments, and turning points. Look with an eye on the lessons and skills you extracted from both the good and the grind. Write down each skill you gained. What happened, and what skills translate to your next chapter? (Resilience, calm in crisis, project management?)

Adjust your perspective, not focused on an industry, company, or employer. Note all you gained that is useful and sets you apart - communication, problem solving, team leadership, or something else? Craft your unique founder story (Read more on this here.), meaning your foundation story, whether you’re entering a new job, career, or launching a business. Tell your story of inspiration and growth. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished, overcome, and learned.

Adopt “yes, and…” thinking, create a path forward. Acknowledge that things aren’t great, recognize you’re in the midst of sadness or challenges, AND that you can take one step forward. Don’t stop at rehashing circumstances; add the “and” to finish with what’s next: And, I can call a friend for help, write the email, brainstorm ideas, or rest. It’s a subtle shift that makes a big difference. You’re not dwelling on the situation; you open a way forward. Catch yourself next time you’re tempted to stop at the crisis thinking, add the “and” to see how it pulls you forward.

This isn’t the time to shrink. Stay the course, be proactive with what’s in your sights that inspires and elevates your thinking. Learning to navigate the unexpected will lead to your next vibrant chapter.

Follow the Breadcrumbs

Rummaging around the shelves of a cozy bookstore in Middlebury, Vermont, I came across an old friend, Stephen King’s book, On Writing. I bought it for the second time.

I read this book at least 15 years ago, and loved it. Considering I avoid most Stephen King movies (I don’t like scary flicks), this was somewhat of a surprise. Once finished, I gave the book to my nephew, who was studying creative writing, and away it went. One line in the book has stayed with me all these years, “...the road to hell is paved with adverbs...” I don’t know why I remember it, but I think of it every time I’m tempted to use an adverb.

King refers to his book as “a memoir of the craft,” which is why I purchased it the first time. It’s not a biography, though he shares funny stories of how he developed as an author (writing at six years old!) and tales of surviving childhood antics with his brother. If you’re interested in learning more about storytelling or how this renowned author was “formed,” as he calls it, I highly recommend the book.

It feels like some kind of sign that On Writing popped onto my radar, again. I had just started reading The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron’s book, which has been mentioned to me several times. I bought it over a year ago and set it on the shelf, before plucking it off to take on this trip. I had no idea it was a twelve-week guide to uncover more inspired creativity. All I knew about it was the “morning pages” concept (which I love!). One week into Cameron’s book, I discovered On Writing again. What are the odds? My gut tells me these two things are connected. I don’t know where this all leads, but I’m willing to explore.

For those of you sifting through your creative interests, I say, follow the breadcrumbs. This could feel like a nagging idea that sticks with you, a recurring nudge, or something that pulls you to try. It may open new ways of thinking, a unique customer approach, or a different product design. One thing I do know is the value of following your intuition. Listen to your gut, take a step towards that nudge, and see where it takes you. (I’d love to hear what you decide in the comments below.)

Where Do I Find the Money?

At this year’s ASMS 2025 Entrepreneurship session, money and where to find it were among the top questions asked of our panel. Since I launched and ran two state innovation and funding programs during my career, I was asked to join this panel. As a result of that experience, I’ve seen dozens of academic founders come and go.

With so much interest in this topic, I’ve highlighted the actions of successful academic founders and teams who moved through the programs (including life sciences) - those who got off to a fast start, attracted early funds, and built momentum. (Even if you’re not a faculty or student entrepreneur, most of these concepts will apply to you, too.) While this is not an exhaustive list, it represents the energy, thinking, and determination required.

It would be great if venture investors would write you a $5 million check to kickstart your brilliant idea. However, as a first-time entrepreneur, you can choose to lose time waiting for that check or roll up your sleeves and take control of your narrative.

It’s time to skill up and get scrappy.

ASMS 2025 Entrepreneurship panel - Jennifer Hammaker 2nd from left, (Red & Rugged), Jarrod Sandow (Ion Optics, Inc.), Oliver Rinner (Biognosys), and Craig Asher (OMX Ventures), with fantastic facilitation by Lindsay Pino in the pink (Talus Bio) and Paula Burton (Mass Dynamics) on the far right.

Instead of asking an investor for $5 million, break down your milestones or goals into smaller chunks - what can you accomplish with $250K or $500K to chip away at meaningful milestones? Who will trust you with $5 million (or $100 million) if you don’t know what to do with a quarter million?

Apply to pitch contests aligned with your goals. $50K is better than zero, and you can get more than just a financial boost. A pitch contest will force you to practice telling your story in 3 - 5 minutes - in cohesive, business language. You’ll use this skill forever!

Anyone without a PhD should be able to understand your innovation - and easily explain it to a friend! You’ll meet plenty of valuable advisors who are not well-versed in your specific area, but who can assist, if they understand what you’re doing.

No one buys (or invests, or opens doors) when they are confused by your message.

Research the people judging the pitch contest. Have the panel members built financially successful businesses, exited, and/or invested in companies in your space? If so, they likely have connections and experience that can accelerate your journey. This may be the easiest access you’ll ever have to these people.

Find a pitch contest that understands visibility (earned media) and promotes participants across social media, their newsletter list, and on LinkedIn. Will participating help get your name out there so investors, advisors, and industry thought leaders can start reading about you?

Look for specialty grants in your focus area. Research grant options available inside your university, typically $50K - $100K funded by a former successful academic, alum etc.

Find out if funds are connected to a regional, community-based, or campus-affiliated incubator - typically around $25K. How can you access these funds?

Find your state’s top innovation and entrepreneurship organization. (For example, in PA, it’s Ben Franklin Technology PArtners, and in MD, it’s TEDCO.) This is an organization typically funded by the state whose mission is to take earlier risks in order to build a thriving innovation ecosystem or community. (These are not policy-making organizations; they do not replace a bank, nor do they award free money for foolish ideas.) They may have an early-stage non-dilutive grant option (and yes, there will be paperwork if awarded, so get over this issue before you apply.) Funds are often in the $100,000+ per award.

Make friends with your tech transfer office (TTO). Investors and corporate partners call them first. Whether you need a patent or not, you want your TTO talking about what you’re doing and why you are one to watch. Keep them informed and give them a reason to champion you.

Apply to a regional NSF I-Corps program. This gives you more pitch practice in front of industry professionals. Blow the doors off the required business appointments to separate yourself from the pack. Learn how to ask questions and how to listen openly. Make the most of this program.

Get people talking about you. Demonstrate your willingness to do what it takes: piece funds together, build momentum, create buzz, and gain visibility. These are things you can do right now.

With the above effort, we watched teams and founders consistently clear the first financial hurdle of $250,000 - $500,000. This combination works if you’re willing to put in the effort.

Is this hard work? - in addition to your day job of lab time, teaching, grant requirements, etc. Yes. Welcome to building a company. It is not for everyone, and it’s okay if this doesn’t interest you.

For those called to this life, know it’s a long game. In addition to a potential financial payoff, it is the pride, fulfillment, and accomplishment of learning to put your skills, vision, and technology out into the world, into the hands of people whose lives are positively impacted. No matter the result, you are learning, growing, and acquiring valuable skills.