Isn’t it crazy the holidays are coming up so fast? I’m wrapping my head around the fact it’s no longer October 2019!

Maybe you’re feeling “frozen” as the end of the year approaches, wondering the best way to handle the holidays.  

Should you return to in-person holiday events this year?

Should you host a virtual party?

Or maybe just sending gifts will suffice?

To be fair, it’s a strange time. The pandemic persists, but vaccinations are well underway.

This strange “in-between” time makes you wonder: Are we okay to meet? Is it still too soon?

The holidays are a convenient time to let our teams know we care about them. And since holiday parties are for them, it’s important to get their input. Find out what they’d prefer.

(I’d also like to speak on behalf of my fellow introverts!)

Being in the gifting space myself, I have some thoughts about the holidays and showing your appreciation with a quality gift.

Tune in and I’ll help you get a clearer picture of how to proceed –-and you definitely shouldn’t wait.

Time flies, after all!

Takeaways from this episode:
- Ask your employees how they feel before you plan a holiday party. See if they’re even comfortable meeting in person.
- Don’t overthink virtual events. They don’t need to be super intricate with a long agenda.
- Quality gifts (not marketing swag!) are always appreciated by your employees - especially if they’re on trend.

To view our 2021 Gift Catalog, please visit:
www.mariemae.com/2021catalog

To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting

To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/

For show notes and more resources:
https://mariemae.com/episode/70

Topics discussed:
- Company holiday parties
- Corporate gifting
- Virtual events
- Employee appreciation
- Introverted employees
- Holiday parties and the pandemic

Gratitude is so incredibly important to practice in business.

And I don’t mean daily affirmations – though I do love those. I’m talking about showing gratitude.

Showing gratitude for your team that makes it happen.

Recently I mentioned how I took a hiatus from everything to get my head on straight after some challenging times over the past year.

My team handled it all with grace. They stepped up in a way that truly allowed me to step away and reset.

While giving team members bonuses is great, they often use bonus money for necessities and not luxuries.

I wanted to live out the principles of my gifting business at Marie Mae and give them something tangible. Specifically, I wanted to give my team something they wouldn’t give themselves.  

Team Treat Day was born.

Listen in and I’ll tell you why this was important for the team, even if the timing was a little unconventional.

I always say baking impact into the business is a good thing for a “good office,” and this is an important example of doing it internally.

Pay it forward to your team. They deserve it!

Takeaways from this episode:
-The epitome of a great gift? When it’s a surprise, a luxury that they would never buy for themselves, and helps them feel seen and treasured. It also shows them what's possible and tangible to be achieved in the future if they put in the work.
-You don’t have to wait until after your team hits a big business goal to reward them. Reward them up front to get them in a positive headspace and boost morale.
-Gifts don’t always have to be done as a “thank you” or saved for holidays. Use gifting to help your team feel like a million bucks.

To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting

To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com

For show notes and more resources:
https://mariemae.com/episode/69

Topics discussed:
-Corporate gifting
- Team appreciation
-Surprising your team
-Team building
-Setting team goals
-Boosting team morale

Sometimes the topics we want to avoid are the ones worth discussing.

One example? Letting go of clients.

But it’s sometimes a necessity in business - for them, for your team, and for you.

And while firing a client may not sound like something a “good office” would do … It really is about doing good by your people, following your values and making sure everyone is in alignment.

It’s about creating an environment you and your team succeed in.

I’ve had to do this recently, and don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely not easy.

But there are tactics to make it a little less painful for everyone involved.

Plus, they’ll help you avoid making any mistakes in the future while ensuring you’re looking out for everyone involved.

I’ll tell you a little about how firing my first client went, and how I worked with my team and took care of them (while also taking care of this client).

It should help you when you find yourself in this uncomfortable situation too.

Takeaways from this episode:
- When evaluating the direction you should go with a client, listen to your team and empower them by involving them in the decision.
- When ending a business relationship with a client, keep it brief. Don’t burn bridges and don’t get into the nitty-gritty about what they did wrong.
- It’s important to meet with your team. Discuss what went wrong, and what to do differently in the future, so you have guardrails in place to avoid getting in that situation again.

To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting

To learn more about Marie Mae and for more podcast resources:
www.mariemae.com/episode/68

Topics discussed:
- Firing clients
- Empowering your team
- Ending business relationships amicably
- Prioritizing your work culture
- Evaluating work relationships
- Learning from mistakes

The news has been heavy lately. (Then again, when is it not heavy?)

Hurricanes, earthquakes, war, the pandemic…

Finding the right way to respond both individually and as a leader can be paralyzing.

Maybe you want to give back, but all you can do is sit and wonder, but what can I do?

Yes, it can be hard to know where to begin. But how often do we end our thought process there?

I should do something, but what?

I’ve been there. I’ve surrendered to the overwhelming feelings and let it stop me in my tracks. It’s easier to stop there.

But I also know as a leader and a human, I want to be the type that acts.

Do you?

I’m here to give you a pep talk as someone who tries to bake good into my business wherever it makes sense. It starts with following through.

And you can do it, too.

Takeaways from this episode:

- It’s easy to get stuck in despair. Reframe your thinking from “I should do something” to “I’m going to do something, I just need to figure out what that is.”
- Don’t overcomplicate it. Doing good and making an impact often happens in small yet thoughtful ways.
- When you’re unsure of the best way to give back, it’s common to just donate. Donating is great—but the problem isn’t always a lack of funds. Consider your connections and ask questions to see if there is a better way you can help.

Topics discussed:
- Giving back as a business
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Donations
- Afghanistan
- Haiti
- Geopolitics

To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting

To learn more about Marie Mae and for more podcast resources:
www.mariemae.com/episode/67

The past year has been a time, hasn’t it?  Not only have we endured a global pandemic, but even everyday stresses have changed.

Maybe your business has suffered.

Maybe your relationships were tested.

Maybe peripheral friends dropped out of your life.

Or maybe you lost someone close to you.

Personally, I’ve been through a rough patch the past few months. And me being me, my instinct is to push through and never ask for help.

But it got to my breaking point, and I realized it was actually a long time coming. I needed to step back and acknowledge I needed to prioritize myself.

Frankly, it was time to allow myself to be human. I would’ve crashed and burned if I continued on the path I was on. It was time to heal and reset…and that’s okay.

We’re not robots. Leaders should demonstrate it’s okay to be vulnerable at work because if we manage our mental health first, and allow others to be human too, everything else will follow. It will make your office a kinder place to be.

So you could say the first step to having a good office is making sure you're in a good place as a leader.

Through sharing my own personal story, you’ll learn tips such as:
· The importance of managing your mental health
· Communicating with and relying on your teammates
· Why it’s okay to make yourself a priority
 
Takeaways from this episode:
- It's okay to admit when you're not doing well. It's okay to open up about your personal struggles at work … and leaders should model this.
- To be the type of leader you need to be, you have to put your oxygen mask on first.
- Don’t be afraid to take time off when you need it - and disconnect from your email too! You’ll come back refreshed with a better head on your shoulders.

Topics discussed:
- Mental health at the workplace
- Vulnerability at work
- Relying on your team / asking for help
- The importance of disconnecting
- COVID-19
-  Making it through rough patches

To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting

To learn more about Marie Mae and for more podcast resources:
www.mariemae.com/episode/65

Have you noticed each time you go to the doctor for an annual check-up, they’ll go ahead and schedule your next visit in advance? If we’re honest with ourselves, if the receptionist didn’t do this ahead of time we would probably forgo scheduling one at all (or forget to come back) - a lot can happen in a year!

The same goes for our business. How often do we check up and check in with our regular clients? Perhaps you already schedule 1-on-1s with your team. That’s great, but we should also extend it to customers. This can be a great learning opportunity for you and a chance to go above and beyond.

Food for thought:
- Touching base regularly with clients should be scheduled in advance. It doesn’t have to be a long meeting, just make the effort.
- Operationalize it: make the meeting recurring every quarter or every year, so long as it’s on the calendar. Preparations don’t have to dominate your time.
- If you discover there’s not much to discuss during your touch base, at least use it as a time to build rapport and strengthen your relationship.
- Open the door for them to discuss your relationship as a whole and if there’s anything you can do to make their lives easier or transactions smoother.
- Getting new leads is important, but maintaining existing relationships with clients is critical and should be a part of your strategy.
- Regular touch bases can also keep your services top-of-mind for your clients - adding to your bottom line.

Topics discussed:
- Touching base with clients
- Relationship building
- Being proactive with clients
- Planning ahead
- Leadership hacks

Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast

To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting

To learn more about Marie Mae:
https://mariemae.com/

The Good Office Podcast is 1 year old, and during that time you’ve heard from businesses trying to do good with their platform. Women-owned businesses, businesses run by minorities, and businesses that pay their workers fair and livable wages – through it all we’ve seen some common takeaways.

Marie Mae CEO and Founder Jillian Ryan shares the truth about businesses’ do-good strategies, some unconventional ways you can do good every day, and how to be kind to yourself through it all. She also has an exciting announcement about the podcast, so be sure to listen.

Topics discussed in this episode:
- Companies and charitable giving
- Giveback strategies
- Mental health
- Attention span
- Short storytelling
- Leadership

Takeaways from this episode:
- Learn to take care of your mental health, be kind to yourself, and model that behavior to your team.
- Being nice to people who interact with you counts as doing good in business.
- Most companies are trying to use their platform to do good, but many just don’t know how.
- Allow yourself to accept help when you need it.
- With how busy life can be, if you want someone to listen to what you’re saying, keep it brief.

To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting

To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/

To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com

Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/64

s The Good Office Podcast continues to inspire you this summer season to use your business as a force for good, Jillian takes a minute to revisit a special episode - one that takes us through the journey of the entrepreneur's mindset.

In this episode, Jillian talks with Donna Letier, co-founder of Gardenuity, which matches budding gardeners with the best plants for their region and season with convenient grow-it-yourself kits.

What you'll learn in this episode:
Donna’s journey as an entrepreneur and Gardenuity’s goal to connect people to wellness
How transparency about not only successes in business but also failures can help your venture grow in the long run
The benefits of approaching entrepreneurship with the mindset that it’s about learning and enjoying the process
Why it’s important to speak directly with your customers and hear their feedback
The importance of mindful moments and how they can help you practice gratitude and be more present

Topics discussed:
Entrepreneurship
Business
Gardening
Leadership
Wellness
Gratitude
Productivity

Key takeaways from this episode:
Gardenuity delivers customized container gardens across the country, with the mission of creating a personalized gardening experience and helping others ‘grow good.’
The company was built on the foundation of providing opportunities to find and grow gratitude in order to improve our mental and physical health.
Failures or obstacles in business are an important part of your story as an entrepreneur – they allow you to receive help or advice that can ultimately make you stronger.
Being open to the journey of building a business and gaining knowledge along the way is the best way to achieve longevity.
Hearing from customers about any challenges they may be having with your product or service will help you be more willing to pivot when needed – which has been especially important over the last year.
It’s important to find meaningful moments, and this can be as simple as stepping away from distractions and taking five minutes to be present with yourself.

For the full episode, please visit:
Episode 22: How to Align a Brand and Product Strategy to Enhance the Customer Experience
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/22

To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting

To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/

To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com

Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/63

Everyone suffers burnout at one point or another, but Dr. Julia Colangelo has tips to get out of a rut when it becomes chronic. An award-winning professor of mindfulness at Columbia University, she teaches people how to find their flow in both personal and professional life.

After coping with burnout as a social worker, she began a private practice for short-term stress reduction therapy. This new clientele taught her many people didn’t need therapy, they needed to recover from burnout, find their professional cheerleader, and recapture their joy.

You’ll learn how giving your time to causes you care about and aligning actions with your priorities can set you on an energized path. Connecting to causes you champion can also have a ripple effect that creates good in the world.

Takeaways from this episode:
- Preventing burnout and increasing happiness and creativity starts with enjoying what you’re doing. Think of the process as enhancing your life instead of preventing burnout.
- Activating your goals and finding purpose helps decrease anger and resentment, creating a kinder world of micro-actions that lead to macro-change.
- If you feel out of alignment with your values, pick one area to “turn the volume up” and the rest will be a domino effect.
- Surround yourself with people who align with your priorities in life, and avoid giving time or energy to those who criticize you or push back on your boundaries.
- If you’re not in the position to donate financially to causes you care about, think about how to instead give your time, resources, and knowledge, and be generous with it.  

Topics discussed in this episode:
- Burnout / stress
- Finding your flow
- Donating your time and strengths
- Professional coaching
- Living your values
- Setting boundaries

For the full episode and full list of resources, please visit:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/29
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting

To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/

To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com

Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes

Mindset is critical to overcoming any obstacles - and Lindsey Vertner, cofounder of Unleashed Woman, is living proof. The last thing she remembered was listening to music on the way back from her mother’s house before she found herself on life support following a near-fatal car wreck. She went brain dead multiple times and was told she’d be paralyzed, but she still walked out of the hospital a month later.

Achieving the extraordinary is not an accident. Today, Lindsey teaches ambitious leaders and female entrepreneurs how to master their mindset, drawing from her own experiences to craft a framework for living a first-class life. You’ll learn her 3 pillars of self and how that sets the foundation for you living your best life, and in turn, being able to give your best self to others.

Topics discussed in this episode:
- Mastering your mindset
- Affirmations
- Self-care
- Self-discipline
- Self-worth
- Removing self-limiting beliefs

Takeaways from this episode:
- You always have a choice: You can be a victim to your circumstances or become a victor over your obstacles.
- You can have the best systems and tools in the world, but without a healthy mindset that eliminates self-limiting beliefs, you’ll only get so far.
- If we don’t practice self-care, it leads down a path of mental, emotional, and eventually physical deterioration. Then we can’t give our best selves to serve others.
- We make time for the things that we decide to make time for.
- Self-care doesn’t mean buying expensive indulgences. Sometimes it’s saying no to people and maintaining boundaries in life.
- Do a time-audit to incorporate self-discipline in your life to determine if you’re intentional about where you devote your energy.
- If we don’t believe we deserve more, then we’ll continue to never achieve it and even sabotage our own success.

For the full episode and resources mentioned in this episode, please visit:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/42

To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting

To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/

To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com

Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com