Achieve Education

A great “high-performance morning routine” example from Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan.

NBC News asked Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan: “What are the 3 things you have to do before 7 a.m.?”

His answer:

1. Read a lot — feed your mind before the day gets loud.
2. Check company email — know what is happening in the organization.
3. Exercise — build energy before demanding work begins.

The bigger lesson: high performers protect their mornings because mornings set the energy, awareness, and direction for the rest of the day.

What’s your “high performance morning routine”?

Grateful for the opportunity to present at a conference hosted by the San Diego County Office of Education on emotional safety, resilience, and regulation in education.

One of the most valuable insights I gained from my executive education program through Harvard Medical School is that true leadership begins with emotional regulation — not just for ourselves, but for the people we serve.

In education, regulation is the gateway to learning.

Before children can focus, listen, problem-solve, or grow, they first need to feel safe. When adults model calm, connection, and resilience, we create the conditions for children to feel safe, seen, and empowered to learn.

This is the heart of the work: helping children access their confidence, their thinking brain, and their full potential.

Because when we support the nervous system, we support the whole child.

MindSmart Learning powered by Achieve Education

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“Knowledge is intellectual.
Implementation is emotional.”

That is such a powerful truth.

So many people don’t struggle because they lack information. They struggle because taking action brings up fear, doubt, discomfort, perfectionism, and old stories about who they are or what they are capable of.

That’s why real growth is not just about knowing the next step.

It’s about building the emotional safety, identity, and courage to become the kind of person who takes that step anyway.

And that is exactly where transformation begins.

I’ve had the privilege of working with many strong-willed children over the years, and one thing I’ve learned is this:

A strong-willed child is not a “bad” child.

They are often determined, passionate, sensitive, independent, and full of leadership potential. In fact, many strong-willed children grow into strong leaders because they are willing to speak up, think for themselves, persist through challenges, and stand firm in what they believe.

With the right support, their strong will can become one of their greatest strengths.

I created resources to help parents better understand their strong-willed child and guide them with connection, structure, patience, and calm leadership.

Our goal is not to break their spirit — it is to help them become strong but kind, confident but respectful, independent but cooperative, and persistent but flexible.

I truly believe every child has unique strengths, and when we lead with connection, patience, and understanding, we help them feel safe, seen, and empowered to grow.

For more support, email: [email protected]

When one author meets another author…

There’s an instant connection.

Not just because we both understand the work that goes into writing a book, but because we understand the heart behind it.

Every page represents a story, a mission, and a hope that the right reader will find it at the right time.

Moments like this remind me that authors don’t just write books.

We create bridges.

What’s a book that has made a meaningful impact on your life?

What true impact looks like.

At a large conference, a reader found me just to share that my Glow book resonated with her own experience.

That moment reminded me that impact is not always loud.

Sometimes, impact is one person feeling seen.
One person feeling understood.
One person realizing they are not alone in their story.

As authors, educators, leaders, and creators, we often wonder if our work is reaching people.

Then a moment like this happens — and it reminds us why we keep showing up.

My question for you:
What is one moment when you realized your work, words, or presence made a meaningful impact on someone else?

Honored to be part of the speaking panel, “Perspectives from Bilingual Service Providers,” for a conference hosted by the Orange County Department of Education. Grateful for the opportunity to share, learn, and connect with others who are passionate about supporting bilingual students, families, and communities.