The TV show Suits offers more than just legal drama and sharp dialogue. It reveals deep insights about leadership, power, and trust that apply far beyond the courtroom. Watching the characters navigate high-stakes situations uncovers lessons that every leader can learn from. Three stand out clearly: throwing folders at people is a powerful act, having your name on the wall is a lonely journey, and trust is everything but fragile. These lessons are not just about law firms or

Have you ever worked for a company whose motto promised respect, integrity, and teamwork, but the reality felt completely different? When a company’s stated values do not match their actions, it creates a deep conflict for employees. This conflict is not just frustrating, it causes cognitive dissonance, a mental discomfort that lingers and affects how you see yourself and your work. If you were laid off this year, this post is especially for you. The stigma around layoffs oft

You know the feeling when you open an email that starts with a blunt “No,” and it immediately shuts down any chance of a constructive conversation? That small moment can set the tone for frustration and stalled progress. If you’re a manager, you’ve likely faced this or other actions that make your workday feel and be harder. But what if these annoyances could become opportunities for growth and better teamwork? Every next level of your life will require a different you (Leona

Change is everywhere around us. We scroll endlessly through social media, craving quick updates and fresh trends. Yet, when it comes to our work life, many of us resist change fiercely. We want everything outside of ourselves to evolve, but we cling tightly to our routines, systems, and familiar environments. This contradiction reveals a deeper truth: we are more impatient than ever, but uncomfortable with the discomfort that change brings. In this post, we will explore why c

Change often arrives uninvited, wrapped in promises of improvement and progress. Yet, when a new initiative is announced, many of us feel a knot of frustration, distrust, or even resentment. You might find yourself thinking: Why wasn’t I consulted? How will I find time for this with everything else on my plate? And why does this have to come from someone I barely get along with? These feelings are common, but they raise an important question: are you resisting the change its

Change often meets resistance. When leaders push new initiatives, they frequently encounter hesitation, skepticism, or even outright opposition. This reaction can feel frustrating or discouraging. Yet, resistance is not a roadblock; it is a signal. It reflects pride, loyalty, and commitment from the people involved. Understanding this human side of change takes time, but the payoff is worth the effort. Teams adopt changes faster, morale improves, and resilience grows. This po

Meaningful conversations often start with a simple shift in perspective. When we open ourselves to new ways of seeing the world, we invite fresh ideas that challenge our assumptions and deepen our understanding. This post explores how perspective shapes the ideas we share and how those ideas can ignite conversations that matter. Why Perspective Matters Perspective is more than just a point of view. It shapes how we interpret information, respond to challenges, and connect wit

I finally went for it. I published my first LinkedIn article today. I put so much pressure on myself and kept on going back to what I have always told my clients. Stop looking for reasons to delay and stop seeking perfection. Take the very first step and refine from there. So I did it and I honestly feel relieved. I'll leave you to it. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-can-we-use-resistance-productive-way-isabel-hagan-sbmme

Yes. I disappeared. I did not blog for a really long time. I do promise that I was still mentally present and wishing I had the drive to write something. Anything. When life happens you have hard choices to make. Though, putting the blog and side business on partial hold was a relatively easy decision for me with what was going on at the time. Family health issues related. Those very close to me know what I am talking about. Work-wise could not have been better. Thriving, act

So many things. So little time. So we think. There are many angles I can take this thought that is running through my body. Not just my head. And I say that intentionally, because the stress I choose to live under is reflected physically. Stress is a choice. Most times, a conscious choice. We choose to do things, or not do things. We choose to say things or not say things. We choose to make decisions or not make decisions. I know you get the picture, but the point is that we

Finally created my first advertisement piece. Share far and wide! Enjoy! :-)

My birthday is this week. So many things to consider as I age another year. I have reached a point in my life where I am prioritizing my mental well being and that starts with catching my own triggers, working at them and really being present with my family. This year for me has been very special and groundbreaking professionally. I am in my element and could not be more thrilled about it. I will be a year older as a friend, a sister, a cousin, an aunt, a mom and a wife. One

Sitting in my room, overlooking my backyard and I can overhear the party my neighbors are having. I can see a bounce house and a tent. Great music playing. Beautiful sunny afternoon. My body is achy. My voice is scratchy. Torn between sitting outside to take in the fresh air or just staying where I am. Comfortable on my chair in my room with my sparkly water. In time of sickness one tends to reflect on things, in life. Right? This summer went by fast. We had a good amount of

From taking my big career leap and embarking in the private sector journey, I have felt an incredible amount of self power. I am embracing my discipline and have not felt so connected with my work, like I do now. MY PURPOSE! I had the pleasure to engage with three Level Up Insights clients recently. One in particular, after a couple of months of thorough preparation and imminent self discovery, culminated with THE job offer! I cannot express how much I live for this. From th

2022 started with a bang! I received an interview invitation that ultimately became the job offer I dreamed of! Yes, I put in my resignation and became an official member of "The Great Resignation" or "The Great Reshuffle" as other analysts call it. I sensed the change was coming. It was inevitable. The energy I put out to the universe was returned, with sparkles. I was READY. Yes, all caps. Very intentional. I was mentally open and prepared to receive opportunities. I gave m

I am delighted to report that I have picked up three new clients through referrals and worked with four returning clients. I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to stay busy doing something I love so much. Besides this, I've been providing a little marketing support for my husband's landscaping business so my evenings and some weekends have been very fun. The great resignation is still taking place across the country and the secret question remains...will I be n

I had been thinking about my next post for several weeks now. Knowing I have to. Wanting to write. But, there goes the time. Time spent on everything else, on other things, resumes, family... In just a few days it will be one year. One year of Level Up Insights becoming a reality. One year to celebrate and be grateful for. The support I've received has been incredible. Thank you. Thank you all very much for considering me and for believing in me.

I've never really liked using the word "busy." It is such a catch all phrase, "I've been so busy." But what does that really mean? Probably distracted is what we really mean. Paying attention to social media nonsense, texting family and friends, watching too much TV, going out to restaurants, being tired, neglecting chores here and there, and of course, working. Working a lot, working very hard, and staying busy. With the reopening of the things, we slowly but surely start t

And I am officially published with a domain! I am very excited to go public. I will still be in low key mode, but will crank up with branding and marketing to get some items ready to go. The support of my friends is invaluable! You all know who you are. Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for your advice and your check ins. It means the world to me! Now it is time to get busy and make the world a better place! Love yourself. :-)

Lots of things have been taking place in the Hagan household. My husband purchased a business and we have been dedicating all our attention and efforts to build content and push out some marketing materials. In the world of landscaping, there are a lot of similarities in the business approach, so we are trying to differentiate ourselves a little. Or a lot. Probably a lot. In the meantime, I have continued to publish weekly material in my LinkedIn group. I am really enjoying