Radical Self-Care is Non-Negotiable.

Kindness and generosity is the way. However, if you focus on the care of your work deadlines, clients, and loved ones at the expense of your own self-care, and it has taken a toll, please keep reading.

Make a decision every day to embrace life, celebrate life—and be gentle with yourself. Be kind—to your body, to your mind, through whatever challenges you may be facing. You can be fiercely dedicated to this and make it a lifestyle.

Have reverence for yourself as if you were a holy person who is visiting your home.

Talk sweetly inside your mind to yourself. Slow down just enough to bring attention to that.

Imagine how you would treat a beloved family member or friend who is visiting you. Think of the little things you do to show your care for this person. You may prepare their favorite tea, put extra fluffy pillows on the sofa… extra details that will make them feel nurtured and loved. Borrow from that and use those same ideas to care for yourself lovingly. When you sit at your desk, be sure you are really really comfortable. Put a cozy blanket over your lap. Check that your environment is truly supporting you. Open windows and doors to have fresh air and oxygen circulating in your home or office. Have a practice of squeezing fresh lemons or oranges into your water in mason jars to make sure you stay hydrated every day. Little things can feel so nourishing and healthy. It is all a form of self-love—of kindness.

This is the precise way in which you should treat yourself, talk to yourself, love yourself—with absolute tenderness, and with an absolute commitment.

#longevity #success #selfleadership #kindness #selfcare #resilience #keynotespeaker #compassion

By Nurturing Love Alone, Life Blossoms Sweetly Within.

When we choose love, especially when we are challenged, it is a decision that is removing the need to control a situation, a narrative, a mis-perception, etc.

It may feel counter-intuitive but this shift creates such peace internally, because it moves us out of the ego. Everything becomes easier. Everything feels simpler. And suddenly there is a detachment from a certain intensity of the level of pain of the situation.

By nurturing love alone, life blossoms sweetly within.
❤️

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The Incomparable Art of Expressing Appreciation of Others

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I am a huge proponent of learning the art of expressing your appreciation for others. It sounds simple, but it can truly have a profound impact on your own mindset, and on the lives of the people around you—especially at work.

It’s exciting to catch someone doing something wonderful and to express to them our own joy about witnessing it. It’s a pleasure! And it creates immediate friendship—that feeling of them being seen.

It’s also making an active decision to take charge of how we want to show up, and how we want to feel. This is a way to take charge of our culture and radically transform our experience of our professional environment and our life. Simply expressing your care and appreciation for someone at work is YOU taking charge of your work culture. It’s like saying, “I see you…. I want the best for you… I’m on your side.”

We can each defiantly choose to bring goodness into the world, no matter what is happening. We can all bring more of the human element to our work and take care of each other. We can make it feel good being at work. And we can even make it fun!

Plus, when we choose to care for others, it lights us up! When we bring our love, care, and kindness to others we feel better. We feel radiant. And having this mindset changes everything.

Be the One℠

#keynotespeaker #BeTheOne #workculture #leadership #kindness #empathy #leadingwithempathy #retention #inspiration #burnout #burnoutprevention

Fighting for My Softness

For those who don’t know, years ago, I burned alive in a fire—trapped in a burning car. It was horrific. Somehow, I remember everything that happened inside that car. The recovery that followed—the debridement, the emotional pain—was almost as searing as the fire itself.

What astounds me to this day is that my journey to healing became one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life. After a long period of grieving and being consumed by the daily fight to recover, I finally came up for air. And in that moment, I realized: it was up to me to heal my life. It became clear that I had to take charge—to be in command of my thoughts, my decisions, and to make every moment count as I moved my life forward. What a gift.

That experience taught me an incredible lesson. What I learned in my healing journey later overflowed into every part of my life, shaping how I built my businesses and created success in my career.

One of my favorite revelations was how deeply suffering expanded my compassion for others—something I wouldn’t trade for anything. Whenever we go through hardship—whether it’s pain, betrayal, or loss—there’s potential for unexpected gifts. It’s definitely not something we want to hear in the middle of suffering, yet later, once we’ve made it to the other side, we can often see how the struggles shaped us, matured us, and made us better.

And yes, I had to fight hard to survive. I had to fight to heal. I had to fight to become stronger and more at peace than ever before. But I also noticed something else—I wanted my innocence back.

So, I began to fight for my softness to return. I fought for my gentleness to come back. And I got it back.

That, perhaps, was the most surprising part of my recovery. I never would have imagined it was possible.

This is why you will hear in my keynote, "The Fire Within" that you can be "tenderhearted AND fierce."

#resilience #mindset #healing #overcomingadversity #personalgrowth #keynotespeaker #leadership #compassion #workculture #motivation #inspiration #hope

Making the World a Better Place.

Please never underestimate the power of your kindness, presence, and care. The smallest moments of genuine compassion and positive intention create ripples that extend further than we can ever see.

In the wake of the recent airplane and helicopter crash, as well as the devastating fires and floods, we are reminded of how fragile life can be. We feel the anguish. Any one of us could be in their place.

But in the face of uncertainty, we have a choice—to keep our hearts open, to bring goodness into our world every single day.

This is the kind of stability that truly matters. And with steady resolve, we can each make the world a better place.

Be the One.

#keynotespeaker #BeTheOne #resilience #compassion #leadership

Leaders Who Lead With Heart

The greatest leaders I’ve had the privilege of working with as a keynote speaker lead with heart.

They bring genuine care, presence, and appreciation to every interaction—and it shows.

These leaders foster vibrant cultures where people feel seen, valued, and united. They create environments where challenges aren’t faced alone, but together, as a team.

When we take the time to truly be present with those around us, we ignite something powerful:

✨ Authentic relationships

✨ Deep loyalty

✨ Unshakable connections

It’s leadership in action.

It reminds me of the saying, “Sometimes you have to go slow to go fast.” Slowing down to show care may feel counterintuitive when you want to push projects forward, but it builds the kind of foundation with people that stands the test of time.

And honestly? It’s just a beautiful way to live.

So today, let's Be the One℠ who brings presence, care, and connection to those around us.

It changes everything.

*Artwork by me.

#leadership #keynotespeaker #betheone #workculture #resilience #authenticity #connection #leadershipinaction #mindsetmatters

On Hope

When we are struck with a challenge, the reflex is for worry or fear to take over. It's very human. However, the thoughts that follow fear, are not always helpful, productive, or accurate. It can be like bending iron to center ourselves, yet, it is so worth the work. Transcend your fear by going to a deep place of trust within yourself that you will find your way. At the same time, we can still take the action needed to better our situation. Have hope!

#keynotespeaker

Be the One℠

For so many of us, we don’t have a witness to our lives... especially in our work.

So many people work in isolation - maybe even from home or in closed off work spaces.

So, when you see someone’s greatness, YOU are the WITNESS.

It’s exciting to catch someone doing something wonderful and to express to them in detail our own joy about witnessing it. It’s a pleasure!

And it creates immediate friendship—from that feeling of them being seen.

You might think that a person doesn’t need to hear how fantastic they are at something - but everyone deserves to hear it, and on a regular basis!

Not only does this inspire motivation but it can also help heal so muchloneliness in the world.

Be ready to give a gift like this.

Let the sweetness of this change your life. Doing this is also making an active decision to take charge of how WE want to show up, and how WE want to feel.

We can each defiantly choose to bring goodness into the world, no matter what is happening.Instead of waiting for the WORLD to give us what we want and crave… We can make the decision to GIVE what we want to receive.

To Be the One.

(This is from my new keynote!)

#keynotespeaker #retention #leadership #workculture #betheone #selfleadership

A Guiding Light to Start the Day

Intention. Presence. Let these words be a guiding light every morning. Whether you are leading a team, working remotely at home, caring for your loved ones, or aiming for personal growth, it all starts with the simple yet profound practice of introspection, authenticity, and aligning your actions with your core values. Embracing personal sovereignty is truly empowering.

Living with Bouyant Aliveness

Chasing happiness is tempting in our culture. Sure, it's fun! AND, there is an alternative that is equally fulfilling, if not more: It is connecting so deeply to your center, to a place of ease, and the knowing of, "I am enough, just as I am, today, and always." Resting in that is so healthy and life-giving. We can chase our ambitions from this place, and achieve so much more—from a place of bouyant aliveness.

Keep Your Face in the Sunshine

As we come to the close of the year, keep your face in the sunshine and your heart wide open—take a moment to truly feel the impact of your efforts, the care you’ve poured into others, and the goodness you’ve brought into the world.

From this place of vibrant gratitude, we can step boldly into 2025. Exhilarate your hopes. Dream bigger than you think possible, and trust the pull of new possibilities.

Here's something I like to remember: Goodness often hides in the ordinary moments—the quiet victories, the kindness shared, and the bravery of showing up even when the road felt steep. Celebrate it all. Each step you’ve taken this year has prepared you for the brilliance waiting ahead.

So, as the new year unfolds, let’s walk forward with audacious hope, boundless curiosity, and a spark of wonder for what’s to come.

Cheers to a year ahead filled with light, meaning, connection, and delight!

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Interview with Allison Massari on the 3M Podcast

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Burnout Prevention Support

If you or someone you know has experienced burnout, this conversation, in this podcast will be truly supportive. Click Here to Listen: https://allisonmassari.com/burnout-prevention-keynote-speaker

Alleviating burnout is top of mind for everyone right now, in every industry. I was invited by 3M to discuss a fresh perspective on burnout in healthcare—and beyond—on their podcast. I share new ideas and insights that I hope will help many people. I’m excited to share this with you. Please share this with anyone you care about.

“In the fullness of true resilience you don’t just survive—you become a better version of yourself on every level. You become a force of light.”



#keynotespeaker #burnout #resilience #healthcare #retention #hr #compassion #selfcare #kindness #patience

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A Profound Story About One of My Nurses

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This might be one of my most special posts and stories to share with you: For years, many of you have heard me tell the stories in my keynotes about the extraordinary nurses that cared for me on the burn unit - It was their kindness, presence, and their compassion.

One poignant memory, I have always had is a particular nurse that leaned over the bed rails and grabbed my hand in a moment that somehow stayed with me for 26 years. I ALWAYS wondered who this nurse was and I never forgot her. Every time I give my speech, I see her in my mind’s eye when I share that moment. Well, last week I had the privilege of speaking for the hospital that cared for me, Tampa General Hospital. It was a full circle, unbelievable event with all of their leaders.

After my keynote, this woman came up to me, held my hand and introduced herself to me saying she had cared for me. You can see in the second photo below that someone happened to capture this moment! After 26 years I was blown away in that moment I recognized her! Can you believe this? It was completely obvious that it was HER the one who leaned over the bed rails that day who I never forgot! She had a very distinct presence and energy and when she held my hand I recognized her! Can you believe that life has given me this gift to find her? I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am that I was given this gift! To see her, hug her, tell her how much she meant to me, and to know that she heard the story in the speech that day!

We rarely get the opportunity to find people who touched our lives in passing. Today I want to remind you that life can be so magical like this. I am in AWE.

This post is also a reminder that we cannot underestimate how our kindness and our presence with other people extends through time.

What you have done in your life - caring for others, even strangers - is so powerful. Every act of kindness counts!

The little moments are the big moments.


#keynotespeaker #healthcare #healthcarekeynotespeaker #Compassion #kindness #nurses #gratitude #heart #love #empathy



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Staying Centered in Life

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To stay centered in life, I recommend printing this poem, "The Paradoxical Commandments" and keeping it on your desk, near your bed, or on your bathroom mirror. This message is so beautiful and helpful:

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered,
LOVE THEM ANYWAY
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives,
DO GOOD ANYWAY
If you are successful,
you win false friends and true enemies,
SUCCEED ANYWAY
The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow,
DO GOOD ANYWAY
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable,
BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY
What you spent years building may be
destroyed overnight,
BUILD ANYWAY
People really need help
but may attack you if you help them,
HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY
Give the world the best you have
And you’ll get kicked in the teeth,
GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU HAVE ANYWAY.

*The Paradoxical Commandments were written by Kent M. Keith when he was 19, a sophomore at Harvard College.

Mother Teresa put a condensed version of the Paradoxical Commandments up on the wall of her children’s home in Calcutta. According to Lucinda Vardey, in Mother Teresa: A Simple Path (New York: Ballantine Books, 1995), page 185, there was “a sign on the wall of Shishu Bhavan, the children’s home in Calcutta.” The above is what the sign said.

Thank you dearly to Kent M. Keith.❤

(Artwork by me.)

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Grateful to my Hero, on this Veterans Day

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Today I am celebrating Veterans Day and my heart is full. It was a Vietnam veteran named Roger Pepper who saved my life, pulling me from this burning car in 1998. I was trapped inside and he ran into the fiery scene. I remember the very moment we caught eyes when I was inside, so afraid, and in so much pain. Then he kicked the glass out, and pulled me out. The story could have ended there, but for years (until he passed away) he always called to check on me to be sure I was ok. He was so kind to me. He cared. He is a true hero, alongside every veteran.

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