What a scary experience I had this week. I gave a two-minute talk at an eWomenNetwork chapter event…just two minutes. That’s it. And somehow, those two minutes felt more intimidating than any workshop I’ve ever led. The interesting part? I won that speaking opportunity the month before—and from the moment I found out, I went straight into freak-out mode. For an entire month. I even attended a two-day speaking workshop (Speakonomics) just to feel more prepared. I practiced.

2026 has been quite a year so far. So much turmoil permeates our TV, social media feeds, communities, and everyday conversations. It feels like it’s everywhere. These environmental factors invade our thoughts and emotions, and even though most of it is out of our control, it’s so easy to get caught up in it all. And when I do, it takes a toll.

Hanukkah celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and freedom over oppression. I, along with Jews around the world, am lighting candles this week in honor of the tradition. But this year, it's with a heavy heart, as we mourn the loss of at least 15 Jews gunned down by a father and son in Australia while Jewish friends and families celebrated the first night of Hanukkah on a beautiful beach.