vgrubb@valgrubb.com 
(323) 229-2263
The Year of the Right Yes
In 2026, effective leadership is not about saying yes to more responsibilities. It is about learning how to say yes more intentionally. This article explains […]
The Year of the Right Yes Read More »
Val’s Street-Smart Management Blog
How Do Communities Outside of Work Help You Find Balance and Succeed at Work?
Communities outside of work help leaders find balance by providing emotional support, perspective, and a sense of identity beyond their job. These connections reduce burnout,
How Do Communities Outside of Work Help You Find Balance and Succeed at Work? Read More »
How to End the Year Strong (Without Losing Your Mind!)
With tons of end-of-year work commitments and a calendar full of seasonal social obligations, December can make you feel out of breath — and stressed
How to End the Year Strong (Without Losing Your Mind!) Read More »
How to Manage Flight Delays and Travel Disruptions Right Now
Flight delayed? Canceled? Or just stuck in travel limbo wondering what to do next? You’re not alone. With the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cutting air
How to Manage Flight Delays and Travel Disruptions Right Now Read More »
How High Achievers Manage Stress Without Losing Momentum
High achievers thrive on momentum—but constant pressure can take its toll. When you’re wired to perform, slowing down feels impossible, yet burnout is a real
How High Achievers Manage Stress Without Losing Momentum Read More »
How to Say No to an Unreasonable Client Without Losing Your Cool—or the Contract
Dealing with a client who’s flat-out wrong—and refuses to listen—is one of the toughest professional challenges you’ll ever face. This article breaks down five practical
How to Say No to an Unreasonable Client Without Losing Your Cool—or the Contract Read More »
How to Lead in Ambiguity
As a leader, you’re charged with making decisions. In order to make those decisions, you need to gather all the good information you can. Sometimes,
How to Lead in Ambiguity Read More »
How to Respond When Peer Accountability Gets Personal: What to Do When THEIR Mistakes (or Misses) Affect YOUR Work
It’s only reasonable to expect people to live up to their commitments, especially when other people are depending on them. Through encouragement, setting clear expectations
How to Manage Employees Who Are Pissed Off About Returning to the Office
The return to the office is a big transition for both you and your employees. Not everyone will be happy about this, so you need
How to Manage Employees Who Are Pissed Off About Returning to the Office Read More »
How to Get Rid of What Isn’t Working: Spring Cleaning for Leaders
It’s time to sort through and organize the contents of your leadership toolbox! How much of your leadership style did you inherit from someone else’s
How to Get Rid of What Isn’t Working: Spring Cleaning for Leaders Read More »
How to Navigate an Unexpected Job Loss
A surprise (and likely involuntary) job loss presents some very real challenges, especially in a super competitive job market. Before you start to panic and
How to Navigate an Unexpected Job Loss Read More »
How to Move Up the Chain of Command in your Organization
Before you can set ambitious career goals, you need to understand the responsibilities of each level of leadership. Working your way up from director/manager to
How to Move Up the Chain of Command in your Organization Read More »
How to Step Up your Leadership Game in 2025
Great leaders in 2025 (and beyond) must be able to adapt to rapid changes in the economy, technology, and workforce dynamics. The responsibilities of (and
How to Step Up your Leadership Game in 2025 Read More »
Surrounding Yourself With People Who Matter
The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best. —Epictetus As 2024 winds to a
Surrounding Yourself With People Who Matter Read More »
Psyching Yourself Up for the Final Push
December is here—and that means we have less than a month left to finish up our projects for 2024. How are you feeling about that?
Psyching Yourself Up for the Final Push Read More »
Getting in the Right Frame of Mind to Deliver Difficult Feedback
Feedback is the breakfast of champions. —Ken Blanchard I’m a firm believer in the power of feedback in the workplace. After all, how can
Getting in the Right Frame of Mind to Deliver Difficult Feedback Read More »
Better Leadership through Better People Management
Leadership is influence. —John C. Maxwell Bill Bradley declared, “Leadership is unlocking people’s potential to become better.” You don’t do that “unlocking” by putting
Better Leadership through Better People Management Read More »
Better Leadership through Trust
You must trust and believe in people or life becomes impossible. —Anton Chekhov An effective leader must possess strong skills in several key areas,
Better Leadership through Trust Read More »
How to Survive Air Travel
Flying might not be all plain sailing, but the fun of it is worth the price. —Amelia Earhart Traveling by plane has never been
How to Survive Air Travel Read More »
Mid-Year Check-In: Are Your Goals for 2024 in Sight?
As 2023 drew to a close, I reminded you that “the end of the year is a prime time for reflecting on how we can
Mid-Year Check-In: Are Your Goals for 2024 in Sight? Read More »