U-TURNS
U-turns is a blog for lifelong learners who want to continue to expand their leadership and communication skills.
Diversity – A Critical Component of Leadership
April is diversity month! Having had the pleasure of working with hundreds of leaders since our inception we wanted to share and reflect on the importance of diversity and some lessons we have worked hard to impart to our students over the years. Lesson #1: Diversity...
Let Your Leadership Bloom
One of the best parts about springtime in Arizona is watching the desert come to life with beautiful colors and blooms. In particular, the rich diversity of cacti always seem to be a hit with locals and tourists alike. As we transition into springtime there are a...
The Gina Jonas “Play Big” Honorary Seat
WHO IN YOUR LIFE would U want to experience this powerful journey that is U the Communicator? In honor of Gina and the many lives she touched and all that she gave to shape U the Communicator into what it is today, we are awarding someone “The Gina Jonas ‘PLAY BIG’ Honorary Seat” in ALL future U the Communicator classes.
5 Reasons You Should Set Big Goals (Now!)
Don’t think setting goals really works? Read this for five reasons on why you should create big, bold goals—NOW!
Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable: Here’s Why
Why get comfortably uncomfortable? Because everything you want lies just outside your comfort zone.
How to Stay Cool When a Situation Heats Up
Tips for staying calm in the face of a communication firestorm.
Summer Referral Contest
What makes our hearts go pitter-patter and sets our butterflies aflutter? Double graduations! And if you've attended or been part of one of these magical ceremonies in the past, you know why! On Sunday, August 13, 2017, we'll be raising the roof for two new classes of...
Alumni Spotlight: Talking Vision Boards and Nonprofits with Lauri Erickson
U the Leader graduate Lauri Erickson has a vision for 2017 and it’s beautifully crafted as artwork in her office for all to see. Learn more about this dynamic business owner and how her vision can help you create yours. Like many U & Improved graduates, Lauri...
2016 Reflections: It’s time to Settle UP!
U & Improved’s founder Jodi Low reflects on 2016 and what lies ahead.
Introducing the U & Improved Leadership Foundation
It’s always amazing to me what can happen when a spark of an idea is ignited by the fire of a generous, forward-thinking community. It was 2014 when I stood before a crowd of people at a U & Improved graduation and announced we were creating a new class—U the Teen...
Meet Trainer Dean Katris
A dedicated father of four with a huge heart, meet U the Leader master trainer Dean Katris!
5 Simple Ways to Sharpen Your Listening Skills
Hey Communicators—Listen Up! So many times when we think of people who are powerful communicators, we think of the "sage on the stage"—people standing center stage who have the audience in the palm of their hands. While the power to command an audience is certainly...
What’s Love Got to Do with It?
What’s really beneath money, the recognition and the quest for meaningful work? Don’t we all truly want to love and be loved? To be understood, valued and part of thriving team that relies on each other through the ups and downs of everyday life? Our founder Jodi Low gets to the heart of the matter of what love means in the workplace.
Meet Trainer Deno Paolini
Meet Deno Paolini, our lead trainer for U the Warrior and U the Samurai classes!
Top Motivational Quotes of the Year
As we welcome in a new year, it’s alway fascinating to look back on the motivational quotes that resonated with us in 2015. What was your favorite?
Reflections on 2015: My Wish for U
As we prepare for a new year, founder Jodi Low shares her reflections on the year and the excitement ahead.
My U&I Story: Chris Haro
Social media expert Chris Haro shares his U & Improved story.
Collective Leadership: Inspiring Collaboration
How collective leadership could benefit you and your organization.
Are Leaders Born, Bred or Built?
Are leaders born or bred? An age old question. In my opinion, the answer is: Both.
My U&I Story: Anthony Luongo
U the Leader graduate Anthony Luongo shares his experience and pays it forward.