Patricia Phelan - Executive Storyteller & Digital Communications Consultant

03/10/2026

International Women’s Day is sitting differently with me this year.

Maybe it’s because my son is getting married soon. ❤️

Big life moments have a way of making you look back at the people who shaped you.

Lately, I keep catching myself thinking, “I wish I could call my mom and tell her about this.”

I’m sure you can relate.

It’s been a few years since she passed, but what surprises me most is that the feeling isn’t just loss anymore.

It’s gratitude. ☺️

The old adage is true - if you didn’t love someone deeply, you wouldn’t miss them the way you do.

And boy do I miss her.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

My mom was extraordinary in the quietest way.

She married my dad at 18.
Had my sister at 19.
Raised three kids.

And when we were older, she decided to start her career.

She went to Katherine Gibbs, earned her secretarial degree, and started working at Bell Labs in the secretarial pool. She was the person they called when someone couldn’t make it in - like a substitute teacher, but for the office.

She kept showing up.
She kept working.
She kept learning and growing.

Oh yeah. And raising her kids and running a family. 😁

Eventually, she moved into a permanent role and later managed her own staff in HR.

What I remember most?

My mom never talked about her accomplishments. She was always very matter of fact. Just worked incredibly hard to do her job well.

She was humble. Steady. Focused.

And to me, that’s really cool.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Looking back, I realize something funny.

My life followed a similar path.

I had kids at an early age.

And later in life (close to the age of 40) I built a career from scratch - starting a business back when most people didn’t even know how to pronounce LinkedIn.

…. (Read more)

International Women’s Day is sitting differently with me this year. Maybe it’s because my son is getting married soon. ❤️ Big life moments have a way of making you look back at the people who shaped you. Lately, I keep catching myself thinking, “I wish I could call my mom and tell her abou...

10/24/2025

𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 🔥

Have you ever noticed this? 🤔

Anytime we’re in motion (work, relationships, life) we’re either running towards something or running away from something.

We can’t do both at the same time‼️

And our attention is either behind us or in front of us and we choose where it goes.

Woah.. 😳

Yesterday, I pondered this on my thinking walk. I do these daily to spend time doing just that - thinking.

About work.
Family.
Life.

It's the daily upload I may need which is entertaining new ways of doing things. Or the download I need, where I purge that critical thinking tape I run in my head.

It's a win - or a yikes - but it's time well spent. 😄

It really makes sense though. Most of of our days are spent running to or away from something.

Based on a fear or a desire to achieve something new in a positive way.

So as the year winds down, ask yourself a few questions.

✔️ What have you been running toward?
✔️ What have I been running away from?
✔️ And why have I set these goals in the first place?

Because here’s the thing.

The good thing you may have missed. 😃

💡 You’ve crossed finish lines this year you once couldn’t even see.
💡 You've endured seasons you didn’t think you could handle.
💡 You've become stronger, more reslient and smarter as a result.

Celebrate that.
Reflect on it.
Then - the most important part..

Reboot. ⭐

For me, I try to do my best to set goals that are built from my own spark - not based on fear, not pressure, not for approval. That’s when my soul cup starts to refill.

Even better, that’s when the path ahead actually feels like its mine. For me.

Then it's the real deal. 😊

When you choose the road on purpose, it always looks more colorful – and more rewarding too.

What (true to you) goals are you setting that fuel your fire?

Let this passion light your way as you run towards 2026. 💗

hashtag hashtag hashtag

**𝘏𝑒𝘳𝑒 𝑎𝘳𝑒 𝑠𝘰𝑚𝘦 𝘱ℎ𝘰𝑡𝘰𝑠 𝑓𝘳𝑜𝘮 𝘮𝑦 𝑓𝘢𝑣𝘰𝑟𝘪𝑡𝘦 𝘴𝑝𝘰𝑡𝘴 𝘭𝑜𝘤𝑎𝘵𝑒𝘥 𝘪𝑛 𝑁𝘢𝑣𝘦𝑠𝘪𝑛𝘬 𝘢𝑛𝘥 𝘚𝑎𝘯𝑑𝘺 𝘏𝑜𝘰𝑘, 𝘕𝐽. 𝘞𝑎𝘭𝑘𝘪𝑛𝘨 𝘣𝑦 𝑡𝘩𝑒 𝑤𝘢𝑡𝘦𝑟 𝑦𝘰𝑢 𝑐𝘢𝑛 𝑎𝘭𝑤𝘢𝑦𝘴 𝘧𝑖𝘯𝑑 𝑠𝘰𝑚𝘦 𝘵𝑟𝘦𝑎𝘴𝑢𝘳𝑒𝘴 𝘢𝑙𝘰𝑛𝘨 𝘵ℎ𝘦 𝘸𝑎𝘺 𝘸ℎ𝘪𝑙𝘦 𝘦𝑛𝘫𝑜𝘺𝑖𝘯𝑔 𝑠𝘰𝑚𝘦 𝘱𝑟𝘦𝑡𝘵𝑦 𝑠𝘵𝑒𝘭𝑙𝘢𝑟 𝑣𝘪𝑒𝘸𝑠, 𝘵𝑜𝘰.

09/11/2025

It may have been 24 years ago, but it still feels like yesterday.

Our small town in New Jersey, (a suburb of NYC) was rocked to its core. But responded with wide-open hearts for those who needed it most.

A community that literally wrapped its arms around one another.

As both my kids are commuting to NYC right now, I am in a moment of reflection, and like to share it with you.

Eleven years ago I wrote, 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟵/𝟭𝟭 - 𝗔 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁, but it still rings true today.

As I sit here on my front porch on this beautiful, crisp, not-a-cloud-in-the-sky September day by the Jersey Shore, it’s remarkably like it was back in 2001.

My story may be like many of yours, when our community truly became one family.

It’s about a small town with a big heart - and more.

Let’s continue to honor the lives we have lost as well as the families and friends they left behind. And the first responders, the courageous men and women who put their own lives on the line in the utmost act of bravery..

And let us strive to be the people we were on September 12th - united, compassionate and one.

May we continue to remember. Not just today, but every day.

We will never forget.

My story https://lnkd.in/egUPDH-B
#911

As I sit at my kitchen table and type this note, I realize that this is exactly where I sat 13 years ago today, watching my morning shows while getting ready for the day. Living in a suburb of NYC - we are literally a 45 minute boat ride away from the city.

07/17/2025

From Zoom Screens to Real Scenes: Philly, You Stole My Heart 😍

Yesterday, I did something special.

I had the chance to meet with my clients in person for the first time in Philadelphia. And let me tell you, it hit different.

As many of you can agree, there’s just something about seeing someone face-to-face. Hearing their real voice, watching the body language, feeling their energy. I guess you could tell there was quite a vibe - boy, was it fantastic.

And the best part? 😃

The voices they use in person.
The conversations they have in real life..
Are totally in sync with their LinkedIn voice.

Authentic. Real. Fabulous.

This always reminds me why I started my career in the first place.

Some call me Oz behind the curtain helping to create your online personality that is congruent with your live version - the authentic (and cool) you.

💡 That’s not business-to-business.
💡 That’s person-to-person.

In this digital world, this connection matters more than ever.

✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨

Over this past year, the progress they’ve made has blown me away. As I often refer to to myself as LinkedIn mom, it's been a pleasure watching each of them own (and cultivate) their unique voice, lean into strategy, and show up with confidence. And grow.

A very proud mom, indeed. 🙂

Talking about those wins in real time, not just on Zoom or Microsoft Teams, truly is a whole different level of powerful.

And the best part?

We had a good laugh, too.

While I was in there talking about the importance of ringing bells and making noise on LinkedIn, my husband was out sightseeing - texting me a photo of (yep) the Liberty Bell.

You can’t make it up. 💥🛎️

✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨

So whether it’s a strategy call, a team celebration, or a road trip selfie - ring the da** bell.

Keep making some noise.
Because connection isn’t built by playing small.

Philly, thank you for the spark. 🔥
Team, you crushed it. 🙌

Keep fanning the flame, ringing the bell and bringing your A game to the table, as always.

Your voice matters more than ever. And we are definitely listening. 💕 ✨

06/19/2025

True story. ❤️

05/30/2025

Last week in Cape Cod, I walked into a breakfast spot and left with a lesson in leadership. ☕ ✨

Our first morning of vacation, Steve and I stopped in The Captain’s Table - a cozy little breakfast and lunch spot right there on Main Street. The owner greeted us with a smile the minute we walked in and our sweet waitress came right over, chatting like we were old friends. 😍

From that moment on, conversation flowed - just like the coffee. ☕

It was so much fun.

We talked about birds nesting in potted plants (right there on their patio), college graduations (congrats, Lyvia!) and life on the Cape.

And then - just like magic - someone nearby eating breakfast alone joined in. 💫

Turns out, Brian owns a local gym after a successful journey is entrepreneurship (and a NJ guy) who loves this place as much as we do.

One simple meal turned into a meaningful connection. 😃

No scripts.
No strategy.
Just people - being people.

Suddenly, breakfast became community

✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨

𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗲. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲. 💡

It’s the energy you bring to the table and how you welcome people in.

Whether it's..

The board table.
The breakfast table.
The Captain’s Table.

It’s about how you make people feel. 😍

No matter if you are leading a team at your breakfast place or a team at a national company - culture starts with connection

And connection starts with presence.

Not only is the scenery absolutely gorgeous - the people, even better. What an unexpected anniversary gift this was for us.

See you at the table next year, Chatham! 💗

04/25/2025

A Mom Story

Before I was LinkedIn Mom, I was a Mom.

Still am. And it’s the best job in the world. 😊

And here’s a little story I’d like to share with you on this special day.

I remember a little over 28 years ago when I was pregnant, my doc asked me what day I wanted to deliver my baby.

Since she was scheduled to be a c-section, I thought it would be neat to have her a day before my 29th birthday. For some reason, I had a sense of intuition to choose that day.

What a present that would be! 🎁

Although her due date wasn't until mid May, my doctor reassured me that it was a safe date to deliver, especially since her big brother was almost 10 lbs. After 24 hours and an emergency c-section, that little big guy robustly said hi to the world almost three years prior.

So my doc thought this may be a similar delivery, minus the 24 hours of craziness. 😳

💫💫💫💫💫

When I arrived to the hospital on my scheduled due date for Maddie, I remember my nurse telling me that I was in labor. I thought, that's weird, I really am not due for a few more weeks.

But I was.

Well, it was a good thing I chose that date to have my girl.

Turns out, we had some complications that led to a few scary moments. After she was born, they rushed Maddie to ICU for her labored breathing. Had I delivered her naturally, there could have been very serious complications for both of us. That's a story for another day.

But we were okay.

Everything ended up to be just fine, thank goodness.

I was able to see my little 7 lb bundle of joy the next day - on my birthday. And she was breathing on her own. ❤️

How ironic it was I chose April 25th to deliver Maddie. And, how lucky I was to follow my intuition. It truly led me to exactly the right moment to bring her into the world.

It's like she chose her day. 😇

💫💫💫💫💫

Since then, I have often noticed that Maddie has a wicked gut instinct. Her sense of intuition, coincidence and saying exactly what you think or doing exactly what needs to be done before saying it - is how she rolls.

Literally, it's not unusual for her to finish your sentence or call you exactly when you are thinking of her.

Happens all the time.

I never thought about how she came into the world until today. Since my parents passing, I think about spiritual stuff more, and I really do believe the angels were on our side the day our Maddie came into the world.

And they sent us one, too.😃

I followed my intuition delivering her on the 25th. But in reality, I think it was Maddie giving me a nudge saying, "Yoo hoo, I think I'd like that day for my bday, please." ❤️

💫💫💫💫💫

So today, I’d like to give a little shout out to my daughter, Madison.

Happy Birthday to my little birthday buddy, who continues to inspire me every single day.

How lucky the angels shared you with us.

I can’t wait to see what #28 brings along the way! ❤️

04/24/2025

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲. 💫

Your reality.

Pay attention to what you’re listening to, because that eventually dictates what you’re going to say and do.

In a negative or positive way. 💡

What motivates you?
Who do you listen to to recharge?

Here’s a few of my favorites:

Check out:
✔️ Mel Robbins - author of recent publication - "Let Them"
✔️ Lewis Howes - host of "The School of Greatness" podcast
✔️ Dr. Joe Dispenza - author of "You Are the Placebo"
✔️ Tony Robbins - who doesn't know him? 🙂 I love his podcasts.

It’s like a reboot for mind, body and soul.

My walks in the woods have become sacred classrooms.

✨✨✨✨✨

“What you listen to and who you listen to is shaping your mindset more than you realize. Guard your ears like you guard your time.” Gary Vaynerchuk

What do you like to listen to to re? Would love to add to my collection.

*In honor of my bday this Saturday, I will be treating myself to extra "thinking walks" in the woods to enjoy this beautiful spring weather. To include more downloads on Audible/new podcasts. Any recommendations appreciated! *

✨✨✨✨✨

Happy Thursday!

04/16/2025

Here's a little LinkedIn trick I bet you didn't know. 🤔

Confused about invitations?

Yeah.
Me, too.

𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 hashtag #𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀:
✔️ Click on your Network icon at the top of profile
✔️ View Invitations and go to the right and choose Show All
✔️ You are now in Manage Invitations.
✔️ Click on the word People.
✔️ Go to the prompt Filter By.

𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗯𝘆:
💡 All invitations
💡 Your company
💡 Your school
💡 Has mutual connections

So there you go! ✨

Take a few minutes to clean up your invitations using this method.

It's pretty cool.
And saves you time, too. 😊

Happy Wednesday!

04/13/2025

During a trip to Hilton Head, I was reminded of a very important lesson - again. 😊

How stories connect us.

Our morning walks often accompanied a stop sy Coligny Hardware. Beth, the owner, always greeted us with a big, warm smile - and her beautiful white dog, Charlie, was right there at the door, like a familiar rhythm. That simple, steady presence mattered more than I expected.

The hugs and tail wags were great, too. 😊

It was the same when we went dinner at Nunzio’s.

The food never disappoints, but what kept us going back year after year, was our waiter, Anthony and the friendly bartenders. They didn’t just serve us, they shared stories. Every time we were welcomed into something more personal.

It felt like we were part of the family. 💕

And that’s when it clicked: storytelling isn’t just about what we say - it’s about how we invite people in.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: ⭐️

✔️ 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.
They make people feel seen, like Charlie at the door or a familiar voice at the end of the day. They turn routine into relationship.

✔️ 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀.
A simple interaction can become something lasting when it’s rooted in purpose and shared with heart.

✔️ 𝗔𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝗽.
A good story doesn’t close the door—it opens it. It creates space for others to share, relate, and engage.

At one point, I found myself sitting in this silly, oversized adirondak chair outside a local restaurant - just thinking. 🤔

And I realized that leadership can feel like that sometimes: you’re sitting in a big chair, holding a lot, wondering if your voice still matters.

And it does.

Sharing your story isn’t small.

It’s how people find you.
It’s how they trust you.
It’s how you connect.

It’s how they remember that leadership isn’t about always having the answer - it’s about creating space for others to show up, too.

Now isn’t that a big story to tell?

Happy Sunday! ❤️