![Mike Shaldone once worked in personal finance. Now he is an addiction therapist, yoga instructor and founder of Phoenix Wellness Center in Sacramento. (Photo courtesy of Mike Shaldone)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1019_blog_transition_web1.jpg?1577874530)
In Transition: From Hard Times to Healing
Mike Shaldone uses his own experience with alcoholism to help others
In 2003, Mike Shaldone was so broken down, he had to ask for help — admittedly, a practice not within his skill set, he says. He knew he needed to enter rehab to address his issues with alcoholism.
![(Photo by Bruce Mars, Pexels)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/businessman-coffee-computer-925786.jpg?1577874530)
Does Remote Working Cause More Stress?
We should implement ways of managing the stress associated with remote working, while at the same time enjoying its benefits.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1019_dept_sotm_terenceduffy.jpg?1577874530)
Startup of the Month: Sparck
If your manager tosses you a $200 gift card for reaching a milestone, it’s nothing personal — and according to Anna Straus, that’s a problem when it comes to employee retention and workplace productivity.
![(iStockPhoto) (iStockPhoto)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1019_feat_leadership_istock.jpg?1577874530)
Stop Fearing Failure
If your business or career isn’t working, it’s time to regroup and rebound
Henry Ford dreamed of mass-producing cars. So he started the Detroit Automobile Company … and it flopped. Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first job at a TV station. Before she dominated the world of fashion, Vera Wang failed to realize her original dream — making it as an Olympic figure skater.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0919_feat_management_mikegraff.jpg?1577874530)
Meeting Goals
Sure, we all hate meetings — but they are essential, and there are ways to make them better
I bet you a cup of coffee that you are reading this just before a meeting, or maybe just after. Another bet: You feel that there are too many meetings. A third: This gauntlet of meetings can make it tough — or impossible — to finish your work.
![(Shutterstock)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1019_dept_leadership_shutterstock.png?1577874530)
Out in the Open
The good, bad and ugly of open-space offices
The idea of open-space offices has been with us since the start of the tech revolution. It seems we are under the mistaken belief that the early technology companies — such as Google, Wikipedia, eBay — were onto something when they tore down office walls, removed cubicles and allowed workers to float in a sea of open access. Teamwork became the goal.
![(Shutterstock)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0819_blog_manage_shutterstock.jpg?1577874530)
How to Become a Coach-Style Leader
A good leader is someone whose people are productive, innovative and excited to be part of the team. How does an employee — particularly one new to a leadership role — develop the skills to create and manage such a team?
![(Shutterstock)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0819_dept_evilhr_shutterstock.png?1577874530)
Dilemma of the Month: Responding to Requests for Reference Checks
“Evil HR Lady” Suzanne Lucas explains what you should say — and what you shouldn’t — when a prospective employer calls with a reference check.
![Maria Kang with her husband, David Casler, and three sons. (Photo courtesy of Maria Kang)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0719_blog_careershift_featured1.jpg?1577874530)
In Transition: Maria Kang Leads an Empowerment Mission
Elk Grove woman stands her ground — and goes viral
The irony of Maria Kang’s international success is not lost on her: The same critics who helped her message go viral inadvertently opened the door for her to reach a global audience.
![(Shutterstock)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0719_dept_leadership_shutterstock.png?1577874530)
Getting Intimate
Becoming closer to coworkers may increase productivity, collaboration and innovation
Advanced leaders realize the importance of intimacy, with a goal of creating a second family in the workplace.