News & Views
How do you testify before the U.S. Congress, pitch a news story, run a business, show up in your community, fund a campaign, and still find time for Italian meatballs?
You learn to prioritize—and you learn to tell the truth. These posts are my take on what’s happening right now and the reinvigoration that came when I finally made time for myself. Explore the categories below—I’d love to hear from you.
Mastering Productivity in the Digital Age
Dr. Deb Smith-Hemphill is a productivity expert, executive coach, and founder of DSH Enterprises with nearly 40 years of experience helping leaders communicate and perform better.Leaders Rising Above the Noise: Spotlighting bold women in policy, entrepreneurship,...
A Night at the Capitol with Chuck Norris
I met a lot of famous people when I worked at the U.S. Capitol—particularly when I worked for Senator Bob Dole (R-KS) when he was U.S. Senate Majority Leader. Some celebrities were quick drive-bys. I once saw Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward sign in and walk...
Are You Ready for Reinvention?
America has fallen completely in love with Alysa Liu. Her grace and ease as a skater won her the Gold at the 2026 Olympics. She is adorable—striped hair and all—and a real symbol of Oakland, a place she calls home, as the daughter of a Chinese...
25 Years Later: Italian & Sicilian American Memories of my Dad
This was Frank Biviano in 1945. Today, he is celebrating his 99th birthday in heaven. It’s hard to believe that it has been 25 years since he passed away, but his memory is a constant for me, as is my Mom’s. We were raised right and we were proud of our...
Earthquake Swarms in California
I am not a native Californian. I grew up in snowy Cortland, New York - in the midst of lake effect snow in Upstate New York. Our summers were perfect. Our winters were cold and we were nearly always guaranteed a white Christmas.The screaming headline front page, top...
Reflection: 15 Years since I lost my Mom to Pancreatic Cancer
I thought a lot about what I wanted to write today—15 years to the day that my Mom died of pancreatic cancer.Mom’s Journey—the Great DepressionJosephine Cifonelli Biviano was one of a kind. Not because she was my mother, but because she paved the way...