Barb Fischer - Curiosity Powered. Data Driven. Future Ready.

The Oscars, Conan, and the quiet lesson in the credits

16 Mar 2026 3 min read Off the Clock

Of course I tuned into the Oscars. First, I wanted to see how Conan O’Brien would do as host. I’d give him a B+. A few moments that made me laugh

Two Kinds of “Just”

11 Mar 2026 2 min read

The phrase that makes professionals groan Every workplace has a phrase that makes experienced people quietly grind their teeth. It starts like this. “Can’t you just…” Can’t you just add that

The Hype Station Outside My Hotel Window

01 Mar 2026 3 min read On the Clock

I am in a hotel room in Atlanta. It is early. Earlier than I prefer to be awake without coffee. Outside my window, marathon runners are streaming down the street in a steady,

The Shamrock Problem

24 Feb 2026 3 min read Off the Clock

When Doing It the Hard Way Is the Point I decided I wanted to make fabric shamrocks. In my mind, they were charming. Crisp little shapes with personality. The kind of handmade detail

Fundraising Is 20% Asking and 80% Everything Else

05 Feb 2026 3 min read

(Or, What Sewing Has Taught Me About Advancement Services) When I started sewing, I thought I knew what I was getting into. Fabric. A sewing machine. Some creative flow. How hard could it