Ximena Vengoechea

For many of us, listening is simply something we do on autopilot. We hear just enough of what others say to get our work done, maintain friendships, and be polite with our neighbors. But we miss crucial opportunities to go deeper--to give and receive honest feedback, to make connections that will endure for the long haul, and to discover who people truly are at their core. Fortunately, listening can be improved--and Ximena Vengoechea can show you how. In Listen Like You Mean It, she offers a listening guide with tried-and-true strategies honed in her own research sessions and drawn from interviews with marriage counselors, podcast hosts, life coaches, journalists, filmmakers, and other listening experts. Through Vengoechea's set of scripts, key questions, exercises, and illustrations, you'll learn to: Quickly build rapport with strangers Ask the right questions to deepen a conversation Pause at the right time to encourage vulnerability Navigate a conversation that's gone off the rails.

It’s the revolutionary world history study guide just for middle school students from the brains behind Brain Quest.     Everything You Need to Ace World History . . . kicks off with the Paleolithic Era and transports the reader to ancient civilizations—from Africa and beyond; the middle ages across the world; the Renaissance; the age of exploration and colonialism, revolutions, and the modern world and the wars and movements that shaped it. The BIG FAT NOTEBOOK™ series is built on a simple and irresistible conceit—borrowing the notes from the smartest kid in class. There are five books in all, and each is the only one book you need for each main subject taught in middle school: Math, Science, American History, English, and World History. Inside the reader will find every subject’s key concepts, easily digested and summarized: Critical ideas highlighted in marker colors. Definitions explained. Doodles that illuminate tricky concepts. Mnemonics for a memorable shortcut. And quizzes to recap it all. The BIG FAT NOTEBOOKS meet Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and state history standards, and are vetted by National and State Teacher of the Year Award–winning teachers. They make learning fun, and are the perfect next step for every kid who grew up on Brain Quest.  

A life-changing and empowering guide to discovering your personal and professional passions, goals, and dreams so you can create a life full of joy and purpose.Welcome to the Life Audit, an exercise in self-reflection that helps you clear the cobwebs of noisy, external goals and distractions, and revisit or uncover the real themes and core values that drive and inspire you. Think of it as spring-cleaning for the soul.For anyone looking to find fulfillment in every aspect of life—love, friendship, career, finances, and beyond—this encouraging handbook offers the tools to prioritize your goals and turn personal insights into action to create a beautiful, meaningful future. In this step-by-step guide, made irresistibly and uniquely engaging by insightful and entertaining illustrations throughout, you’ll learn how to use design thinking and creative exercises the core values and key themes hidden within your goals.Overcome the internal judgments and outside expectations that stifle your growth.Find the people, skills, and resources you need to nourish your dreams.Design a practical, personal action plan you can follow with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re a recent graduate, contemplating a career change, facing a personal crossroads, or searching for satisfaction, The Life Audit is a safe space for dreaming big, a path to kickstart dreams previously on hold, and a rousing call to design a life that honors your values and desires every day.DESIGN THINKING FOR Drawing on her expertise as a User Experience researcher, author Ximena Vengoechea skillfully applies design tools and data research skills to the journey of self-discovery. After following the book’s three-part process, you will have a clear sense of your needs and goals and an action plan for making your dreams a reality without feeling overwhelmed.UNIQUE APPROACH TO PERSONAL This charmingly illustrated book offers a distinctive approach to self-discovery, combining step-by-step prompts and engaging anecdotes with colorfully illustrated lists, charts, diagrams, and affirmations. Performing the life audit is an enjoyable and uplifting experience that can help anyone uncover or rediscover their values, passions, and dreams. MEANINGFUL Warm and inviting, The Life Audit is a simple and authentic way to connect with someone at a turning point in their lives. It makes a thoughtful, personal gift for new grads, retirees, people considering a career change, or anyone looking for ways to find more joy and fulfillment in their personal or professional lives.Perfect of creative self-help and self-improvementPeople looking for resources on self-care, wellness, and self-discoveryAnyone experiencing burnout or considering a career changeFans of self-help books and guided journals like Designing Your Life, Start Where You Are, and Best Year YetGift-giving for graduation, retirement, and milestone birthdays