Sparkle with Purpose: Glitter, Calipers, and the Power of Not Taking Life Too Seriously

We live in a world where the presentation of professionalism often gets mistaken for competence. But what if our quirks, colors, and unexpected tools are actually part of our edge?

The Pink Caliper in the Monitor Room

Among other areas, I enjoy managing a cardiac “monitor room” team. I have a confession: when I need to re-sharpen my skills in this area, I use a pink caliper to measure heart rhythms. Guess what? It works exactly the same as the professional-looking black or stainless steel ones. But I like to think that my caliper makes people stop and smile. It catches attention. It’s me. And it reminds me: excellence doesn’t require dullness.

Penelope Garcia – Playful, Powerful, and Unapologetically Herself

In an old binge-watch season of my life (get it?) I watched every single episode of the show Criminal Minds.  My favorite character, Penelope Garcia, wasn’t your standard FBI tech analyst. With neon outfits, funky hair, and quirky banter, she contrasted sharply with the dark tone of her environment. Notably, she was always the most brilliant hacker in the room. Her authenticity wasn’t a distraction—it was her fuel.

Patch Adams – Laughter as a Medical Tool

Once, on an international flight, I had the pleasure of watching Robin Williams’ brilliant portrayal of real-life doctor Patch Adams, This moving story is a reminder that healing isn’t only found in prescriptions. Sometimes, red clown noses and belly laughs go further than white coats and furrowed brows. His patients trusted him because he met them human-to-human, not just doctor-to-patient.

Pediatric Nurses and Silly Scrubs

Is anyone more effective than a nurse who can soothe a terrified toddler and administer complex medications, — all this efficiency while clad in dinosaur scrubs with a puppet on one hand (and a needle in the other)? Pediatric nurses often wear playful gear to build connection, comfort, and trust. Their silly tools are purposeful.

Glitter During COVID

During the traumatic experiences of 2020 that were a haze of fear, death, and mind-numbingly identical PPE, I took up the habit of wearing glitter. My appearance is usually fairly conservative, and I wasn't seeking to change things up too much, but to differentiate. I wanted my patients to see me beyond the protective garb, and over constant roar of filtered air in our makeshift COVID ward to “hear me” say “I’m here, I’m human, and I still care.” Patients noticed. Staff noticed. It was a sliver of identity when we needed it most. I still wear it in leadership. Sometimes I question it, but then I remember: it’s not about fitting in, it’s about standing out for the right reasons.

Sometimes Take Life Too Seriously

There’s a pervasive idea in many professions—especially medical work and leadership—that seriousness equals credibility. But in reality, some of the best tools in life are:

• Unexpected

• Personal

• Playful

• Colorful

• Honest

They break tension, build connection, and invite authenticity.

Great Examples of “Weird” but Powerful People:

• Steve Irwin (The Crocodile Hunter) – His enthusiasm was wild, sometimes literally. But his passion made science accessible, and people learned because he was so magnetic.

• Bob Ross – Calm, slow-talking, painting “happy little trees”? Not your typical art teacher. But millions credit him with reigniting their love for art—because he was so approachable and unintimidating.

• Temple Grandin – (a personal favorite of mine for so many reasons) An autistic scientist who designed revolutionary livestock handling systems based on how she personally experienced the world. Her brain worked differently, and that became her genius.

• Weird Al Yankovic – He made a career out of parodies, and yet his musical skills are often superior to those he’s spoofing.

Takeaway: Your Tools Don’t Have to Look Like Everyone Else’s

Glitter. A pink caliper. Laughter. Warmth. These aren’t distractions—they’re part of your effectiveness. They disarm, connect, and give people permission to be themselves too. If your team, your staff, or your clients are better off because of it, that’s not unprofessional—it’s exceptional.