🍂 I love living in Ontario, Canada. I welcome and embrace each season.
As we transition from Summer to Fall over the next few weeks, there is excitement in the air and in my heart. 🌬️🍁
Not only is my book: The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook, about to launch (keep your eyes peeled for this feed later this week to get your hands on a copy) but fall is a season that rejuvenates our souls.
Fall offers a perfect opportunity for self-reflection and inspiration. Like the vibrant colours of the changing leaves and the soothing sounds of the winds rustling through the trees, nature provides a serene backdrop for deep contemplation.
So, as the fall season unfolds, let us immerse ourselves in the beauty that surrounds us. Let us take the time to appreciate the transformative power of nature and its ability to ignite our innermost thoughts and aspirations.
Embrace the enchantment of fall and allow it to guide you on a journey of self-discovery and improvement.
Claude was on my 100 people “I would really like to interview” list for my podcast.
It was the start of Season 2, and it opened with Claude. It was a meaningful conversation. You can watch here: https://lnkd.in/gbD6phGm
I continue to surround myself with people who inspire me and help me be a better person and leader than I was yesterday.
When I was writing my book, The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook, I reached out and asked Claude to be a beta reader.
She graciously answered from 37,000 feet on a flight to Mexico with a simple gesture, “How can I help?”
Claude, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your time, your kind words, and for leading and modelling what it truly means to be a heart-centered leader.
When the power of Love Overcomes the Love of Power the World Will Know Peace -Jimi Hendrix
This quote resonated within me when I wrote my book.
I truly drew the line in the sand and felt if I didn’t write this book now, when would be the best time?
I am grateful for the early praise that I have received on The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook. I am humbled, excited and ready to release this book to the world!
Thanks to Neil Grunberg for being a beta reader and sharing his thoughts on my book.
“Most discussions, published works, lectures, mentoring and coaching sessions about leadership development focus on behaviours (actions) and mention cognitions (perceptions, attitudes, beliefs). Leaders certainly must understand and learn to control behaviours and cognitions, but they also must understand motivations and emotions to optimize leadership. Deb Crowe’s Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook clearly focuses on and embraces motivation and emotions in addition to behaviours and cognitions relevant to effective leadership. Her clear prose and storytelling style bring life to the meaningful lessons that she encourages readers to learn. This volume provides a valuable addition and crucial component to the leadership literature.” —Neil E. Grunberg, Ph.D.
Can you say that you have had the best summer of your life?
This summer, I can wholeheartedly shout from the rooftops that it’s been the best summer of my life.
Travel, relaxation, amazing clients, finishing my book, and living on the water are a few highlights for me.
I wrote earlier this summer that I decided to adapt and live the summer in monk mode.
I’ve shared this with many of my executive clients and wanted to highlight what I have journaled along the way this summer:
“Monk mode” is a term often used to describe a lifestyle of extreme simplicity and focus on personal development. It draws inspiration from the disciplined and minimalist way of life followed by monks in various traditions. When seeking contentment in less from a “monk mode” perspective, you’re essentially embracing a lifestyle of extreme minimalism and discipline in pursuit of personal growth, contentment, and inner peace.
Here’s how you can find contentment in less time from my summer experience:
I developed my Top 10 list:
1. Daily Routine: Develop a structured daily routine that includes time for meditation, reflection, exercise, and personal growth. Stick to this routine to cultivate discipline and focus.
2. Meditation and Mindfulness: Practice meditation regularly to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace. This can help you find contentment in the present moment and reduce your attachment to material things.
3. Self-Reflection: Spend time in self-reflection to understand your values, goals, and what truly brings you contentment. Align your life with these insights.
4. Disconnect from Distractions: Limit your exposure to distractions such as excessive social media, entertainment, and consumerism. Use your time for activities that promote personal growth and contentment.
5. Healthy Living: Prioritize your physical and mental health. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. A healthy body and mind are essential for contentment.
6. Minimalist Environment: Create a minimalist and peaceful living environment. A clutter-free space can contribute to a sense of calm and contentment.
7. Learning and Growth: Dedicate time to learning and personal development. Read books, acquire new skills, and engage in activities that stimulate your mind and spirit.
8. Service and Compassion: Engage in acts of service and compassion. Helping others can be deeply fulfilling and can lead to a sense of contentment.
9. Gratitude Practice: Cultivate a daily gratitude practice to appreciate the simple joys and blessings in your life. This can shift your focus from what you lack to what you have.
10. Silence and Solitude: Spend time in silence and solitude to connect with your inner self. This can lead to profound insights and a deeper sense of contentment.
Get ready for some empowering discussions and heartfelt insights because Season 4 of the Imperfect: The Heart-Centered Leadership Podcast is dropping TOMORROW, July 7th, at 1pm EST! 🌟🎙️
We’re thrilled to bring you another incredible season filled with thought-provoking interviews, powerful stories, and practical strategies to inspire and nurture your leadership journey. Join us as we dive deep into the world of heart-centered leadership, where authenticity, compassion, and purpose reign supreme. ❤️
July 5, 2023, at 11:11 a.m., will forever be engraved in my heart as an heirloom memory.
I clicked on the send button and uploaded my manuscript, The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life and Leadership, to my publisher.
15 months of thought leadership went into this book.
Creativity.
Frustration.
Anxiety.
Restlessness.
Nervousness.
Exhilaration.
All the emotions are in this book.
My vulnerability is present.
My heart-centered leadership is threaded into every chapter.
I had complete equanimity.
I have waited 30 years for this day.
Patience is a virtue.
Today was the day for this to be published.
I await the excitement of the next phase of copyediting.
I am proud of myself.
Discipline and structure are the key elements to winning! 💜
As we launch into summer, I have chosen to be in monk mode.
Monk mode is a mindset and approach to life where you commit to eliminating distractions and dedicating yourself fully to a task or project. By doing so, you enter a state of focus and concentration that allows you to work efficiently and effectively towards your goals.
With my book being published in September, I wanted to have laser focus and immerse myself into the final processes.
I write about ‘white space’ in your daily calendar. Monk Mode is making that white space a priority.
A truly non-negotiable art of eliminating any and all distractions.
Managing our time in a self-directed way is truly priceless.
As we approach the end of the work week, this week taught me so much.
I have met many new people this week and I am still reminiscing from yesterday’s conference and so many brilliant conversations.
The best takeaway from The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, 26th Governor General of Canada was that having friends and colleagues from different age groups can significantly contribute to the development of our confidence.
Interacting with individuals who are older than us allows us to gain valuable insights and learn from their life experiences.
Their wisdom and guidance can offer us a broader perspective on various aspects of life, helping us navigate challenges with more confidence and resilience.
Having friends who are younger can provide us with a sense of mentorship and the opportunity to share our own knowledge and experiences, reinforcing our self-esteem.
By engaging with a diverse range of friends, we can expand our social skills, broaden our horizons, and ultimately build a stronger sense of self-assurance in our interactions with others.
She further taught me that leaning into my own imperfection, vulnerability and failure are all contributing factors to my success as a woman and heart-centered leader!
Retirement is being pushed out more and more. 65 was the age set by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935. As the world continues to change and progress, modern elders are not necessarily retiring. There are so many modern elders starting businesses at age 65+!
I will be one of these people! I love what I do and decided I will live to be 100!
I am incredibly excited and proud of my book being published in September.
Writing the Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook has been enjoyable, challenging, frustrating and yet a deep tenacity within me to finish strong and proud!
am excited that heart-centered leadership is being integrated into leadership and organizations more each day.
This week I am travelling to Massachusetts, New Hampshire & New Jersey to meet leaders who are ready, willing and able to bring their leadership to the next level for themselves and their organizations.
I always love a good question when facilitating a group.
During my chat on ageism, one participant said, “I wonder how many summers I have left.” Mic drops here…
Summer is a short season that we all welcome with open arms and enjoy with family and friends. It’s a season to live your best and do everything in beautiful, warm weather.
The question of how many summers we have left is inherently subjective and dependent on various factors.
This is where our conversation went with such a great question!
💜It ultimately reflects our mortality and the finite nature of human existence.
💜 Providing an exact number for an individual is impossible, but we can approach the question from a broader perspective.
💜The number of summers one has left depends on several variables, such as age, health, lifestyle, and unforeseen circumstances.
💜Unfortunately, predicting the future or determining the exact number of summers one will experience is impossible.
💜What we can do is make the most of our time, focusing on living a fulfilling and meaningful life. Embracing each summer as it comes and appreciating the beauty and opportunities it offers can help us make the most of our time.
Instead of dwelling on the number of summers we have left, it is more fruitful to concentrate on living in the present, pursuing our passions, nurturing relationships, and creating cherished memories.
Doing so can ensure that our summers are filled with joy, purpose, and contentment.
If people say it’s not at their workplace, how do you really know?
HR policies and protocols are being reviewed and changed.
I have put this to the test and can tell you authentically that it is present.
Navigating ageism in the workplace can be challenging, but there are strategies you can employ to address and mitigate its effects.
Here’s a sneak peek at my discussion today:
📌Build awareness: Educate yourself and others about ageism and its impact on individuals and organizations. Understand the stereotypes and biases associated with different age groups.
📌Promote inclusivity: Foster an inclusive work environment where diverse perspectives, including those of older workers, are valued and respected. Encourage open communication and collaboration among team members of all ages.
📌Challenge stereotypes: Take proactive steps to challenge and debunk age-related stereotypes. Highlight the skills, experience, and wisdom that older workers bring to the table. Encourage intergenerational mentoring and knowledge sharing to bridge the generation gap.
📌Advocate for policies and practices: Encourage your organization to implement age-inclusive policies and practices. This can include age-blind recruitment and promotion processes, flexible work arrangements, and training programs that address age-related biases.
📌Focus on skills and performance: Emphasize the importance of skills and performance rather than age when evaluating employees. Encourage a culture of continuous learning and skill development for all employees, regardless of age.
Addressing ageism is a collective effort that requires a cultural shift within organizations.
By promoting inclusivity, challenging biases, and advocating for change, you can contribute to creating a more age-diverse and inclusive workplace.
I love living in Ontario, Canada. I welcome and embrace each season.
As we transition from Spring to Summer over the next few weeks there is excitement in the air and in my heart.
This is my weekly place to relax, reflect and finish my revisional editing on my upcoming book The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook.
Mother Nature is good for our soul and I certainly do my best thinking outside surrounded by the beauty of the trees, the lake, the birds, the ducks and the the beauty of hearing the winds in the trees.
Embracing heart-centered leadership and finding joy in the journey can be a transformative and fulfilling experience.
This morning, I led an executive team facilitation on how to move from assertive leadership to transformational leadership.
Here’s a sneak peek of our discussion:
💜Clarify your vision: Take the time to define your personal and professional vision. What do you want to achieve as a leader? What values do you want to embody? Having a clear vision will guide your actions and provide a sense of purpose.
💜Develop self-awareness: Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and values is crucial for effective leadership. Reflect on your abilities, personality traits, and areas for growth. Seek feedback from others to gain different perspectives. This self-awareness will enable you to lead authentically.
💜Cultivate a growth mindset: Embrace the belief that you can continually learn and improve as a leader. Emphasize growth and development over fixed abilities. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and see setbacks as valuable lessons.
Heart-Centered leadership is a continuous journey of growth and learning. Embrace the challenges, celebrate successes, and enjoy the process of becoming a better leader.
This week, I am faciliating a fireside chat with a progressive company on loneliness in the workplace.
As a heart-centered leader, how you can you navigate this delicately?
Loneliness in the workplace can have a negative impact on employee well-being and productivity. As an executive, leader, manager or colleague, there are several ways you can help lonely employees feel more connected and supported.
Here is a partial list of what I will be facilitating:
Foster a supportive and inclusive culture: Create an environment where all employees feel valued and included. Encourage open communication, respect diversity, and promote teamwork and collaboration.
Be approachable and available: Let your employees know that you are accessible and open to listening to their concerns. Be approachable and make time for one-on-one conversations. Create opportunities for casual interactions, such as coffee breaks or team-building activities.
Encourage social interactions: Organize team-building activities, social events, or group projects that promote interaction and relationship-building among employees. Encourage employees to get to know each other beyond work-related discussions.
Facilitate connections: If you notice a lonely employee, help facilitate connections by introducing them to others with similar interests or responsibilities. Encourage collaboration and teamwork to foster relationships among team members.
Establish mentoring or buddy programs: Pair lonely employees with mentors or buddies who can provide guidance, support, and companionship. This can help them feel more connected and provide them with someone to turn to for advice or assistance.
It’s important to approach lonely employees with empathy and respect their privacy.
Pay close attention to your over achievers.
Encourage your employees to share their feelings and concerns, and be supportive in helping them find ways to alleviate their loneliness.
It’s been one week since my dear friend passed away.
I’ve been thinking about her and the conversations that have been coming up daily with friends, colleagues and clients.
Our past is that. It’s the past. The stories that linger in our minds truly have no power.
Letting go of the past and seeing it as a story can be a challenging but transformative process.
Here are some strategies that may help:
❤️Acceptance: Acknowledge that the past has already happened and cannot be changed. Accept that certain events occurred and that you cannot undo them.
❤️Embrace impermanence: Recognize that everything in life is impermanent, including your past experiences. Understand that clinging to the past can prevent you from fully embracing the present and moving forward.
❤️Shift your perspective: Begin to view your past as a collection of stories rather than something that defines you. Understand that you have the power to interpret and reframe those stories in a way that empowers you and helps you grow.
❤️Practice forgiveness: Forgive yourself and others for any past mistakes or hurtful actions. Holding onto resentment or guilt only prolongs your attachment to the past. Forgiveness allows you to release negative emotions and move forward with a lighter heart.
❤️Focus on the present: Cultivate mindfulness and direct your attention to the present moment. Engage in activities that bring you joy, practice self-care, and develop new goals and aspirations. By actively participating in the present, you gradually detach yourself from the grip of the past.
❤️Seek support: If you find it challenging to let go of the past on your own, consider seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist. They can provide guidance, empathy, and tools to help you navigate the process.
Remember that letting go of the past is a personal journey that takes time and self-compassion. Be patient with yourself and celebrate each step you take towards embracing a new chapter in your life.
As I celebrate my 57th birthday today, I feel blessed.
Aging is a gift. A gift that is denied to many.
As we start our first pre-summer long weekend in Canada, I feel immense gratitude for so much.
My health and well-being are good.
My business is thriving!
I’m becoming an author with my first published book in September.
When we allow the space to live and BE in the present moment it’s powerful.
My friends and family have asked what I think about 57.
Here are my thoughts:
🎂I think it’s a benchmark.
🎂 It’s a mid-time in life to thrive.
🎂 I know it’s a gift to share my thoughts and dreams.
🎂 It’s fun to be a modern elder (Thank you, Chip Conley 💜)
🎂 It’s rewarding to mentor, teach and help the younger generation.
The most important part of this message is that I like who I am as a woman. I am proud of whom I have grown to be and the openness to continue my learning, growth, knowledge, and passion for life as a whole.
This quote is what we all struggle with and want in our lives.
A recent CXO asked me when we started coaching, “Can we do some life coaching as well Deb?”
Coaching is for the whole person. Life shows up in our work and work certainly show up in our life.
Carl Jung’s perspective on the influence of the unconscious mind on one’s life is real and has great depth. He suggests that until a person becomes aware of and acknowledges their unconscious thoughts, desires, and motivations, those unconscious elements will continue to shape their life experiences, and they may interpret this influence as fate.
In psychology, the unconscious mind refers to a reservoir of thoughts, feelings, and memories that exist outside of conscious awareness but can still affect behavior and decision-making.
Our unconscious mind can drive our actions and choices without our conscious understanding of why we are doing certain things.
The idea of fate, often associated with predetermined events or outcomes, is typically viewed as something beyond an individual’s control.
Until one gains awareness of their unconscious and the influence it has on their life, they may attribute the direction of their life to external forces like fate, without recognizing their own agency in shaping their experiences.
As I finish the revisional editing on my book The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook, this quote has so much truth for me.
When we lean in to our whole journey from the beginning of our life, it is truly that understanding and increase in self-awareness that really unlocks our potential.
When leaders continue to learn and become more self-awareness, their potential is limitless.
Each morning I leave my home early to drive to my gym. It truly is my happy place.
It’s a great way to start the day – investing in me and my health.
I drive across my city on a country road.
I reminisce, daydream and enjoy the country’s surroundings and the beauty that it offers me.
It’s a vision and collection of gratitude each day.
I realize on a daily basis how fortunate I am to be alive, to be healthy and the success in creating a business that affords me a lifestyle that I love to live.
I love what I have created.
I can’t believe it will be 33 years at the end of May.
It was 3 years ago today that our podcast idea was launched!
Happy 3rd Anniversary imperfect: The Heart-Centered Leadership Podcast!
As we prepare to wind down Season 3 at the end of May, my heart is full as we have met, interviewed and learned so much from 236 leaders!
A special shoutout to my team for all their hard work!
📌236 leaders interviewed 📌All business sectors 📌Several countries around the globe 📌New leaders 📌Accidental leaders 📌Upcoming leaders 📌Managers 📌Leaders from all levels 📌C-Suite leaders 📌Entrepreneurs
Our listenership has grown to 65 countries and we are very proud of this growth.
When I think of the word connection, it means so many things to me.
I’m the person who chooses to notice what others may miss.
I listen deeply.
I remember infinite details.
I have always honoured my connection with people since I was a young girl.
I have so many fond memories of sitting at kitchen tables all over Ontario with my clients when I case managed.
I would often hear, “you remember that?”
I took great notes, I listened and I would highlight the “happy” even when my clients were not doing well physically or emotionally.
It’s a skill I learned young.
I have carried it with me in every aspect of my leadership journey and will continue to do so.
Some of my best conversations have been with people who have nothing (according to society and social media). Yet they have and continue to live with richness in their spirit, attitude and how they approach their life.
That level of self-awareness is rare and a pleasure to witness.
I had a lovely conversation this past weekend with a young teenager.
He was chatting to me about highschool and his aspirations of what he thinks he may do when he graduates.
We got into a great conversation, then he asked me “why does leadership matter?”
Talk about a mic drop moment for opportunity.
I smiled and let him know that question is simply the best!
Here are the highlights of a great conversation with a young and upcoming leader!
Leadership matters because:
🕹 It has a significant impact on the success and effectiveness of individuals, teams, and organizations.
🕹A strong leader can inspire and motivate their team to achieve common goals, create a positive work environment, and foster innovation and creativity.
🕹Effective leadership is also crucial for decision-making, problem-solving, and managing conflicts.
🕹A good leader can make difficult decisions, communicate them effectively, and guide their team through any challenges or obstacles that arise.
🕹A good leader can also identify and address issues that may be hindering productivity and provide solutions to improve performance.
🕹A good leader sets the tone and culture of an organization. They establish values, expectations, and goals, which influence the behavior and attitudes of their team.
🕹A positive and supportive leadership style can improve employee morale and job satisfaction, leading to increased productivity, employee retention, and overall success.
🕹Leadership matters because it can make or break an organization’s success.
🕹 A strong leader can inspire their team to achieve greatness, foster innovation and creativity, make effective decisions, and create a positive work culture that promotes job satisfaction and high performance.
I let every negative thought overcome me and then I paused, reset my mindset and realized it was time.
We all know when the right time is to share our story. A gentle internal push from myself was all that I needed.
Fast forward a year to the day (serendipity?) and today is the last day for my pre-sale campaign.
A shoutout and marketing plug for me.
Why do we work hard to achieve our goals and then not share them?
Today is the last day to join my exclusive author community.
I am not creating a Facebook group.
I want this community to be exclusive, inviting and different.
I value my connection with people.
It’s an energy exchange with no strings or reciprocity.
Join me on this journey and get exclusive access to how the book will unfold, participate in fireside chats, ask questions, gain clarity, help me choose my book cover and the best part —be acknowledged in my book.
My pre-sale marketing campaign for my book is ending on Sunday, May 7th.
This morning, I have surpassed my target goal of books sold.
To my community of supporters, I am truly grateful and thankful.
Details coming to your inbox for our private community!
To all of you who purchased a copy of my book, thank you.
To the progressive companies who purchased fireside chats, I applaud you. I am excited to provide you and your teams with fireside chats that will ignite excitement, enthusiasm, challenge everyone to think, to be open, embrace heart-centered qualities and leave you with 25 copies of my book!
For my local supporters, I will be seeing you in-person!
For outside of my area, we will gather together on Zoom.
My dream has come true. I feel happy, excited and know that this book will help many.
Pre-Sale is still on until May 7th if you want to buy a copy or book a fireside chat for your team!
What if you chose to compare yourself to yourself?
That inner reflection will help you be more in all that you do.
I’ve added ‘thinking time’ to my daily schedule to be more present in all aspects of my life.
I have decided to continue to set achievable goals for myself, just like a gardener who plans the growth of a plant by providing the right amount of water, sunlight, and nutrients to make it flourish.
As a leader, I continuously learn and educate myself, just like a chef who experiments with different ingredients and techniques to improve their cooking skills.
I embrace my practice of self-reflection and mindfulness, just like a musician who rehearses regularly to refine their musical abilities.
I have the ability to fail forward as a learning opportunity, just like a scientist who conducts experiments, knowing that some may not succeed but will still contribute to their understanding of the subject.
I enjoy my daily practice to cultivate a positive mindset and attitude, just like an athlete who visualizes success and maintains a positive outlook to achieve their goals.
When I take care of my physical and mental health like a car owner who regularly maintains and services their vehicle to ensure it runs smoothly.
I choose to surround myself with positive influences and supportive people, just like a plant that grows best in nutrient-rich soil with the right amount of sunlight and water.
I love to practice self-discipline and self-control, just like a martial artist who trains diligently to master their skills and techniques.
I remind myself that self-improvement is a journey, not a destination, requiring consistent effort and dedication.
Using my comparisons, you can visualize and understand the different aspects of self-improvement and how to apply them to your life.
I got to hear from leaders in our city who shared strategic plans, alignment, hope, excitement, and a look into where we will be as a city in 4 years.
I left this event with hope and excitement as an entrepreneur in my city and a fellow resident of London, Ontario.
To see the level of leadership and alignment as “anchors” to each other was incredible. City of London: Lynne Livingstone gave a phenomenal overview of the city’s strategic plan. Linda (Slits) Nuhn was a great moderator and led an inviting panel discussion.
I’ve spent the morning chatting with a powerhouse executive.
We landed on the topic of “What is our life code?”
I love the two words – life and code.
There is no specific or widely accepted definition of “life code.” It could be interpreted in various ways, depending on context and personal interpretation.
I always enjoy the value of sitting in the observer’s chair and how life code can always have a direct connection to perfection.
One possible interpretation of “life code” could be a set of principles or guidelines that a person follows to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.
This could include personal values, beliefs, habits, and goals.
When we can ‘unpack’ the layers of our life code, the answer is always there.
The quote below from Albert Einstein was presented to me at the beginning of the week prior to my daily meditation practice.
It has stayed with me all week.
I allowed the words to be present in everything I chose to do this week.
I had phone calls, zoom calls, lunches and client meetings and I brought up this quote to hear, observe and listen to how others felt about what it meant and represented in their lives.
We all want to be seen, heard, liked, loved and validated.
A deep sense of belonging to ___.
It’s personal for each one of us.
I had a great call with fellow heart-centered leader and doctor Jonathan Fisher, MD FACC this week. He is also writing his book and we had a phenomenal conversation.
Loss, grief and trauma in my own life has led me to every success I have achieved and there are dreams I am still working on daily.
We can convert anything handed to us in this life into a learning moment.
I am heart-centered. It’s in my whole being as a woman, leader, wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, coach, professor, etc.
We keep adding to our journey of life and leadership by everything we achieve, everything we fail, dreams in our heart and the willing to be, try and achieve.
This morning, I had to work out to craft my message for this post entirely.
Yes, the world is heavy.
I see the same things as you—recession, inflation, etc.
I am choosing to thrive instead of survive.
I am inflating my mindset to be more, do more, and succeed with my heart.
To thrive, instead of just surviving in leadership and life, you need to focus on personal growth and development.
Here are some tips that can help you and that I live by every day:
1. Set goals: Identify what you want to achieve in your leadership and personal lives, and set specific and measurable goals that will help you get there. Write them down and track your progress.
2. Prioritize self-care: Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally is critical to leading effectively and enjoying life. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and take breaks when needed.
3. Build strong relationships: Cultivate strong connections with people around you, including family, friends, colleagues, and mentors. Seek opportunities to network and connect with others in your field or industry.
Continuously learn and improve: Stay curious and open-minded, and seek opportunities to learn new skills and gain knowledge. This can include reading books, attending workshops and conferences, or pursuing further education.
4. Practice self-reflection: Reflect on your experiences, successes, and failures. Use this insight to identify areas for improvement and develop a growth plan.
5. Take calculated risks: Don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone, but assess the potential risks and rewards before taking action.
6. Lead with purpose and values: Develop a clear sense of purpose and values that guide your leadership and personal decisions. Stay true to these values and use them to guide your actions and decisions.
By implementing these practices, you can create a strong foundation for thriving in leadership and life rather than just surviving.
This post may ruffle a few feathers, but I feel it’s important to share what I am observing and hearing.
As an entrpreneur for 33 years in May, I feel that professionals need to sit in the observer’s chair to see another perspective.
I always try to support as many local businesses in my city as I can. I prefer the connection and enjoy that someone knows my name and I am not a transaction.
I have loved being an entrpreneur for 33 years and wouldn’t change one thing. The rewards are worth the challenges.
Lessons after 33 years – Discipline and structure are key to daily performance. Focus and clarity keep me grounded in my ‘why’ and grow each year. Kindness always wins! Heart-Centered leadership has and will always be my brand and behaviour.
I came across this beautiful post in the middle of the pandemic and wanted to repost it. There was no name listed. Kudos to the courageous entrepreneur who wrote it. ❤️
The unfortunate truth of owning and running a business.
Running a business is really hard.
What they don’t tell you is that it can cause severe stress and anxiety, and drains you mentally to the point of depression in even the most laid-back people.
People will talk about you, compare you to others, use you, they will view you as a service and not a person anymore.
Friends and family will expect discounts and people will value you and your hard work less than a big chain store.
You have to worry about if you forget to email/message someone back, are they going to think it was on purpose? Did you disappoint them? Will they hold that against you? When in reality you just can’t get to everyone’s messages and emails.
Starting up and running a successful business puts incredible strain on personal lives and relationships, many of which fail because there is just often no work life balance.
You need to be the director, the worker, the admin, the marketing team, the accountant, the cleaner….. All whilst being a parent, a husband or a wife, family support, friend… it’s one of the hardest things you will try and balance.
There’s a reason you don’t see many people succeed in small businesses after 5 years. If they are successful they are overwhelmed. It takes a toll. It’s freaking exhausting. Especially the past couple of years when so much has been out of our control.
Here’s a small reminder that we are just normal people with hectic lives. Be kind, be patient, support small businesses…….and hopefully more of us will stick around!
It is quite ironic, as my post today was all about the weight of the world and the conversations I am having on the telephone!
I was ready to post this early this morning, and my cell phone rang, and here I am 6 hours later.
I will encourage everyone reading this to pick up the phone and call someone you’ve been meaning to call or have thought about. That has been my morning for so many.
Here’s my ironic and timely post:
How can we feel better in a heavy world?
There are many ways to feel better in a heavy world, and what works for one person may not work for another.
After this morning and many calls with fellow professionals and clients, I decided to reiterate some of my thoughts to add value to this post:
1. Connect with others: When we are feeling down or overwhelmed, it can be helpful to connect with friends, family, or even strangers who share similar experiences. Talking to someone who understands or empathizes with us can provide comfort and a sense of community. Pick up the phone.
2. Engage in self-care: Caring for yourself is crucial when dealing with a heavy world. This may include getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.
3. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is being present in the moment without judgment. It can help us stay grounded and calm in difficult times. Meditation, deep breathing, and other mindfulness practices can be helpful.
4. Seek professional help: If you are struggling with mental health issues, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A therapist or counsellor can provide support, guidance, and resources to help you manage your emotions and cope with the world’s challenges.
5. Take action: Sometimes, addressing the issues weighing on us can provide a sense of purpose and control. This may involve volunteering, donating to a cause you care about, or advocating for change.
Remember, it’s okay not to be okay, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
I wanted to share this conference for many reasons, but more importantly, it is an issue within organizations I am seeing daily for myself and my clients.
Creating an age-inclusive, multigenerational workplace is essential in today’s diverse workforce, but it is a challenge.
To engage in this effort, I am sharing some of my leadership coaching strategies, and hopefully, we can deflate this elephant and open up more talks with HR:
1. Foster a culture of respect: Ensure that your workplace culture respects and values employees of all ages. Encourage everyone to listen to and learn from each other. Make sure there is open communication and that everyone feels heard.
2. Emphasize diversity and inclusion: Encourage diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the workplace. Ensure that everyone has equal opportunities and access to training and development opportunities.
3. Create mentorship and reverse mentorship programs: Create mentorship programs that allow older employees to mentor younger employees and reverse-mentorship programs that allow younger employees to mentor older employees. This helps break down generational barriers and promote knowledge sharing.
4. Provide flexible work arrangements: Offer flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting, job sharing, and part-time work. This allows employees of all ages to balance work and personal responsibilities.
5. Provide learning and development opportunities: Provide learning and development opportunities that cater to the needs of all employees, regardless of age. Encourage employees to learn from each other and share their knowledge and experiences.
This post may hit some leaders straight in the heart. 💘
Leaders have a lot of pressure and obligation sitting on their shoulders and minds along their leadership journey.
Their equation of self-worth and self-awareness changes.
Here’s my weekend question for you to read and think about.
How can leaders lead without using their schooling, experience and insecurities as their identity?
Here are my strategies based on the what I am observing and seeing globally:
🔄 One way for leaders to lead without relying solely on their schooling, experience, and insecurities as their identity is to focus on their values and vision for the organization or team they are leading.
🔄 By developing a clear sense of purpose and direction, leaders can inspire and motivate their team members to work towards a common goal, regardless of their individual backgrounds or qualifications.
🔄 Additionally, leaders can build trust and credibility with their team members by actively listening to their concerns and ideas, and by valuing their contributions regardless of their level of experience or education.
🔄 Leaders who are able to create a culture of respect and inclusivity can foster a sense of belonging and collaboration that transcends individual identities and backgrounds.
🔄 Leaders can also seek out diverse perspectives and experiences to inform their decision-making and guide their leadership style.
🔄 By actively seeking out and valuing the input of team members with different backgrounds and perspectives, leaders can make more informed and inclusive decisions that reflect the needs and values of the entire team.
The purple quadrant is your dreams, wishes, aspirations and goals.
It’s all possible.
Leaders continue to learn.
Leaders model and lean in for their team.
Are you ready for a fireside chat with you and your team?
A huge shout out to the companies that see the value and believe in heart-centered leadership!
I am excited to join you and your teams in October 2023 for your personalized heart-centered fireside chat and to personally give you 25 copies of my book!
Deadline is May 7th. Is it time for you and your team?
Yesterday, I spent four hours in a room with amazing C-Suite leaders from all over Canada.
Different sectors and different roles existed, yet the energy in the room and the questions we collectively had were the same.
Jay Davis led the day and shared his heart with the room.
The wins, the losses, and the learning moments experienced along the way.
Jay took us back to his life journey from kindergarten to the present moment. His life journey led to his leadership today and who he is as a leader. Powerful!
Jay led with passion and heart. He used general language. Jay has worked all over the globe and for many large companies.
He starts with the basics and acknowledges that people always come first.
My big takeaway and “aha” moment confirmed that heart-centered leadership has a place in business acumen.
The leaders that see and acknowledge this are the ones that win in business and in life.
🚫When your strategy doesn’t look right
🚫When your dashboard numbers are ‘red’
🚫When your execution stalls
💜Always go back to your people—there lie the answers.
Working on my first book has been one of the most challenging and exciting projects I have ever done.
It has also helped me feel and think of why it was so important for me to write it.
❤️Personal fulfillment
Writing my book has been an incredibly rewarding experience, it’s given me a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. It’s exciting to have the satisfaction of creating something that didn’t exist before and the process has been a great source of personal growth.
❤️Sharing your knowledge
I love to teach, facilitate, coach and help anyone learn about heart-centered leadership. It’s my passion. Writing this book allows me to share my knowledge with others.
❤️Behaving your brand
Most people say ‘build your brand.’ I firmly believe we should behave our brand. Your words are a clear demonstration of your beliefs and then you behave that way — always.
❤️ Leaving a legacy
My book will be a lasting legacy that I leave behind for future generations. It will serve as a record of my thoughts, experiences, and ideas, and provide valuable insights for readers long after I’m gone. Now that I am a Nannie and also love to mentor young leaders, this truly warms my heart!
Conflict. It’s real. It happens in the workplace. It carries a weight of negative connotation, yet, heart-centered leaders see it as an opportunity.
I have the pleasure of working with a team this week to discuss the best methods for managing conflict in the workplace.
There is no template.
There is no ‘one size fits all.’
People are at the forefront of everything in any company. There is always a combination of proactive measures to prevent conflicts from arising in the first place and strategies for addressing disputes that occur constructively and respectfully.
Here are a few of my heart-centered leadership guidelines for effectively managing workplace conflicts:
📍Foster open communication: Encourage open and honest communication among employees. Create an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns and opinions without fear of retribution. This can help prevent conflicts from escalating and facilitate early resolution.
📍Set clear expectations: Establish clear expectations for workplace behaviour and performance. Communicate policies, procedures, and expectations to all employees, and provide regular training to ensure everyone understands what is expected. This can help prevent misunderstandings and disagreements from arising in the first place.
📍Encourage collaboration: Promote a culture of collaboration and teamwork, where employees are encouraged to work together to solve problems and achieve common goals. Encouraging employees to collaborate and share ideas can help prevent conflicts arising from different perspectives or approaches.
📍Address conflicts early: Address them as early as possible when disputes arise. Avoid ignoring conflicts or allowing them to fester, as they can escalate and cause more disruption in the workplace. Promptly intervene and address arguments promptly to prevent them from worsening.
📍Use active listening: Practice active listening when addressing conflicts. Give each party involved an opportunity to express their concerns and perspectives without interrupting or passing judgment. Listening attentively can help parties feel heard and understood, leading to a more constructive resolution.
Once a conflict has been resolved, follow up to ensure the resolution is implemented and any lingering issues are addressed. This can help prevent the conflict from resurfacing and ensure that the workplace remains positive and productive.
During COVID, I created a series of five microcredential leadership courses for Fanshawe College that I have had the pleasure of virtually teaching.
The first and pre-requisite course is heart-centered leadership.
The second is inclusive leadership.
The third is mindful leadership.
The fourth is assertive leadership.
The fifth is transformational leadership.
This week, I have had the pleasure of spending time with C-Suite leaders to discuss the rise from assertive to transformational leadership.
Transitioning from assertive leadership to transformational leadership involves a shift in leadership style, mindset, and behaviors.
Assertive leadership focuses on direct control, while transformational leadership inspires and motivates followers to achieve higher levels of performance.
Here are my top 5 strategies to help you make the transition:
Develop a clear vision: Transformational leaders have a compelling vision that inspires and motivates their team.
Foster collaboration: Transformational leaders emphasize collaboration and teamwork.
Build relationships: Transformational leaders build strong relationships with their team members. Take the time to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.
Inspire and motivate: Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their team to achieve their full potential. Use your vision, passion, and enthusiasm to inspire your team.
Develop others: Transformational leaders invest in developing the skills and capabilities of their team members.
Remember that transitioning from assertive leadership to transformational leadership takes time and effort.
It requires self-awareness, self-reflection, and a genuine desire to inspire and motivate your team to achieve their full potential.
Be patient, persistent, and consistent in your efforts, and continuously seek feedback from your team and stakeholders to gauge your progress.
How can we master the art of remote and virtual leadership?
This has definitely become the forefront of many conversations within leadership.
The way we work has changed dramatically, and remote and virtual work have become the new norm in many organizations.
As leaders, it’s essential to adapt and master the art of remote and virtual leadership to effectively manage teams in this evolving landscape.
What’s in your toolkit?
Here’s my checklist that I use with leaders to audit a baseline and then grow from there!
✔️Effective communication is key to remote and virtual leadership.
✔️Leaders must establish clear channels of communication and leverage technology tools to facilitate regular and open communication with team members.
✔️Leaders know that building trust in a virtual environment is also crucial.
✔️Leaders need to create a trusting and inclusive team culture where employees feel valued, supported, and connected.
✔️Leaders achieve this by virtual team-building activities, recognizing and celebrating accomplishments, and providing opportunities for virtual collaboration and social interaction.
✔️Remote and virtual leaders also focus on outcomes and results rather than micromanaging employees’ work hours.
✔️Trusting employees to manage their own time and deliver results can lead to increased autonomy, ownership, and productivity.
✔️Leaders provide clear expectations and resources for remote work.
✔️Leaders ensure that employees have the necessary tools, resources, and support to perform their work remotely, including access to technology, training, and relevant information.
✔️Leaders should prioritize employee well-being. It’s important to understand that remote work can blur the lines between work and personal life, leading to potential burnout.
✔️Leaders should actively check in on their employees’ well-being, encourage work-life balance, and provide support for mental health and stress management.
✔️Leaders should provide continuous feedback and performance management are vital in remote and virtual leadership. Regularly providing feedback, setting performance expectations, and conducting virtual performance reviews can help employees stay on track and aligned with team and organizational goals.
We have learned from the pandemic that remote and virtual leadership requires adapting to new ways of working and effectively managing teams in a virtual environment.
By prioritizing communication, trust, outcomes, resources, well-being, and performance management, leaders can successfully navigate remote and virtual work and lead their teams to achieve success in 2023 and beyond.
This week I am facilitating a team building exercise with a progressive company.
One of their challenges is the presence of ‘ego’ on their team. I was asked to facilitate a team-building exercise that will integrate heart-centered leadership and some tips and strategies to implement.
Of course, fun and imperfection will be attending!
Being professional, confident, and keeping your ego in check are important qualities for success in various aspects of life, including work and personal relationships.
Here are some of the tips on how to achieve this:
📌Practice self-awareness: Self-awareness is the foundation of personal growth and development.
📌Be mindful of your thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
📌Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, and be willing to acknowledge and work on areas that need improvement.
📌Recognize when your ego might be taking over and causing you to act in an unprofessional or overly confident manner.
📌Seek feedback: Feedback from others can provide valuable insights into how you are perceived by others.
📌Ask for feedback from trusted colleagues, mentors, or supervisors, and be open to receiving constructive criticism.
📌Use feedback as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than becoming defensive or dismissive.
📌Develop and demonstrate expertise: Being knowledgeable and skilled in your area of work can boost your confidence and professionalism.
📌Continuously invest in learning and development, stay updated with industry trends, and seek opportunities to hone your skills.
📌Share your expertise with humility, without boasting or exaggerating your abilities.
📌Practice humility: Humility is the antidote to ego. Recognize that you are not infallible and that others have valuable perspectives and contributions.
📌Be willing to listen to different viewpoints, admit mistakes, and give credit where it is due.
📌Avoid boasting, showing off, or belittling others, as these behaviors can be detrimental to your professionalism and confidence.
📌Communicate effectively: Effective communication is a key component of professionalism.
📌Practice active listening, be articulate in expressing your thoughts and ideas, and be respectful in your interactions with others.
📌Avoid being arrogant, dismissive, or condescending in your communication, as this can damage your professional relationships and erode confidence in your abilities.
📌Demonstrate integrity: Professionalism and confidence are closely linked to integrity. Be honest, transparent, and ethical in your actions and decisions.
📌Avoid engaging in unethical or unprofessional behavior, even if it promises short-term gains.
📌Upholding a high standard of integrity will earn you the respect and trust of others, and boost your confidence in your own abilities.
📌Cultivate empathy and humility: Empathy and humility are powerful qualities that can help you keep your ego in check.
📌Practice empathy by trying to understand and appreciate the perspectives, feelings, and experiences of others.
📌Cultivate humility by recognizing that everyone has something to teach you and that you can learn from anyone, regardless of their status or position.
📌Remember, being professional, confident, and humble is a continuous journey that requires self-awareness, practice, and constant self-reflection. By cultivating these qualities, you can create a positive impression, build healthy relationships, and achieve success in your personal and professional endeavors.
Today’s post is dedicated to my Reiki instructor Melissa Dodge. This week I will complete my third degree of Reiki. I have spent time over the past two weeks learning and seeing how reiki is aligned with heart-centered leadership.
Reiki ideals and heart-centered leadership share many common principles and values. Heart-centered leadership is a leadership style that emphasizes compassion, empathy, and respect for all individuals, while Reiki is a holistic healing practice that focuses on promoting balance, harmony, and well-being.
The five Reiki ideals, also known as the Five Reiki Principles or the Five Reiki Precepts, are:
Just for today, I will not be angry.
Just for today, I will not worry.
Just for today, I will be grateful.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.
These ideals can be applied to heart-centered leadership by encouraging leaders to:
📌Practice emotional regulation and respond to challenging situations with compassion rather than anger.
📌Refrain from worrying about the future and instead focus on the present moment and taking action.
📌Cultivate gratitude for their team members and the opportunities they have to make a positive impact.
📌Be honest and transparent in their work and interactions with others.
📌Treat all individuals with kindness, respect, and empathy, regardless of their position or background.
In essence, the Reiki ideals promote a mindful and compassionate approach to life, which can be highly beneficial for heart-centered leaders seeking to build strong relationships with their team members and create a positive and supportive work environment.
By practicing these ideals, leaders can cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence, which can lead to more effective communication, better decision-making, and a more harmonious workplace culture. This is truly mindful leadership at its best.
This week I had the pleasure of speaking to a young group of entrepreneurs.
The theme of my presentation was: Heart-Centered Leadership is NOW and the FUTURE.
Many of the young leader were curious about heart-centered leadership.
I shared that heart-centered leadership is honouring your connection with people. It’s also an approach to leadership that emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.
One young leader asked if I felt it will ‘stick’ as her company did not believe in heart-centered leadership. I explained as we move into the future, there is no doubt that heart-centered leadership will play an increasingly important role in shaping the way we lead.
One of the key reasons for this is that heart-centered leadership has been shown to be more effective than other leadership styles.
When leaders genuinely care about the people they lead, they are more likely to inspire trust and loyalty, and they are better able to motivate and engage their teams.
Heart-centered leaders are also more likely to create a positive work environment where people feel valued and supported, which can lead to greater productivity and innovation.
Another reason why heart-centered leadership is becoming more important is that we are facing a number of complex challenges that require a different approach to leadership.
For example, climate change, inequality, and social unrest are all issues that require leaders to be able to collaborate, build consensus, and work towards a common goal.
Heart-centered leaders are well-suited to this kind of work, as they are able to listen deeply to the perspectives of others, build strong relationships, and create a sense of shared purpose.
I finished a great presentation and discussion sharing that heart-centered leadership is becoming more important because of changing expectations from employees and consumers.
In today’s world, people are looking for more than just a paycheck or a product.
They want to work for and buy from companies that are aligned with their values and that demonstrate a genuine concern for the well-being of their stakeholders.
Heart-centered leaders are better able to create this kind of environment and build trust with their employees and customers.
The present and future of leadership will be shaped by heart-centered leadership.
As we face more complex challenges and changing expectations from stakeholders, leaders who are able to demonstrate empathy, compassion, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others will be best positioned to succeed.
Long weekends are a perfect time to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate after a busy workweek.
Whether you plan to travel or stay at home, a long weekend can be a great opportunity to recharge your batteries and prioritize your health.
Self-Care is a great priority to have in your life and leadership.
Here’s my top 5 reasons:
Reducing Stress – Stress is a major contributor to poor health. Taking a long weekend break can help reduce stress levels and prevent burnout. It provides an opportunity to step away from the daily grind, unplug, and engage in activities that help us relax and unwind. Whether it’s spending time in nature, reading a book, or enjoying quality time with loved ones, a long weekend can help us destress and recharge.
Improving Sleep Quality – Sleep is essential for good health, but many of us struggle to get enough quality sleep. Long weekends can provide an opportunity to catch up on sleep and establish healthy sleep habits. Sleeping in a little later than usual, taking a nap, or going to bed earlier can all help improve sleep quality and quantity.
Boosting Mood – Taking time off work and doing something enjoyable can boost our mood and overall well-being. Engaging in activities that we enjoy, whether it’s hiking, practicing yoga, or spending time with friends, can release feel-good hormones like endorphins and oxytocin. These hormones can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve our mood, and increase our overall sense of happiness and well-being.
Enhancing Creativity – Creativity is not only beneficial for artistic pursuits but also for problem-solving and innovation. Taking a break from our daily routine can help us tap into our creative side and come up with new ideas and solutions. Whether it’s trying a new hobby or exploring a new place, a long weekend can provide the time and space we need to unleash our creativity.
Strengthening Relationships – Spending quality time with friends and family is essential for our well-being. Long weekends can provide an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and strengthen relationships. Whether it’s planning a family vacation or spending a weekend at home, spending time with loved ones can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall well-being.
Embracing a long weekend is a great way to honour being heart-centered in your life and leadership.
A heart-centered fireside chat is an informal conversation that is held typically held in a relaxed setting.
I have the pleasure of receiving context on the company and culture from the COO and the VP, People & Culture to tailor the fireside chat.
Here are some tips to facilitate a heart-centered fireside chat that I would personally recommend:
Choose a comfortable setting: The setting should be conducive to conversation and create a relaxed atmosphere. A fireside chat is best held in a comfortable and intimate space, where the audience can feel engaged with the speaker. An offsite location is often recommended to eliminate interruption and/or distractions.
Pick an engaging speaker or panel: The speaker or panel should be engaging and knowledgeable on the topic of discussion. It’s important to choose someone who can hold the attention of the audience and stimulate conversation.
Prepare questions: While the conversation should be informal, it’s important to prepare some questions ahead of time to guide the discussion. These questions should be open-ended and encourage the speaker to share their thoughts and experiences.
Encourage audience participation: Heart-Centered Fireside chats are designed to be interactive, so it’s important to encourage audience participation. Allow for questions and comments from the audience throughout the conversation, and make sure the audience feels comfortable sharing their thoughts.
Keep the conversation flowing: The conversation should flow naturally, and it’s the job of the facilitator to keep it on track. Make sure to listen carefully to the speaker and ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation going.
Be flexible: Heart-Centered Fireside chats are meant to be informal, so it’s important to be flexible and adjust the conversation as needed. If the audience is particularly engaged in a certain topic, it’s okay to spend more time on it than originally planned. Heart-Centered leadership is fun to chat about!
Overall, a heart-centered fireside chat is a great way to encourage conversation and create a relaxed atmosphere for learning and discussion. By following these tips, you can facilitate a successful fireside chat that engages both the speaker and the audience.
I am facilitating heart-centered fireside chats with my new book The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook for September 2023. The cutoff date for registration is April 16th.
Yesterday, I travelled to Toronto to work with a team.
Scenario:
360 Feedback completed on Departmental Leader.
Forward thinking COO organized the team facilitation.
The team wanted to brainstorm and have an external coach team facilitation to discuss the feedback as there were consistencies and patterns of behaviour noted and assessed by the team.
This leader is very heart-centered.
The feedback and data was a regular consistency for procrastination.
Being face-to-face vs. Virtually for a team facilitation is powerful.
Each team member spoke and I took note of words, expressions, repetitive words and kept track to report back at the end of the day. I had reviewed the 360 feedback before I attended so I had a baseline of the scenario.
The photo below was the summary of words expressed by the team regarding the team leader.
It led to a beautiful conversation.
We are all people.
Life shows up at work.
Work shows up in our life.
This leader (who I coach) had some ‘life moments’ happening and was unaware of her behaviour until the COO decided to do a 360 feedback.
Learning Moments:
Transparency by leader and team
The opportunity to feel safe to discuss the life moments
Relatability and acknowledgement by everyone
The full agreement that procrastination is led by fear
An engagement for open, honest dialog
A renewal of team support
Gratitude from leader for a team who cares and supports her
Happiness from team that company is pro-active to offer team building activities to promote leadership learning and growth
A win for imperfection for all!
The honouring of their connection with each other
This was my top 10 list but there were many more learning moments.
I’ve been thinking about a model where I could demonstrate that we are all in the people business beyond policies, protocols, metrics, etc.
When I was a neurotrauma case manager, I always enjoyed medical debriefs from the beginning when my clients were inpatients until discharge, and my community-based team would provide regular updates.
The SOAP model below is the model that was used.
It’s simple and effective.
The more I thought about this, the more I realized it could be used in any sector, anywhere in the world, for any position.
A bit of vision, creativity, and imagination bring new ideas to the forefront for implementation.
S – Subjective
Subjective information the person provides.
O – Objective
Factual information or metrics the people provide.
A – Assessment
Analysis based on the information provided to date.
P – Plan
What are the plan and next steps?
I am yet to find an executive or C-suite leader who doesn’t welcome, utilize, or implement things being easy.
We don’t have to make things hard in heart-centered leadership.
Think about past roles, responsibilities, policies, procedures, etc.
Little did I know it was going to be the last day I would see and talk to my dad alive.
I recall our last conversation. It’s so vivid in my memory and I can visualize myself beside his beside in the hospital.
A feeling in my gut that he didn’t look well, he was pale and weak. It was the end.
It was my last father daughter talk.
He said to me, “you will have many barriers in your life. The key is to always see a solution.”
Enter the birth of my emotional resilience.
The next morning at 6:00 a.m. my dad passed away.
I tucked that last bit of dad wisdom into my heart and I think about it daily and have since that day in 1987.
When we lead with open minds and hearts, we can always leave room and space for solutions.
I truly believe that barriers present in our lives to allow us exploration of our creativity. A balance of feeling and being independent to integrate that creativity.
My dad was a phenomenal entrepreneur. He valued his relationships. I guess I am an extension of my dad in many ways.
Whenever I am presented with a barrier in life or business, I see the opportunity for solutions or sometimes resolution.
In a virtual team-building exercise yesterday, I heard the best line from a divisional manager.
The call was quiet, and she said, “Labels are for soup cans!”
Everyone burst into laughter, and it anchored an amazing conversation that provided a beautiful foundation for my facilitation of heart-centered leadership.
It reminded me of the quote below from Khalil Gibran.
The between is where the magic is. As a heart-centered leader, you anticipate this space. You know this space well, and you utilize it wisely to move forward with any of the heart-centered leadership qualities. It’s a regular anticipation.
When I lead yoga, I always ask the participants to find the cadence of their breath and enjoy the ‘sweet spot’ in between the inhale and exhale. That is where equanimity is born.
Let’s keep the labels for soup. Introvert. Extrovert. Lazy. Go-Getter. Overachiever, etc.
Last week I announced the release of my upcoming book, The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook. It will be published in September 2023.
I was nervous and excited —nervited!
I could hear my Irish Nana in my ear. “You are nervous and excited because it’s mean so much to you and you care. Don’t every lose this!”
I decided to create virtual and in-person Heart-Centered Fireside Chats for companies.
The world is heavy and with all going on in this world, I thought this would be a great way to introduce heart-centered leadership and who doesn’t love a good fireside chat?
It’s an opportunity to:
💜”Have a taste’ of what heart-centered leadership could look like at your company.
💜 It’s an opportunity to integrate heart-centered leadership with excitement!
💜 It’s the chance to implement what’s been yearning in your heart and you are unsure of how/when, etc.
If this resonates with you, I encourage you to reach out.
We’ll plan a Private Virtual or In-Person Heart-Centered Fireside Chat (depending on geographic area) for your company or community and you will receive 25 Signed Paperback editions of my book.
You’ll be invited to join my Author Community, where you’ll be with me throughout my journey.
Your name will appear in the Acknowledgments section of my book.
Let’s join together and create more heart-centered leaders in the world. We need them now more than ever.
It’s a time to ebb and flow and allow a loosening of structure that our work week can bring.
Don’t get my wrong here, there is plenty of ebb and flow I integrate into my work week, yet, the weekends are an open field of exploration.
Yesterday, I spent the day reading. I tend to read 2-3 books at the same time and the calmness of the day with the sounds of gentle rain outside set the foundation for a day of reading.
The quote below awoke my senses and habits of thinking this morning before my meditation.
Imagine if we all did surrender?
An opportunity to rise from our rooted foundation to explore, expand and BE?
When we look inside our heart at the lives we have had, the answer is there for how we show up as leaders. 💜
Today is an exciting day as it truly allows me to embrace who I am and also to be a heart-centered leader.
I was asked to return to teaching chair yoga one Friday morning per month by a non-profit organization.
The attendees have different medical diagnoses and they wanted someone with a medical/rehabilitation background who was also a certified yoga teacher and could facilitate a large group.
I decided to honour my connection with this non-profit and accept this offer.
After teaching yoga on Saturdays since the first week of January, so many opportunities have opened up for corporate wellness and other teaching/facilitating opportunities.
Like anything we plan, a lot of work goes into planning a one-hour yoga class. I always choose a theme, and appropriate music, develop the sequence for the flow of yoga poses, create a meaningful meditation to align with the theme and leave the attendees relaxed, grounded and ready to take on their day.
Being a heart-centered leader every day is mastering the art of heart in both your life and leadership.
It’s honouring all that you do with whomever you come in contact with over the course of your day.
I normally don’t post about upcoming shows on imperfect: The Heart-Centered Leadership podcast.
I can’t keep this upcoming episode a secret!
I wanted to reach out to Steve Cadigan, the heart-centered leader (with humour) who took LinkedIn from 400 to 4000 employees in 3.5 years and from 2 countries to 16. Remarkable.
I was so nervous to reach out to him. After getting over the fear, I sent the email.
Steve was so gracious and said, “I would love to be on your show.” You are in for a treat in April!
Steve said two things that stopped me in my tracks!
In today’s business climate, people “don’t want to be hired – they want to be inspired! and careers are now adventures.”
People want heart-centered leaders.
People want companies with healthy, vibrant cultures.
Steve’s extensive HR background has made him one of the world’s top talent strategists. Steve is also a company culture expert.
His new book, Workquake, is all about the future of work. I am excited to read it! Bradley Schurman I would love for you both to connect because you are both aligned and bring expertise from two different fields!
Heart-Centered leadership means honouring your connection with people. It’s clear, concise, and simple.
I’ve had many conversations with people across the globe who have shared how they feel and think about leadership, their company and so much more.
Perhaps the global pandemic swayed this decision and interpretation as we all had time to pause, think, review, analyze and feel how our lives should be.
Leadership has many facets. When it is anchored from our heart it has phenomenal outcomes.
A great example is Mike Sievert from T-Mobile. I have enjoyed watching his journey from COO to CEO. I’ve had a front row seat to witnessing his heart-centered leadership. The company has continue to thrive and grow. The culture is healthy, vital and welcoming!
I couldn’t find a heart-centered leadership playbook. So I wrote my own.
Join me on this journey to unveil this beautiful heart-centered leadership playbook to the world.
There is so much noise around emotional intelligence.
How did it rise to the top of people’s minds?
My question for this post today is one I am asked on a frequent basis.
How can I turn my emotional intelligence into emotional resilience?
To turn emotional intelligence into emotional resilience, you can practice strategies such as:
📌Mindfulness
📌Focusing on positive self-talk
📌 Setting boundaries
📌Seeking support from others
By learning about your emotions and how to handle them well, you can improve your ability to adapt to new situations and get back on your feet after a setback.
Finding a balance between mental calmness and cognitive overwhelm can be challenging.
One way to find this balance is to use techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness to calm down.
These can help reduce stress and anxiety while also allowing you to focus on the task at hand.
Additionally, taking regular breaks throughout the day can help keep your mind from becoming overwhelmed.
Finally, setting realistic goals for yourself and breaking them down into manageable chunks can help keep your workload manageable and reduce cognitive overload.
C-Suite leaders and surgeons are taught to hone the skill of equanimity.
This allows mental calmness to always be at the forefront of their thoughts with a logical mind.
It serves when they have high-level thinking and tasks that are both demanding and time-sensitive.
The start of 2023 has provided me with a full circle ⭕️ moment.
A local greenhouse Heeman’s created a winter wellness series. Will Heeman called to see if I wanted to teach yoga.
I hadn’t taught yoga since the first week of the pandemic. Three years. I was nervous, apprehensive and then I realized it was time to get back to teaching!
I agreed and also recommended some other yoga teachers and within a few weeks the program was started with several yoga classes.
I decided to teach chair yoga and a gentle flow class.
What I didn’t anticipate was:
1. Seeing so many people I haven’t seen since 2019.
2. The joy of teaching again and how good it felt.
3. The beautiful environment of teaching in a greenhouse with a heated floor and heat from the ceiling and the sun shining through the top of the greenhouse and all the green! 🌿
4. Being reunited with woman from the MS society who I taught during my practical hours before becoming a certified yoga teacher. 💜
5. The renewal of silence, solace and equanimity to teach, enjoy myself and share with so many. 🙏
Yoga means science of the mind and is truly for everyone. Each week I chose a theme and built on the theme and I taught every Saturday morning for the past eight weeks.
What has happened in this time:
1. I have landed three corporate wellness contracts to speak, coach, facilitate team-building and lead a yoga and meditation practice.
2. I have been offered four yoga teaching positions within my city.
3. I have been working with elementary school teachers to help children in the classroom with breathing techniques to help with behaviour, listening and attention.
Yoga truly is for everyone.
I’ve said it before and I will say again. Our leadership story is a building block. We keep learning. We keep living. We transfer our skills and lead each and every day.
Full circle moments happen on the daily for me. I look, listen, embrace, smile and that inner voice always says, “Lead on!” 💜
The best conversation of this week goes to a heart-centered CEO who is not afraid to be vulnerable, transparent, and heart-centered.
As we led a team-building activity on being and leading with heart-centered leadership, he addressed his team with the best opening that I want to share in this post.
1. Don’t confuse experience with expertise.
2. Having faced a problem doesn’t guarantee that you’ve mastered the solution.
3. Don’t mistake expertise for wisdom.
4. Having deep knowledge doesn’t guarantee that you know when it applies.
Mic drop 🎤
It was powerful to witness.
The room was so silent we could have heard a 📌drop.
Connected.
Communication.
Clarity.
Vulnerability from the CEO.
What happened next?
Collective growth.
The best team conversations, team ideas, team strategies, and team creativity with a collective energy that blew the roof off the boardroom!
This week, I am working with a female CEO, and we had a great conversation that I had to write about and post.
It’s a good share and definitely worth a self-audit for us all! 💜
Selfishness and selflessness are two sides of the same coin. As the ancient Taoist religion of China teaches us, there is no such thing as something completely good or something completely bad. There cannot be darkness without light, as there cannot be hot without cold. The same thing holds true for selfishness and selflessness.
Every person that has ever lived was both selfish and selfless at the same time. Some of us may be selfish with our material possessions while others may be selfish when it comes to sharing feelings or opening up to others. It only stands to reason that in today’s world, no utterly selfless person could ever survive. People would take advantage until there will be nothing else left to give.
Of course, it doesn’t mean that we should be entirely selfish either because, in a sense, we would end up in the same place. We need to have both to survive and make the world a better place. When it comes down to survival, selfishness is vital, but when we’re talking about our personal lives, selflessness is crucial.
Being emotionally selfish with friends and family will almost always lead to a breakup in relationships. Unfortunately, it can be quite difficult to regulate our selfish behavior. Nevertheless, it is through our selfish instincts can we ever hope to become and understand selflessness.
The Road to Selflessness Is Through Selfishness
Like we said before, selfishness and selflessness are intertwined and not mutually exclusive. Being selfish will help us thrive economically while being selfless helps us in our social endeavors.
But since material desires and necessities sit at the bottom of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, it would only stand to reason that selfishness is more ingrained and harder to control. Nevertheless, as we go up this pyramid of needs, selflessness becomes the prime ingredient for success. Things like love, a sense of belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization can never be achieved without being selfless.
But if we boil it down, selflessness is about giving up something for someone else’s benefit. As we reach the point in our lives, that we know what we want and how we want it, it is quite hard to find any reason to be selfless.
That’s, of course, until we find ourselves in the situation of being on the receiving end of selfishness. It is during these times that we learn selflessness and it could not be possible without knowing selfishness firsthand, both as a user and as a receiver.
Likewise, we’ve all been in the situation where we want to have our personal space and away from scrutiny. What this means is that we are actively looking to keep secrets — to feel that nobody has their eyes and ears on us. This search for independence has made us all push our parents, siblings, or partners away at some point in our lives.
But as necessary as this “breathing space” is, we should never go as far as pushing our loved ones from our lives. If things are left unchecked, we will build an emotional wall that will keep everyone out.
When it’s by choice, solitude is excellent. But when we continuously distance ourselves from the closest people in our lives, we will find ourselves utterly alone in a time of need, and things will inevitably become difficult.
Conclusion
It is, thus, through selfishness that we develop the necessary empathy to discover selflessness.
On International Women’s Day 2023, we can come together to celebrate the progress made in advancing gender equality and empowering women around the world.
We can focus on the problems that still need to be solved and take steps to help all women reach their full potential.
This includes:
📌Continuing to work towards closing the gender pay gap.
📌Providing access to quality education and health care.
📌Creating an environment where women are respected and valued.
📌We can also help women lead and make decisions in all fields, from business to politics, and give them more chances to do so.
Let’s use this day to recognize and celebrate the many things women have done and to pledge to make the world a better place for both men and women. 💜
“My passion is natural health and my purpose is to help share it with the world.” –Mike Fata
This edition of the newsletter takes you on a healthy journey as Mike Fata recounts his childhood experience with bullying and later on with business and life.
When I closed my case management practice, it was one of the hardest days of my life.
It felt like a loss—even though it was my decision to create and complete an exit strategy.
I saw a lot of impostor syndrome at all levels of leadership among the healthcare workers I worked with.
Since I switched to executive coaching, I never thought that my two worlds would collide.
You can take the girl out of the medical sector, yet the experience and education are transferable to all that she does as she moves forward.
The memories I hold are good and bad.
The meetings I attended were good and bad.
The decisions I witnessed were good and bad.
The leadership I observed was good, fair, and poor.
A study published in the journal Medical Education found that impostor syndrome usually starts in medical school and can last for the rest of a doctor’s career.
Rates of impostor syndrome range from 22% to 60%. This opens a new dialogue among practicing physicians and physicians in training.
I have the honour and privilege of working with several doctors and specialists. The statistics from the study are unfortunately correct.
How can healthcare overcome imposter syndrome?
Healthcare professionals can overcome imposter syndrome by:
💜Focusing on their successes
💜Celebrating their accomplishments
💜Taking time to recognize their strengths
💜Create a supportive environment with colleagues and mentors
💜Use positive affirmations to boost confidence
💜Accept that everyone experiences moments of self-doubt.
Lastly, healthcare professionals should remember to take breaks and focus on self-care so they can practice better self-compassion and resilience with everyone they serve. 💜
This week I had a fun group for a team-building exercise, and we decided to have fun with our imaginations to see how it has a foundational place in our heart-centered leadership!
Our imaginations are incredibly powerful tools that allow us to create, explore, and understand the world around us.
Without our imaginations, we wouldn’t be able to see or understand how complicated life and leadership are or get a glimpse into the unknown.
Imagination is an essential part of our lives, as it allows us to develop a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Without our imaginations, we wouldn’t be able to find out what we’re capable of or come up with creative ways to solve problems in life and in leadership.
If you think about all the wonderful things you did as a child, it’s a great baseline to show that as you age, become educated, and gain experience, your imagination gets lost along the way.
I saw the work and planning that went into making your campaign pillars, which were the foundation of your campaign.
To every young student or professional here on #linkedin, lean in, see your vision, feel your inner power, and go for the dream! I witnessed my daughter do this, and it’s magical to see!
I have thoroughly enjoyed researching my guests on imperfect: The Heart-Centered Leadership Podcast.
The joy of not providing the questions ahead of time provides a real, authentic, and genuine conversation.
This strategy has also brought a lot of laughter and fun to the interview.
At the end of every interview, it’s my goal to share with our listenership the person who is being interviewed.
I’ve asked over 220 leaders the following “Fab 4” rapid fire questions.
1. If I asked your family and friends to describe you in one word, what would it be?
2. Name a book that has changed your life and share how it changed you?
3. You are being granted a wish. You can have dinner with a leader of your choice. This leader can be living or deceased. Who are you having dinner with and what is the dinner conversation?
4. The show always ends with my guests sharing their heart when they finish this sentence: Heart-Centered Leadership is __________________.
The answers to these questions have been interesting, fun and reflective.
Heart-Centered Leadership is truly a universal language.
I would love to hear how you would answer the FAB4!
