I think the most important thing I do in my professional life today is delivering public, impermeable ‘no’s and sticking to them. I say no to people who prioritize being cool over being good. I say no to misogynists who want to weaponize my body against me. I say no to men who feel entitled to my attention and reverence, who treat everything the light touches as a resource for them to burn. I say no to religious zealots who insist that I am less important than an embryo. I say no to my own … [Read more...]
Lessons from Quiet
Cain's Calls to Action Stop the madness for constant group work! Work together, but allow room for autonomy. Go to the wilderness. Unplug and get inside your own head. Take a good look at what's inside your own suitcase and why you put it there. Grace the world with your authentic self. The world needs you and the things you carry. Have the courage to speak softly. You don't need to be extroverted to do good work or stand out (in your own way). Everyone … [Read more...]
Leadership Lessons from Big Magic
Anyhow, the older I get, the less impressed I become with originality. These days, I’m far more moved by authenticity. Attempts at originality can often feel forced and precious, but authenticity has quiet resonance that never fails to stir me. Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear While this book is directed at artists and other creatives, it does offer up a few leadership lessons if you are willing to push past the out-there (spiritual?) tone and read between the … [Read more...]
Lessons from Yes Please
It’s called Yes Please because it is the constant struggle and often the right answer. Can we figure out what we want, ask for it, and stop talking? Yes please. Is being vulnerable a power position? Yes please. Am I allowed to take up space? Yes please. Would you like to be left alone? Yes please. I love saying “yes” and I love saying “please.” Saying “yes” doesn’t mean I don’t know how to say no, and saying “please” doesn’t mean I am waiting for permission. “Yes please” sounds powerful and … [Read more...]
Lessons from Sheryl Sandberg
Leadership is not bullying and leadership is not aggression. Leadership is the expectation that you can use your voice for good. That you can make the world a better place. Sheryl Sandberg Earlier this year, I read Sheryl Sandberg's Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy and Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. While I didn't agree with everything that Sanberg wrote - and I vehemently disagreed with several sentiments - I did find these lessons worth … [Read more...]