Frames and categories
Use and lose them as you please - purpose drives results.
Art of purpose
Throughout my journey, I've encountered some things that kill my joy and creativity and things that launch me to new discoveries. Every blank page, every blank canvas, every blank face in an audience contains some thing that's waiting to be seen and felt. In complex projects, I find myself moving fluidly through these moments when I'm clear about my purpose - the underlying why behind my actions. The creative evolution of any artist or professional is to move through the dynamic continuum of an inspired purpose. My biggest barrier has been my own chatter around my self-worth. Saying things like, "I'm not good enough" or "did I say the right thing?" or "What if they don't approve?" or simply, "I can't". These are all expressions of self-doubt; some of us encounter them from time to…
There is only this moment
Easy to forget this, So easy to remember, A place of re-birth, A marvelous surrender, And you re-appear, In your truest form, And the story goes, On to another adventure.
The audience as your muse
The irony of me teaching Business Communication is that I’m not a great communicator. I’ve just gotten good at being honest with myself, and finding that that alone can be the hardest part for anyone. In order to grow, we must face the real challenges that affect us and learn to play with them. So, in the first session of class, I ask students, “How do you want to grow through this course?” Students, who are adult professionals, often respond with wanting to improve in public speaking. Part of the challenge of public speaking is being prepared and knowing the subject matter, the other part is being present and connected with the audience - in the moment vs. stuck to a predefined structure. Preparation must be met with presence and…
Listening and vulnerability
Recently I got a chance to talk with Jeff Klubeck, a motivational speaker and coach. In preparing for the interview, I formed a handful of questions to explore the idea of authenticity in the workplace. I was eager to hear his ideas. It was a casual and inspired conversation. I was sitting on my exceptionally comfortable couch at home and apparently Jeff was relaxing in his backyard enjoying some sun. Here are some ideas that turned up during our talk: What does it mean to build an authentic brand? Who the hell knows what’s authentic? Everyone has their own definition. Who’s to judge if you’re being yourself or not? There’s no grading scale. My goal is to make things easy for clients and reduce friction in the process of achieving…