THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

vulnerability connects

Thoughts and concepts that pop up in our every day lives can help shape us as leaders. And real, vulnerable stories challenge us to connect us as humans. Explore how we’re growing and expanding our views.

A Perspective on Racism

A few years ago, I was contracted to coach teachers in downtown Baltimore to cultivate socio-emotionally safe cultures in their classrooms. I would observe and coach the teachers while they were instructing, so I spent lots of time with the children.

Feel Your Emotions

I was recently asked, “How are you able to always have a smile on your face and have such a positive attitude?” If this person would have asked me that even a year ago, I would have responded with something to the tune of, “When I find myself focusing on negative things, I am able to shift my energy by asking what is the opportunity in this situation… I remember key truths…”

Learning How to Breathe

I’m learning how to breathe.

About ten years ago, a masseuse with 35+ years of experience abruptly stopped while massaging me and looked intensely into my eyes with an almost apologetic curiosity. She said my neck and shoulders were the tightest and most knotted she had ever felt, and she asked if I was okay.

Understanding Our Anger

Yesterday I was walking past the living room where Chris was reading in our white chair when I realized I forgot to grab something in the next room. (I don’t even remember what it was.) I quickly set my full jar of water down on our antique secretary (a gorgeous piece of furniture that has been in my family for about 75 years) for just a second to grab that something. Chris immediately reacted, “No, don’t set your water there!”

Silence Is Complicity

If you feel accountability or guilt around how you may be consciously or unconsciously contributing to systemic racism, you’re not alone. Sit in your discomfort.