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Can You Align Your Professional and Personal Purpose?
In an Atlantic article “The New Old Age” (by David Brooks, Aug 2023), we meet people who’ve spent decades in high-powered careers — CEOs, prosecutors, doctors — suddenly confronting a sobering truth: their professional résumés no longer define them. David Brooks, shares Anne Kenner’s story — a former federal prosecutor who walked into Stanford’s Distinguished…
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Don’t Confuse Manufactured Moments with Real Leadership
Politicians run for office with rallies, giveaways, and promises that make crowds cheer. But after the election? The T-shirts fade, the food is gone, and the grand vision often collapses under the weight of reality. Too many businesses are doing the exact same thing. 1. The Hype vs. The Work 2. Promises vs. Delivery 3.…
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The Danger of Labeling too soon
What sparked this reflection was a graphic I saw: “7 Signs You’re Dealing with an Inauthentic Person.” The list was absolute: if someone shows these traits, they’re inauthentic. Full stop. I think this is misleading. Human behavior is more nuanced. When we latch onto a label too quickly, we risk being myopic — zooming in…
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Identity Lessons from August Wilson
August Wilson was born Frederick August Kittel Jr. on April 27, 1945, in Pittsburgh’s Hill District — a neighborhood rich in African American culture, known for its music, storytelling, and tight-knit community. His mother, Daisy Wilson, a Black cleaning woman from North Carolina, raised six children largely on her own. His father, a German immigrant…
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On May 7th, 2004, I Wrote Myself a Note
Be strong! Be faithful to your course!Success is yours – you can do it!Love you – Gis7 5 2004 I found that note today—one I wrote to myself 7,756 days ago. Back then, I had already been in business for 3,321 days. I resigned from my job on December 25th, 1994, and have been walking…
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Curiosity and asking “What if…”
Just completed “The Book of Ichigo Ichie” – The Art of Making the Most of Every Moment, the Japanese Way by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles (bestselling authors of IKIGAI) This is not a summary but an invitation to invoke some magic into your life by asking this simple question – “What if…” So many…
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Act from alignment
My belief is that when you are in alignment, things work out, sometimes in ways you can’t explain. Sometimes through some circuitous route you could never have planned yourself. A chance meeting. A name that comes to you at the right time for your business. A spot opens up and it’s the perfect location for…
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Eliminate the unnecessary…
…to get to the essential. How do you determine what is essential to you and your business? Commit to creating some transformation in the world. Transformation that leverages your skills and talents. Then start talking about it…and don’t stop. JASON LEISTER In the book of Ichigo Ichie, authors Garcia and Miralles share in the chapter…
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Be heard AND seen…
If you don’t stand for something, you’ll tolerate everything. Think of those times when you have deferred to others who were louder, appeared more ‘in the know’ than you. Perhaps you’ve encountered a bully or three, who wouldn’t even let you speak – your point of view lost in their bravado. Yet it is important…
Clarity BEFORE Execution. Structure BEFORE Speed
High-stakes decisions deserve disciplined thinking
You don’t need to move faster.
You need to reduce unnecessary risk.
When your decision affects income, reputation, or stability,
pause with structure before you act.
Giselle Hudson | Pre-Decision Advisory for Leaders Under Pressure 