A couple ways to contribute to a more diverse startup and tech ecosystem: 1) Kate Huyett’s Pay It Forward initiative which is designed to “create a network of professionals who are committed to creating access for Black individuals in the startup and marketing space.” I have had several conversations with Black professionals after signing up…
Month: August 2020
Black Lives Matter. “
Black Lives Matter. I’ve been struggling with what I can say that can make a difference, but in the end, I felt it was important to say something, rather than staying silent. So let’s stick to the core essence of what matters this week: Black Lives Matter. Jacob Blake. Breonna Taylor. George Floyd. Trayvon Martin….
How difficult are your constraints to move?”
How difficult are your constraints to move? We often say “I can’t” or “I need to”, framing constraints as absolutes. But most constraints outside of laws of physics can be shifted with enough resources in the form of money, effort or time. “We can’t meet that deadline” … unless given more help, or the client…
While this xkcd comic is about communicating one’s Covid comfort zone, it’s a nice illustration of what direct communication of one’s boundaries are.”
While this xkcd comic is about communicating one’s Covid comfort zone, it’s a nice illustration of what direct communication of one’s boundaries are. https://xkcd.com/2346/ Communicating such boundaries more directly and clearly can help to improve relationships as people can more easily work together without tripping hidden landmines of resentment and anger. Do you tend to…
How do you think of things happening to you?”
How do you think of things happening to you? Maria Konnikova described a useful mindset in her journey from New Yorker writer to professional poker player: “I remember one tournament where he (Erik Seidel, her poker mentor) pulled me aside during a break and he said, “I’m really worried about your thinking, the way you’re…
“I don’t have time!” is a common complaint. People imagine that there’s some way where they can do everything they want to do without giving anything up. “
“I don’t have time!” is a common complaint. People imagine that there’s some way where they can do everything they want to do without giving anything up. But we will never have more than 24 hours in a day (fewer after sleep, family time, self-care), so how can we more thoughtfully manage the time that…
How do you choose your responsibilities?”
How do you choose your responsibilities? Most of us let others determine what we are responsible for. We let others add meetings to our calendars, fill up our inboxes with action items, and continually increase their expectations of us. We often do this because we feel that’s how we earn safety and belonging e.g. “I…
When things get tough, how do you respond?”
When things get tough, how do you respond? One thing we often don’t remember when we are struggling is that we are embodied. When our bodies are not resourced, it’s hard for us to concentrate and make progress on whatever needs to get done. Last week, my toddler had a sleep regression and was waking…