Posts

Joy

Image
Lead with a lighter heart! In today's relentless pursuit of success, the concept of "joy" often feels relegated to the sidelines, a fleeting reward rather than a fundamental ingredient. What if joy isn't just a byproduct of achievement, but a catalyst for it? What if, as leaders, we've underestimated the sheer power of cultivating joy within ourselves and our teams? Let's dive in... Joy has many forms - excited (intense / high energy), serene (quieter, calmer, harmony), individuated, affiliated (shared with others), anticipatory (desire appears to be imminent) and consummatory (desire has been fulfilled). Let's explore the many shades of joy: For Please see below the arguments for the importance of joy in leadership and work: Joy is something you cultivate within , not something you find outside yourself. This resonated deeply with me because leadership, at its core, is an inside job. A study by MIT and Harvard shows that happy employees get sick less ofte...

Luck

Image
The fortune favors the bold, the diligent, the prepared. What is Luck? Luck is that element of chance or fortune that's often outside your direct control. Luck is subjective, but privilege often plays a hidden role in what we perceive as good fortune. What one person considers lucky, another might not. If I say you got lucky, I look jealous. If I tell myself that I got lucky, I feel diminished. If you are like me, you might be wondering, isn’t the idea of luck in a meritocracy somewhat of a paradox? Yes it is 🫡. It reveals the inequality that characterizes our social world, a world where luck is real and consequential. To put it another way, your zip code, your parents' network, the opportunities afforded by your socioeconomic background all play a significant role in determining your 'luck.' Many people think luck is all random, but that’s not true. While blind luck (unexpected moments that boosts you forward or knocks you off course) certainly exists, there's a w...

Impact

Image
It's Not Just About the Bang, But the Ripple Effect. The word impact gets thrown around a lot, but what does it truly mean, especially in a leadership context?  For me, it's not always about the flashy wins or groundbreaking disruptions. Real impact often lies in the subtle, consistent choices we make that create a ripple effect over time. Think of it as the compound interest of influence - steady, strategic, and ultimately transformative. Impact as a Marathon, Not a Sprint 🎯 Strategic foresight : Set long-term goals and consistently work towards them. 📈 Invest in growth : Nurture your team's potential and foster a culture of mentorship. 🥷 Challenge the status quo : Focus on outcomes (not output) and pushing boundaries. 🕶️ Cultivate inclusivity : Creating a positive and supportive environment where everyone thrives. 📚 Embrace the learning process : Cultivate deep-seated curiosity and growth mindset over fixed mindset. While innovation and disruption are crucial, sustai...

... Uncharted Territory ...

Image
Awareness Awakened, Fresh Start Achieved! Alright, let's cut to the chase. I'm not sure about you but last three years I've been navigating my own "uncharted territory." Whether it's a new project at work (transitioned back to development from security), a life change (moving to TX a year ago), or just trying to figure out what the heck is going on, I've been in a constant state of discovery. For me, this blog is that discovery. It's about hitting the reset button, taking a good hard look in the mirror, and figuring out how to lead – myself and maybe others – a little better. Here are the outcomes I expect from all the research that'll go into sharing my thoughts: Become a better leader - Continuous reflections about leadership forces you to clarify your thoughts, identify patterns in your behavior, and confront your biases. I hope this process leads to deeper self-awareness and general improvement in my abilities to lead a global team. Become a be...