 I have a really, really special “gig”! Because I talk about it so much, a dear friend suggested I write about it. What a blessing I live, in having the opportunity to write a new chapter of my life! Building upon the previous one in a way that allows me to give back, stay sharp and continuously learn. Passionate about fulfilling potentials, creating something better and encouraging entrepreneurship. I get to partner with others for this exact purpose! My “gig” is in the capacity as an advisor for individuals, partners and businesses with a local college’s small business development center. The program, funded by the government, makes it free for applicants to seek support and mentorship as they pursue their dream to start up and or grow their own business. I swear the Directors are guided by the universe or career matchmakers. Everyone I have had the privilege to be paired with, like karma on multiple levels. For me at least, I cannot speak for them. The ideas range from making a mobile studio in a refurbished city bus, to an aspiring inventor, to marketing culinary talents/family recipes, to representing emerging athletes’ best interests, to archiving art collections, to capturing stories through videography, to producing stunning stain glass pieces, and so many more. I wish I could describe each one individually, giving them the justice, they deserve. It is such an honor!! They are all incredible! Every introductory meeting, I am more and more in awe of the creativity. The identifying of an opportunity (gap, need, solution) to fill. Of the evolving current success into future successes. Impressive resumes, talents and business expanding initiatives. Even more, I am humbled and appreciative of the chance to get to know these individuals!! The courage it takes to reach out for assistance. The character to pursue their visions. The contagious spirit to define destiny. I truly believe, in giving my time, I am the one receiving more! These new relationships, and friendships, quickly treasured! Our work together often has similar components, but it is never routine. My approach is more coaching, providing information and tools, to allow for good decision making. I respect the engagement is about encouraging and getting to a determined finish line (for the moment). Motivated by achieving their objectives and meeting expectations, I try to be a good listener. Usually we agree upon “homework” and I do attempt to exercise accountability. Tapping my breadth of experience, applying my life coaching and or challenging me to dig into something, each relationship is really special. With a most grateful heart, I love this “gig”! Thank you to the program, directors and my clients. To anyone that has a nagging voice within – check into the availability within your community. Now more than ever, entrepreneurship, start-ups, small business growth is needed. There are resources available to position you for the achievement of your ambition and aspirations. Check it out. Conversations welcomed. ReImagine Possibilities., Inc.
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 This week I had the opportunity to listen to a panel on the topic of Winning with Integrity, Is Following the Rules Enough. The balance was 4 sports industry executives and 1 in the area of compliance. If I had to give a simply stated summary, though not directly associated with the headline, it all comes “Back to the Culture”! Something I am passionate about.
In the discussion, I found the opportunity to consider 3 ideas; the need to know your culture, the intent to match character to culture and my own observation of the conflict between the language of winning in cultures where having one winner is not the game. Briefly I offer… The need to know your culture. My working theory on knowing your culture, is you need to first identify who is leading it. Which may or may not be the ownership and or executives in leadership roles. Once identified, what is their personal story from as far back in their family life as able to remember. Understanding who these leaders are as individuals and their significant life experiences, is the first reflection of your existing culture, intended or unintended. An authentic culture is not solely the product of strategy meetings and company objectives. The intent to match character to culture. As an owner, executive and Manager, whenever we were bringing in a new member to our team, I would start the interview by acknowledging and encouraging that it be a 2-way conversation and evaluation. If you were speaking with me the assumption was you met the basic job requirements. What I wanted to know was could we develop a mutually rewarding relationship. Our company culture needed to be consistent with what the potential hire was seeking for themselves, not just us obviously feeling they were a fit. The language of winning where having one winner is not the game. There are far too many instances today where we metaphorically associate a win and lose outcome. Relationships, Business and Government should not be engaging in a win/lose but striving to achieve a common good and share in the big picture outcome. If we are competing, comparing and tearing one another down for our own benefit, my opinion, the perceived victory is bitter, not sweet, from all that has been loss through breaking good character rules. I do not want to be remiss in suggesting that the session did not discuss the challenges that exist between compliance and following the written (and unwritten) rules. There was such conversation (and many others), but often they lead back to the role of culture and building a team that exemplifies it. The panel valuable. My ideas, to be continued… ReImagine Possibilities would like to partner with individuals, families and businesses (teams) through advising/coaching, May you and I unpack your stories to discover if alignment exists between what you strategize to be and what is actually showing up? May I assist you in creating processes to position for success individually and collectively? May I with you, work to fulfill individual potentials, channeled towards everyone “winning” together? |
AuthorChristina Brandt Archives
September 2022
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