Tag: community

Cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive™

Even MVP’s Need a Coach: Why Leaders Can’t Go It Alone

Posted on by Red Slice

I admire my 11-year-old son’s confidence. Truly. But it is funny that he has yet to learn the art of mastery. Of honing, refining, practicing, and getting better.

At 8, he had taken two or three trial Taekwondo classes and then stopped, But if you asked, he would tell you he “knows” Taekwondo. 

To a lesser extreme, no matter our age, we seem to achieve a certain level in our mastery of anything where we assume we are done learning. Whether it’s childhood piano lessons or becoming a C-suite executive, we tend to believe that the journey is over, or we get so busy on doing, we never stop to assess our ability from time to time. And we sometimes believe that “getting by with the basics” is enough to keep us going.

I tell my son, and I’ll share with you, to simply look at elite athletes and how they continue to hone and refine their talent. NO matter how many championships or Gold Medals won. If you’re Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, or Draymond Green (yes, I’m a Golden State Warriors basketball fan, even though Klay has moved to Dallas 😢), you still go to practice every week. You still revisit drills and basics. You still receive coaching and guidance. You still review and dissect game film to fine-tune your play.

No matter your level, you still rely on your coach and team to be your sounding board, sanity check, and truth-tellers.

C-suite and senior executives still have a lot to learn. They are not DONE. Why? Because the workplace, your team, and leadership paradigm shift and evolve, so you must adapt as well. You can always sharpen your skills, have better conversations, recharge your own energy, and experiment with new ways to motivate your team to great results. 

The minute you believe you are done learning as a leader is the minute you will no longer be an effective leader.

Plus, leadership can be really lonely. You are surrounded by less peers within your organization to share the tough stuff and provide support. You may have a really great team dynamic, but your direct reports can’t relate to what you are specifically going through, at your level. They don’t have the same kinds of responsibilities, pressures, and skill gaps you may have.

Finding the right support or peer cohort can help you as a leader:

  • enhance decision-making with new perspectives
  • hold yourself accountable to goals and growth
  • drive sustained leadership success through best practices and fresh ideas\
  • find a space that meets your needs for a change and enables you to be yourself, recharge, refocus, and get a break from daily pressures

Here are 3 ways high-achieving senior leaders can find support and uplevel their leadership skills:

1. Join a Mastermind or Peer Advisory Group

As I wrote in The Empathy Dilemma, almost every single successful leader who is both empathetic and high-performing that I have researched or interviewed engages in either peer support or coaching. It is why this tactic appears a few times in my book to help you strengthen not just your self-awareness pillar, but your self-care pillar. Surrounding yourself with similar high-level peers who have no stake in your work creates a space for honest feedback, idea-sharing, and perspective expansion. Masterminds help break isolation, challenge your thinking, and provide accountability—all crucial for continued growth at the top.

You can find organized associations or seek out a private, curated collective like my Empathy Edge Mastermind. Come get a taste of that if you like in an upcoming 2-day event.

2. Work with an Executive Coach or Mentor

A skilled coach helps uncover unseen gaps, clarify your leadership vision, and navigate tough decisions. Mentors offer real-world wisdom and perspective based on experience in similar roles. Finding a mentor can involve someone more senior than you, a retired professional, or even a successful peer. You want to choose someone who challenges you, not someone who simple agrees with everything you say!

3. Invest in Continuous Learning (Retreats, Courses, Think Tanks)

Executives who intentionally step away to learn, reflect, and reset often return refreshed, sharper, and with innovative ideas to tackle challenges. Find an experience that addresses your interests but also builds a skill set for you, such as emotional intelligence, managing hybrid teams, or future trends. Look for events you can really immerse yourself in and take time away from your daily pressures. Bonus if you can surround yourself with people both in and outside of your industry to gain broader perspectives on best practices. 

If you are looking for a good place to start sharpening your skills, please reach out and let’s talk! Or get a taste of my Empathy Edge Mastermind and see if it aligns with what you need right now.

Photo Credit: Raw Pixel

Cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive™

Leadership isn’t Pretty. Why you have to Get Messy to Master it!

Posted on by Red Slice

A recent Crossfit workout really brought home the power of muscle memory. And why constant skills development is required to keep yourself sharp.

My coach gives me some pretty tough workouts. When it pops up on my app or my coach describes in my online class, I always think to myself,“Aw, hell no!” and the negotiations start early. 

I’ll just do 3 rounds instead of 5

Maybe scale down to 6 reps instead of 10? My leg kinda hurts today (note: not really)

You’ve got to be freaking kidding me?!

(Curse words fly)

But I do the first round. And it’s usually pretty ugly. My muscles are tight. The movements feel awkward. I flop around like a dying fish. Definitely not movie montage worthy.

And then I complete one round. And start into the next. And my coach and comrades are all there, we’re cheering each other on. Yes, even when I’m watching the virtual recording, I can feel their hands on my back.

Huh, what’s this? It’s a little teeny bit easier. My body knows now what to expect, what to do next. It’s a little prettier than before, but still tough.My muscle memory starts kicking in OK, maybe this might work. But, seriously, I’m only doing one more round of reps.

Third round, I find the groove. I feel more coordinated, more agile. Is that even a spring in my step? Are those the endorphins kicking in? I feel like I might sorta be an athlete?!

And before I know it, I’ve done the 6 or 8 or 12 rounds I said I could not, would not, do.

Leadership is like this. We’re never “done” learning. Not with the workplace changing so fast. Not with AI, or hybrid workforces (both geographically and between humans and robots). And not with the unique tapestry of each and every team we lead.

Adapting feels uncomfortable. Embracing new models, such as partnering with your team, rather than powering over them, might take a bit more time to master and get the results you want. You might flop around like a dying fish for a while, too.

But that doesn’t mean you stop. It means you keep going, rep by rep, motion by motion. Conversation by conversation.

Yes, you won’t always look pretty. But you have to be honest. Gen Z doesn’t want perfection; they want authenticity (according to the recent Forbes article I just wrote).

And this also means you find your community, your support, your people. The people you can rely on, who will be honest with you, hold you accountable, and help you sharpen your skills. Those who can help you hone your human-centered leadership edge AND STILL demand high performance and hold your boundaries.

Both/And Leadership.

So get sweaty. Don’t be afraid to look messy and uncoordinated. And work through it all with people you trust, those who will elevate you and help you become a better version of yourself. To become the legacy leader you want to be – and that you know you CAN be.

Want to join us on the journey? I’m starting an amazing mastermind to help you become a healthy, human-centered leader who gets results. And leaves a legacy.

Let’s talk about my upcoming 2-day virtual leadership event so you can have a taste. It’s FREE – but not everyone gets in, so let’s have a chat first and see if this aligns with your goals and where you are right now.

Photo Credit: Victor Freitas on Unsplash

Cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive™

Empathy and Joy in… Politics?!

Posted on by Red Slice

Anyone who has had to endure the DMV knows there can often be little joy in government. 

But a few weeks ago, U.S. Democratic leaders encouraged us to find joy in politics. Yes, POLITICS. The joy in helping others, building a strong country and equitable future. Joy in rolling up our sleeves and getting involved to help our communities and our nation thrive.

I was struck by how often both “empathy” and “joy” were mentioned at the Democratic National Convention, because JOY is the 5th Pillar of The 5 Pillars of Effective and Empathetic Leadership, from my forthcoming new book, The Empathy Dilemma: How Successful Leaders Balance Performance People and Personal Boundaries (Get your copy now!)

It’s not about the work being joyful all the time. It can’t possibly be in any organization (spreadsheets anyone?) But let’s not assume joy contradicts “tackling serious issues” or “getting results.”

The word JOY in politics may rub some the wrong way, especially when many Americans are struggling to pay rent, buy a home, afford prescription drugs, manage multiple jobs, find opportunities, untangle bureaucracy, and protect our rights and bodily autonomy.

But it is in these times where JOY is exactly what a savvy empathetic leader leverages to motivate, engage, and get people thriving. And it’s how you can get the best out of your teams as well, even when the work is difficult.

Creating joyful energy catalyzes ACTION. And ACTION is what enables your organization (or government or country) to succeed so everyone can thrive.

Empathy AND results can co-exist. Both/And. Learn more about why and how in my new book!

Photo Credit: Mike Erskine, Unsplash

Cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive™

The Power of One

Posted on by Red Slice

What can one person do?

We often ask this question when faced with insurmountable odds or unfathomable injustice.

In recent years, many are asking themselves that question around how to combat climate change, homophobia, gun violence, or healthcare inequity – you can actually pick about a hundred given the state of our world today.

When I start to lose hope, I remind myself that many of the world’s most successful movements, non-profits, and social enterprises were started by ordinary people. Usually by one person, maybe two people,who saw a need. 

People like….

Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action (gun control)

Candice Lightner, founder of Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Saint Teresa of Calcutta, founder of Missionaries of Charity

Ian and Brittany Bentley, founders of Parker Clay

Oprah Winfrey (yes, she was once just an ordinary news reporter)

Sojourner Truth

Greta Thunberg, climate activist

Nelson Mandela

And many more individuals I have recently been reading about in the amazing book, Citizens: Why the Key to Fixing Everything is All of Us (highly recommend!)

But then….

This person or those people connected with others to make their vision a reality. They were able to rally like-minded individuals and start a movement.  That is the power of a team.

This is why I am committed to helping every single person understand that their voice matters. When you speak up, you are a magnet for those who see the world the way you do and want to join together with you to solve complex problems. 

If no one person speaks out, others who believe the same thing can’t find each other and make change. (TWEET THIS!)

I have long dreamed about creating a movement called One Dollar DIfference. Donating $1 might not seem like enough on its own to benefit anyone. But what if you can inspire  800,000 people to all donate $1 to cause at the same time? Or each donate one hour of time to a community effort? That is an impact!

Empathy is what enables us to connect and engage each other. To solve these tough problems together. To make a difference. 

Never be afraid to stand up and act as “just one.”. In truth, you rarely are ever alone. You just have to connect with others to have the impact you desire

If you want your team to more effectively bring the ideas of “just one” to life, I can help! Let’s chat about an empathy workshop or talk to boost collaboration, innovation, and performance – and make magic happen!

Photo credit: Guardian ng

Cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive™

How to Make Facebook + Instagram Ads Work for Your Business: A Chat with Devani Freeman

Posted on by Red Slice

Social media is a big part of promoting your business. Except for a few folks I know who have managed to build empires without it (believe me, they are outliers), social media is one of the best ways to boost your visibility and nurture a warm audience. It’s a fabulous way to share your content, and help people know, like and trust your brand.

Am I preaching to the choir?

But many of us don’t always understand the nuances of the platforms, especially when it comes to advertising. Yes, I’m raising my guilty hand on this one. I know branding, not social media…which is why I turn to experts like social media marketing expert Devani Freeman to guide me and share the latest and greatest. Algorithms and consumption habits change all the time, faster than we can keep up, or so it feels.

Social media platforms are changing all the time. Learn the rules and nuances to make your posts and ads successful and see ROI. (TWEET THIS!)

Devani specializes in helping clients generate leads and build audiences with Facebook and Instagram. Her company has helped me launch programs in the past and I’ve learned a ton from her, as well as built up my list with her strategies.

We sat down for this great video interview to share practical tips and surprising rules you MUST know so that you can spend your money wisely and get results from social media advertising.

YouTube video

Watch the video now and you just may rethink your entire social media advertising strategy – for the better!

? VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:

* The crucial ingredient to REALLY standing out on social media (and why most people don’t!)
* Why and how to build a marketing funnel and not simply expect people to buy from you with one-click – and an easy one you can create right now.
* Practical action tips for how to build a strong community in Facebook so it works for you.
* How exactly to make your Facebook ads work and drive sales for a new offering or course – and how to nurture those leads.
* The surprising rules you need to know or else Facebook will reject your ads!
* How to make the most of Instagram stories for your business – and why you need to just on this platform NOW.

The tools are out there to boost your visibility. You just have to make sure you’re getting good advice on using them the right way!

Any tips particularly resonate with you? Please Tweet me or stop by the Facebook page and let me know!

Cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive™

Why friendships don’t just “happen” but why they matter

Posted on by Red Slice

I’m going to get a little woo woo on ya, today. So turn off your iPhone and stop setting the world on fire for a sec, my go-getter.

Your soul is made for connection.

Much like hunger tells you when you need food and exhaustion tells you when you need sleep, loneliness tells you when you long for more connection. And most of us – especially those who are amazing entrepreneurial women taking the world by storm – can’t see past feeling busy, networked, and tired simply ignore that desire when it bubbles up. “I’ve got things to do,” we say. “Who has time to deal with more commitments?”

This September– International Women’s Friendship Month– my friend and friendship expert Shasta Nelson, CEO of Girlfriend Circles and author of Friendships Don’t Just Happen  is giving us a gift. Let’s stop trying to talk ourselves out of why we don’t have the energy and time to connect, and instead actually just acknowledge that our souls long for more connection. Why do we long for this?

  • For some of us it’s because we’ve recently moved, changed jobs, or ended relationships– and know we need to start building the relationships that can support our lives.
  • For some of us it’s because we’re introverts or shy and while we know we need a few relationships of substance, the very idea of how to start them overwhelms us.
  • For some of us, we know everyone and have more friends than we can keep in touch with, but the truth is that we still hear that whisper because we know we  still need to deepen some relationships and foster more vulnerability and intimacy.
  • And for some of us, to surround ourselves with healthy relationships, we know it’s time to let go of a few, the bring closure, to grieve, and to end what has run its course.

So if your soul is craving more local friends who can add value to your life…then you will definitely want to check out this awesome program Shasta has scheduled this September called:

“The Friendships You’ve Always Wanted! Learning a Better Way to Meet-Up, Build-Up, and Break-Up with Your Friends.”

This course was created by 13 of the leading experts on friendship and healthy relationship so that this September hundreds of women can all commit together to choosing friendships as their theme for the month!

Let’s tell our hearts that we’re willing to devote some time this month to learning and growing around the subject of friendship with the expectation that our call to have more love will be answered.

This program starts on Sept. 4 with a LIVE call. For everyone who signs up before that day you’ll be entered 5 times in a raffle for a free airline trip to visit a girlfriend somewhere in the U.S., plus you’ll get a free copy of Shasta Nelson’s book Friendships Don’t Just Happen!

I don’t normally blatantly sell you on programs, but Shasta is the real deal and the expert line up she has is very impressive. Yes, in full disclosure this is an Affiliate link, but I only endorse people and offerings that I believe in. It’s just an added bonus that it’s a win-win for both of us.

Hells bells, we can all use more connection in our lives, can’t we? Make time on that busy to-do list for feeding your soul. You’ll thank yourself on your deathbed.  Check out the details and sign up today to get entered and start connecting.

On your path to creating a business and life you love, what are the connections or relationships that matter to you most and why? Please share in the Comments….I’d love to hear your stories!

Cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive™

How to use video and social media to boost your brand: A chat with Amy Schmittauer

Posted on by Red Slice

Today’s digital economy has introduced us to countless people I like to call “artsy-techies.” They geek out on things like hosting options, social media network features and today’s audio/video/web technologies but they are a far cry from the A/V Club nerd of yesteryear. With their savvy style, easy wit and delightful charm, they crank out more creative innovation before lunch than I do all year. It’s truly their time to shine: and what’s great is they love to teach us mere mortals how to easily put our art, story, value, services and products out into the world, too.

I’m not quite sure how or when Amy Schmittauer, the President of Vlog Boss Studios entered my orbit – most likely via Twitter! Vlog Boss Studios is a creative digital marketing agency that specializes in video content marketing. And as the Founder and Face of Savvy Sexy Social, she walks her talk and produces videos of her own. Hilarious videos (like this recent one about how you’re probably using Twitter the wrong way). Little snippets of video love that make you laugh out loud even as she’s teaching you how to use the latest social networks the right way so you can connect, promote, and attract rabid fans.

How does she describe herself? “I’m a social media frenzy!”

Today, Amy drops some mad advice on us about using video to build your brand, how to produce and host those videos in a snap and the fact that many of us are using social networks in the wrong way (one size fits all….not). Enjoy!

RS: Welcome Amy! Tell us, why should we be using video for brand building and social networking?AS: Plain and simple: People don’t build relationships with brands. They build relationships with people. (Tweet!) Video is the unbeaten opportunity to truly let your personality shine through and give your audience the opportunity to really understand and get to know you. Let them see how something is done. Let them see your expressions. Your opinions. That direct connection is huge for making relationships that count and make social media worth your time.

RS: But isn’t this stuff hard? What are my main options for creating/hosting videos?
AS: YouTube is the second most popular search engine only to Google. So it’s kind of a no-brainer to have a presence there if you’re creating video content. The visual learners go there to learn so that’s a great opportunity to tap into. But creating videos is easier every single day. You can record all the footage you need with a smartphone and edit with apps. Even YouTube has a built in editor. Don’t assume the tools are out of reach because that’s an impossible thing to say anymore. (Tweet!) My advice for new creators is to look into strong digital cameras like the Canon Powershot. It takes flawless HD video and the price point is perfect for budgetary restrictions.

RS: OK, truth time. Most of us don’t have enough hours in the day and are simply posting the same things on all our social media sites. But should we be leveraging each social media profile differently?

AS: Abso-friggin-lutely. Platforms are different for a reason and you need to respect the audiences that use each so you can customize your content to their liking. Do not auto-post between social networks. Facebook updates are not being read on Twitter. And your tweets are getting pushed down by the news feed algorithm. Saving time just means you’re making any time spent worthless. (Tweet!) Take the extra steps and watch engagement increase. One thing is for sure and that’s that people don’t like to read. Keep it close to 140 characters no matter which platforms you’re using for best chance of increased engagement.

Want more Amy in your life? Get the social action plan you’re looking for and pick her brain.

Are you using video in your social media efforts? Want to but not sure where to start? Fire away your Q’s for Amy in the Comments below!

Cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive™

Gratitude Love Letter: The Remix

Posted on by Red Slice

It’s Thanksgiving in the US this week. Time to, well….give thanks. Or chow on turkey and stuffing. Whatever floats your boat.

I prefer the former, but not in a Hallmark movie of the week kind of way. No need to hold hands around the dinner table and sing Kumbaya. I prefer gratitude in the quiet of a crisp late Autumn sunset. Or a walk through the park with Eddie the Wonder Dog, sans cell phone, iPod or any other digital distraction. Watching his shadow bounce alongside me, feeling the California sun warm my face (even when it’s 50 degrees) and hearing the squirrels scamper up the nearby trees is music enough.

Your business, your project, your book, your dream. Yes, it was your hard work and determination that brought it to life. But surely…surely…you didn’t do it alone. So who can you thank? Who can you honor? For whom can you buy a cocktail?

Thank you…

Give thanks: No business is an island, even if you’re a solo entrepreneur (tweet this!)

Who deserves your thanks this week? Who makes your business or life work seamlessly? Please share in the Comments (and be sure to thank them as well!)

Cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive™

5 quick tips to boost sales around the holidays

Posted on by Red Slice

The Bermuda Triangle of holidays is almost upon us: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. It can feel like a vortex into which you get sucked against your will and you can’t control the velocity with which you spin widly out of control – until you get unceremoniously spit out the other end on January 2. Often with jetlag, a hangover and an eye-popping credit card bill.

But the holidays can also be a great time to bolster your brand and connect with your customers and clients. Here are 5 quick tips on how you can leverage the festivities to increase sales and delight your audience.

  1. Give Thanks by Giving Back: Donate a portion of sales during Thanksgiving week to a local charity. Collect coats and gloves for a local shelter. Or gather canned goods to give to your local food bank. This increases traffic to your site, encourages a concentrated week of sales, and presents your brand in a fabulous light – not to mention the amazing good it does for your charitable recipient and your Karma. Approach a charity you love and ask them to partner with you by spreading the word to their mailing list or via social media. And heck, pitch the local paper or news about your event for the Community Events calendar.
  2. Turkey Day Dinner Giveaway: Offer a full-on Thanksgiving Day dinner, with all the trimmings, for 8 people as a prize. People can automatically enter if they buy from you within a certain period of time. Of course, this is for catered fixins….unless you really, REALLY like to cook! You can even partner with a local grocery or specialty food store to increase exposure AND get the items donated.
  3. Give Peace a Chance: Create a wine-tasting event or movie night for your customers and prospects by partnering with a competitor or two. Put aside your competitive spirit and exponentially increase exposure for all your audiences. You can even make this event a charitable giving exercise by asking people to bring a donated item or charge a fee that goes 100% to a cause you both support. You can market this really creatively around “Calling a Truce for the Holidays” or something fun like that.  Make T-shirts or giveaways that say “Team Red Slice” or “Team Whatever” and offer games and prizes for some friendly competition.
  4. Countdown to Christmas: Celebrate the 12 days of Christmas by offering a special promotion each day leading up to it. If you’re a store, highlight one special sale item each day, or offer something unique with purchase. If you’re a service business or big on social media, craft a new holiday-themed inspirational quote or trivia contest to share with your audience. This will delight them and encourage people to keep checking back with you  – in your store, on your blog, or on your Facebook page – to see what you’ve got cooking next.
  5. Glitter and Sparkle: If you own a store, throw in giftwrapping for free. If you sell online, offer free shipping for the month of December. If you’re B2B, incent people to sign contracts for work starting in 2013 prior to December 31, 2012 at a special rate so you can stock your sales pipeline for a very happy new year.

What other holiday or seasonal promotions do you recommend? Any you’d like to promote this year? Please Share in the Comments!

Cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive™

Using your book to do good

Posted on by Red Slice

Today marks the official print launch of my most recent book, Rebooting My Brain: How a Freak Aneurysm Reframed My Life.

(cue crowd roar)

In celebration, I’m offering some fabulous launch goodies for those who purchase between now and May 8. You’ll get bonus content plus some fabulous goodies, including free book previews, discounts on books, a communication course and a self-assessment on how you think + life-saving information from The Brain Aneurysm Foundation. Thanks to Ingrid Ricks, Wendy Hinman, Melody Biringer, Michelle Tillis Lederman, Jen Mueller and BAF for their generosity. Check out this link for more details on how to claim your booty.

The book’s gotten great raves on Amazon as well as the most recent review in The San Francisco Book Review. I’m so honored by the outpouring.

I talk a lot about stories here on this blog and in my work. But some may wonder why I chose to share this personal story with the world. Truth is, there’s a deeper calling to this book than just accolades and sales.

We all have stories to tell – with our business, with causes we love, and with our own experiences. But instead of looking at your story as “all about you” it’s time to think of how it can contribute to the world.

I admire companies like Starbucks, who is using their clout to change the role of for-profit companies in how it gives back to the world and changes the social agenda. See their recent initiative to create jobs. Or Tom’s Shoes, who gives one pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair they sell.

From the minute I started Red Slice, I thought about how I could use my work to do good in the world. And I’ve helped non-profits I believe in with both money and pro-bono time, which feels wonderful.

And so, with Rebooting My Brain, I’m trying to do even more.

My mission with this humorous and heartfelt story was to educate others about the effects of brain injury and inspire anyone who is yanked out of their life by crisis. I’ve gotten emails and stories from many people touched by brain injury who thanked me for writing the book.

During the month of May, 10% of all net sales will go The Brain Aneurysm Foundation, the world’s only nonprofit organization solely dedicated to providing critical awareness, education, support and research funding to reduce the incidence of brain aneurysm ruptures. So now people can enjoy the book and help a worthy cause.

And, I’m donating eBook copies to Worldreader, an organization that improves literacy in the developing world by providing access to e-books.

Many of you who read this blog have books as well. I encourage you to find ways to use your book to help worthy causes. Donate a percentage of sales, get involved with Worldreader, put on a book event for charity. Yes, it’s expensive to publish a book – in time, sweat, energy and money – but I truly believe that the more you tie in a giving element to your for-profit ventures from the beginning, the richer and more successful you can be.

Please spread the word about the launch! (Click to Tweet) There’s goodies in it for those who buy between May 1 and May 8. And goodies for a larger cause throughout all of May.

Thanks for your support!