Hello Readers,

I have a question for you in these dynamic (!) times — so many changes & things to do or pay attention to, too much news and disconnection in the world.

Are you giving yourself time to acknowledge the moment and its challenges, and to take time for your strategic reflection and grounding practices?

Being authentic and channeling unconditional joy is indisputably necessary for our health (personal and/or organizational).

What do you do — with your team, for yourself, for your family — to reconnect to your purpose, and recharge?

These are good things to ponder anytime, and especially as we wrap up this Mental Health Awareness month.

Read on for i) an authentic me video — NB I’m not a morning person, but am remembering and sharing things I need, in order to be my best; and ii) a link to my article on how to take a stand authentic to your brand — part of my corporate citizenship & long-term success series. And click here to see the newsletter online and subscribe to get it immediately.

Many of you know that I’ve worked in organizational development and culture, for the last 20 years, and that I’m fascinated by and convinced that the corporate and non-profit mindsets are merging.

We are now called to think more systemically, more long-term, of all our stakeholders, and to plan, measure and evaluate along the way, while remaining profitable. That’s challenging in a fast-changing world; however, that mindset which embraces complexity, occasional messiness, and being authentic are what create the space for trust, resilience, and innovation to flourish.

Corporations must be part of the solution to local and global issues, both ethically and as a matter of their own long-term success. In between my coaching and facilitation work, I researched these issues extensively (I call it “the alphabet soup of corporate citizenship”); I spoke with diverse, values-driven executives on what created their long-term success and resilience, read through about 150+ sources, attended numerous conferences, and wrote 25 articles consolidating what I learned. I’ll soon share some video clips.

In the spirit of supporting authentic organizations, I’d like to share an article that explores how corporate authenticity contributes to organizational health and success. Here is some of my research on when to take a stand that’s consistent with your company’s brand, and why it’s important. In prior newsletters, I’ve shared the articles on how to communicate these initiatives (here), the importance of corporate wellness initiatives even in resource strapped environments & how-to (here), and another time will share the reflections (& 10Qs to ask yourself) on greenwashing.

*OPPORTUNITY ALERT*
I’ve designed interactive and fun intro and full-day workshops on “Connecting to Purpose (& joy) and Stimulating Engagement, Innovation and Organizational Resilience”. Let me know if you’d be interested in participating in my free and low-cost beta-testing runs.

NB, I’m currently updating the 25 articles, and will be sharing micro-versions (2–4 minute reads). Follow along on LinkedIn, if interested.

I should know better 😄aka a video on personal authenticity and mental fitness and health maintenance.(click the busy image above) I might regret sharing this video, but this is authentic me when I’m tired, concerned about what’s going on around the world, and for a few close friends in tough times… and remembering I can’t only know what fuels me, I’ve got to make the time to do it! 💃🏻🎤 For me that is meditating and journaling, practicing loving-kindness, connecting with friends & family, and connecting with fun… not only connecting with my “responsibilities”. For my business, it is reflecting and connecting with colleagues.
I end with a smile and wishing you the best.

As Brene Brown says, and I paraphrase, authenticity and vulnerability are the birthplace of collaboration and innovation. So, both personally and organizationally, we have to acknowledge and accept the moment, ourselves, the wins and challenges (ie lessons to learn!). No need for pretending, nor spiritual bypass — we are tired, angry, confused… and we need breaks, and joy to recharge, so we can choose the next, good step. So, remember doing what fuels you is just as important as “fulfilling your responsibilities” to others.

Be authentic (below is refreshed, joyful me 😉).
Take care. Thanks for reading.

Rachel