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Striking Gold: Leadership Insights
from the Summer Games
"The miracle of joy that comes out of the gathering of our best, bringing their best...We can compete passionately without hatred...We can take pride in the achievement of strangers...We can share openly in the success of friends." - Maya Angelou, an excerpt from her 2008 poem written at the request of the Olympic Committee
Though Maya Angelou's words were meant for the Olympics, they can help us strike gold in our personal and professional lives too. Speaking of gold, and silver, and bronze…the Paris 2024 Olympics has been a dazzling display of fierce competition, courageous talent, and beautiful patriotism. As leaders, what can we learn from these games? Here are a few of my favorites.
1) Over 10,000 athletes representing more than 200 countries are competing this year. Paris 2024 is the first Olympic Games in history with full gender parity (!) thanks to an equal distribution of quota places to female and male athletes. And, it doesn’t stop on the playing field. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is committed to balanced media coverage and increasing the number of women in coaching, broadcasting, and sports governance roles. Kudos to the IOC! I love some intentionality!
2) Simone Biles is back on top, winning gold in the all-around competition. What a story, what a comeback! However, my “Falling into You” heart is still in awe of Celine Dion’s Opening Ceremony comeback and rendition of “Hymne a l’amour” originally sung by Edith Piaf. Her voice, her dress (it took Dior over 1,000 hours to create), and her resilience were on full display. True confession: I may be the last person on the planet who hasn’t watched her documentary “I Am: Celine Dion,” but it’s on my list. Also, on my list is one of the Edith Piaf documentaries, “Without Love, we are nothing.” (For my Gen Z readers, “Falling into You” was Celine’s 1996 album. I had it on a Compact Disc (CD) and listened to it on repeat.)
3) Finally, if you’re not following Ilona Maher on Instagram yet, what are you waiting for? Maher and the USA women’s rugby team won the first-ever medal for Team USA in this sport claiming the bronze! Off the field, Maher uses her platform to promote body positivity, and I’m here for it.
I could go on and on (how about the 61-year old female table tennis phenom, Xia Lian Ni?), but I have more to share with you! This month’s edition is pure gold. Keep reading to find out how you can gather with the best, compete passionately, and celebrate your success and the success of friends.
Get ready to try on new ideas, take off what doesn't fit, and confidently wear your Leadership Couture!
Stay stylish, stay courageous, and as always, lead with intention.
Your Leadership Stylist,
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Take It Off
Unrealistic Expectations
A few days ago, I told a friend how stressed I was about finishing this newsletter on a day already packed with calls and personal commitments, right before vacation. I see all of you treating the day before vacation like a last-minute Olympic event in multitasking. #IYKYK
I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter as much as I love writing it, but whether it arrives on the first or the fifth isn't a crisis. The author of this article shares “…goals are great. The danger comes when we don’t adjust our goals or dismiss poorly designed goals and then use these unrealistic expectations to beat ourselves up.” Ouch.
The next time you feel the stress of a pending deadline, turn down the volume of the negative self-talk and re-assess. Is it the right goal? If yes, is the timeline realistic? What is the impact on the stakeholders? Finally, always give yourself grace and a fresh start tomorrow.
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Wear It
All the 'Rizz'
If you have a tween or teenager in your life, you've likely heard the slang word 'rizz,' short for charisma. TBH, I'm still not sure I can use it properly in a sentence much to the chagrin of my children. In the professional world, charisma might just be the difference between good and great leaders. It's being approachable and relatable to everyone, not just the C-Suite, and it's embracing your stumbles and those of others. And, even we introverts can learn it! Check out this Wall Street Journal article, and before long your colleagues will be saying, "You got 'rizz'!"
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Try it On
The Decade Game
When I reset my timeline for sending this month's newsletter (see Take It Off article), getting to share this little gem with you was a bonus. Epic! is a playful guide designed to connect you with your unique power and purpose, using them as your compass to achieve bold, world-changing outcomes, one decade at a time (exciting, right?).
As a millennial who recently jumped off the corporate ladder, Carolyn Buck Luce's Decade Game is feeding my soul. Carolyn writes, "...the Decade Game is designed for your mind, body, heart, and soul transformation - to get to the center, not the top."
Learn more at Carolyn's website and add this book to your shopping cart. And, if you're interested in joining me for a Book Club discussion, message me! (Thank you, Coco Sellman, for the recommendation!)
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What I'm Loving...
on the page,
Those of you who know me well are likely wondering how I made it to the 4th edition of Leadership Couture without mentioning my favorite book, Untamed, by Glennon Doyle. Friends, the wait is over. I first read Untamed in early 2020. In addition to my family, friends, and Peloton, it's Glennon's words that got me through the pandemic with my sanity (mostly) intact. I re-read this book at least once a year and quote lines from the pages when I speak to groups. It's empowering and courageous and a must read for women who believe in a tomorrow that is more beautiful than today.
in my ears,
As I type these words, I have the beats of brain.fm in my ears. Brain.fm is an app with a library of music scientifically proven to increase focus. Users select from the following mental states - focus, relax, sleep or meditate. Within each state are additional categories to further define your specific needs. Lately, I find myself with shorter periods of time for focused work. I love that I can select a category within a mental state and then set a timer for a sprint of productivity! Current mode is Focus - Motivation - Twenty Minutes! Try it for free at the link below.
out in the world,
If you follow me on LinkedIn, you may have seen the recent Full Circle moment I shared. When I started MPB Insurance in March of 2020 (yes, that March!), I was looking for the support of a trusted group of peers to help me build. I found that at a MyNetwork table, a Mastermind group of women insurance leaders. At my first table, I met some of the most incredible women (you know who you are!), and I still lean on them today.
This season, I'm joining the MyNetwork team as a table facilitator, and I couldn't be more excited! Leadership can be lonely. The good news is you don’t have to do it alone! Consider this your invitation to join me at the table. Message me for all the details and learn more at the MyNetwork site below.
and in the board room!
Less than 25% of the world's board seats are held by women. Gender parity is not expected until 2038, or possibly even later. It will take intentionality (again kudos to the IOC) to achieve this milestone earlier. This month, I want to introduce you to How Women Lead (HWL), an organization taking action to accelerate gender parity in the board room. One of my goals for 2025 is to serve on a for-profit company board. To prepare for this, I completed the HWL Corporate Board Readiness Workshop earlier this year. It was phenomenal! This October, I'm participating in #GetOnBoard Week virtually and in NYC (anyone want to come along?).
And, message me if the Corporate Board Readiness Workshop is for you. I have a discount code!
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In a world that's constantly telling you who to be, there's nothing more beautiful than being who you are. Own It!
The cabi Fall '24 line is here. Own It is the theme of the season, and, trust me, you'll be owning it in these clothes.
This season, I'm hosting monthly Boutique Hours and partnering with a different social impact group each time to help spread their message.
This month's partner, Good Ground Coffee, has two goals: to empower survivors of trafficking through trauma-informed employment and to serve good coffee. Join me on August 19th at my home to learn more, shop, and connect! Boutique Hours are from 11-1 and 5-7. Just message me to tell me you're coming!
Can't wait for the 19th? Shop now at the link below.
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Before you go! Do you have a friend or two who would enjoy reading Leadership Couture? Please share and encourage them to subscribe via the Preferences tab below so they get next month's edition.
"It means everything. Being able to show my daughter that nothing can stop you if you just chase after your dreams and that's what I did."
— Femita Ayanbeku on qualifying for the Paralympic Games
six months after becoming a mom (look her up, amazing!)
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