The First Day of School
Today was a weird day in many ways. We have been prepped and received a lot of perhaps unsolicited advice. So, on all accounts, it should have been a big day that we were going to embrace. I was bursting with pride that my firstborn was now in a prestigious big school, but some part of me also experienced an immense sense of loss. As I share my experiences, I cannot help but notice similarities. It makes me think of all the emotions we experience when starting a new business and hitting our first milestone.
Debrief, Apologies and Restoration as a Leader
In the business context, this can be the single most vital component to master. His perception must change to protecting being “right” and focus on a culture of continuous improvement. This would include restoring relationships that may have been impacted by whatever was not working from a system or a process point of view. The fact is that the system and process drive behaviour – change will be inevitable. Being connected and mindful of the impact of relationships is a much more proactive way of dealing with challenges. Statistically, it has shown a yield of higher team retention and impactful leadership.
Doing Push-Ups in the Thunder
This has been one of the most brutal weeks in my life. Running three businesses, dealing with a critically ill husband, pandemic year-end fatigue, runaway pets (that thankfully returned), allergic reactions that were intercepted in time, pets getting stuck in weird places, dealing with a green swimming pool, school requests and a three-year-old with sinusitis (in no particular order).
I knew that it would be tough, so I planned and prepared. However, a few days before this week and even in it, everything went wrong emotionally….
The long and winding journey to Mount Zion
Today I am feeling sad. We lost my father in law this past weekend. It made us realise that what we have been preparing for – the loss of a generation has started. This morning I was driving to Cape Town, and I listened to a song I often avoid on my playlist. A song I danced to with my father when I got married. It is a song that always brings me to tears. So I listened today…
The hourglass, treadmill and the bonsai…
No, I will not start this post with … so, an hourglass, treadmill and bonsai walk into a bar, I promise. Jokes aside, this morning, I went for a walk. As I was walking, I remembered my walks in the city, just as I arrived in Cape Town (14 years ago), to and from the courthouse, post office, advocates chambers and other public offices. Back then, it was about keeping costs low and moving more.
Vulnerability and Greatness – a Matter Between Friends or Foes?
The last few weeks have been extremely stressful in our country. We have faced immense pressure of immeasurable proportions. In addition, as a family unit, we have been exposed to our pressures – things were literally at a vulnerability boiling point. In all honesty, I think we have given stress an entirely new definition! Amidst […]
Getting back in or out of the “mom” “dad” box?
These last few weeks have been extremely tough. We are back in a covid lockdown scenario, and South Africa’s privacy and data protection laws just came into effect. But more than that, every day, I seem to see the impact of gender bias or gender role bias. It is troubling… Let us start with some […]
Looking Back Over My Own Shoulder…
I have recently found myself in a situation where I had to remember things from long ago. Is it not funny how we forget the things that shaped us? Or at least the details surrounding it? If you are a mother, for example, I am sure you can relate… Exactly how difficult the pregnancy […]
Some Thoughts on Breaking Through the Noise…
As entrepreneurs, we all go through phases in our journey where everything seems to be cloudy. Our thinking, where we are going, and how to get there, I like to refer to this as “survival mode”. Of course, technology should be an enabler. I am a firm supporter of using technology to increase efficiency and […]
A Harvest Table of Vegetables for an Entrepreneur’s Dinner Party
I recently moved house. What a stressful experience! Anyone who has gone through this will understand what I mean. If moving amidst a global pandemic is not enough, we decided to renovate. Proverbially ripped the bandaid off! What I have been thinking about a lot lately has nothing to do with moving or building works. […]