Growth River

The headlines and media reporting about the LA fires this week sparked a?few thoughts on leadership. Rutger Bregman, in his recent book Humankind, details how the stories we tell ourselves to understand our humanness are simply wholly unsupported by the facts. For example, when the German military bombed London in WWII they assumed that Londoners would, in the face of fear and devastation, quickly turn on each other to survive. British society would fall apart. An invasion would be easy. The exact opposite occurred. The Brits looked out for each other. The Allies, even knowing this, then sought to wreak the same chaos through the devastating bombing of Germany. Same outcome – deeper empathy and mutual support in the face of adversity. Bregman argues convincingly that Lord of the Flies never would have occurred. William Golding, who wrote this iconic and culture-shaping novel, was a depressed alcoholic. His script for human nature was not impossible, but improbable and cynical. The facts support this: in the face of adversity, we look to each other.? My cousin texted me that he walked through his Altadena neighborhood the day after the fire. Of the 40 or so houses, only two remained. His was not one of them. The Eaton Fire consumed it all – the house, his preschool, the outbuildings, the chickens. He was staggered. I imagine a chasm has opened beneath his feet. A painful confrontation that opens an unseeable depth – for learning, for spirit, for a greater empathy. These are strong experiences, not events that one gets over but events that shape life. Of course, we need to understand how this fire occurred. We need to learn how the best trained and most experienced wildland and urban firefighting crews in the country could be so overwhelmed. The most fundamental fact is that we do not surmount nature. We live within it. In LA, we built a city in an ecosystem coevolved with fire. The current drought was the tinder. The story we tell ourselves matters. With climate change, we are likely going to see more of this. Yet our media narratives, for shame! The mayor, who demonstrated the ignominy to be travelling! Climate change may have contributed. Mismanaged water to protect an endangered fish. Incompetent leadership. Or worse, decades of liberal policy. What Elon thinks. What Trump posted. There are learnings, no doubt. And critical analysis is essential. Yet in much of the discourse it is hard to see the care. It is easier to see individuals arrogantly gaining attention through making others wrong so they can be right – often through distortion of fact, often devoid of empathy. What is missing is the dominant story. And this is the leadership lesson. The real story is the net sum of human response: the organic expression of deep empathy and charity. We are story making machines. The stories we leaders tell ourselves really, really matter. #LeadershipLessons #EmpathyInAction #ResilienceInAdversity #GrowthRiver #LosAngeles

A motivated team is a productive team. Coaching fosters support, encouragement, and motivation, boosting morale and cultivating a positive and collaborative work environment. At Growth River, we help teams and leaders create the right dynamics to thrive and succeed. Learn more about our approach at https://lnkd.in/eQnp9GxM. #TeamMorale #LeadershipCoaching #WorkplaceSuccess #PositiveCulture #TeamMotivation #GrowthRiver

Leading disruptive change is a significant challenge for C-suite executives in the age of digital transformation. Growth River’s #BigChangeCanvas harnesses the power of AI to equip leaders with the tools needed to craft and refine strategic narratives efficiently. By automating the creation of essential discussion documents, this solution transforms hours of manual effort into minutes, empowering leaders to focus on impactful decision-making. Discover more at https://lnkd.in/eQnp9GxM. #DigitalTransformation #AIInnovation #Leadership #StrategicNarratives #OrganizationalChange #GrowthRiver

For executives, time is invaluable. Growth River’s #BigChangeCanvas, powered by AI, streamlines the creation of critical discussion documents, reducing preparation time from weeks to under an hour. This innovative tool allows leaders to focus on engagement rather than preparation, enabling them to drive meaningful organizational change with efficiency and clarity. Learn how Growth River can support your leadership journey at https://lnkd.in/eQnp9GxM. #ExecutiveLeadership #AIInnovation #Efficiency #StrategicPlanning #OrganizationalChange #GrowthRiver

Driving alignment and fostering buy-in among top leaders is critical for navigating organizational change effectively. Growth River’s Big Change Canvas leverages AI-driven insights to help leaders craft impactful narratives that resonate deeply with their teams. By building trust and understanding, we empower organizations to tackle the complexities of change with confidence and clarity. Learn how we can support your transformation journey at https://lnkd.in/eQnp9GxM. #AIForLeadership #ChangeManagement #LeadershipAlignment #OrganizationalGrowth #Innovation #GrowthRiver

Great leadership drives great outcomes. At Growth River, we help leaders unlock their potential through targeted coaching, enabling them to inspire teams and achieve meaningful business results. With our support, you can foster innovation, clarity, and impactful decision-making within your organization. Discover how we can help you excel at: https://lnkd.in/eQnp9GxM. #LeadershipExcellence #TeamCoaching #BusinessSuccess #LeadershipDevelopment #Innovation #GrowthRiver

Collaboration is at the heart of every successful team. At Growth River, we help teams foster trust, enhance communication, and achieve exceptional results through tailored coaching strategies. With the right guidance, your projects can progress faster, and your teams can thrive in a collaborative and innovative environment. Discover how we can support your journey at: https://lnkd.in/eQnp9GxM #Collaboration #Teamwork #LeadershipDevelopment #GrowthMindset #Innovation #TeamSuccess #GrowthRiver

Growth River is thrilled to welcome 2025 with hope and positivity. May this year bring grace, love, humility, and strength to you and your teams as you achieve new milestones. Let’s make this a year of growth, transformation, and success together. Connect with us for innovative solutions at growthriver.com/contact-us. #HappyNewYear #2025 #GrowthAndSuccess #BusinessTransformation #TeamBuilding #Leadership #Innovation #GrowthRiver

Coaching can significantly enhance your leadership credibility. A recent study showed that 60% of employees reported increased respect for leaders who engage in coaching. By investing in coaching, you're not just developing your team; you're strengthening your leadership presence and fostering a high-performing, positive culture. Visit Growth River to learn more and start your leadership journey today: https://lnkd.in/eQnp9GxM #leadershipdevelopment #coaching #employeetraining #growthmindset #teamwork #success

As we reflect on the year that has passed, we are reminded of the journey of running a business. It's akin to navigating a rapid on a river. You scout the currents, the rocks, and the volatile whitewater, choosing your path with care and precision. Your boat, laden with dreams and goals, and all the people in your business, doesn't turn swiftly. It requires foresight and strategic planning to maneuver. At Growth River, we understand that just as a river's wave can pulse and push you off course, the business landscape is constantly changing, demanding agility and quick adaptation. We equip teams with the skills to adapt mid-stream, to lead through change, and to navigate to new destinations as the currents evolve. This holiday season, we encourage you to think of us if you're looking to strategize the best possible route for the upcoming challenges and opportunities. Let's ensure that you pick the best line downriver. From all of us at Growth River, we wish you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year. May your journey be fulfilling and your achievements significant in the coming year. #BusinessStrategy #Leadership #NewYear2024 #HolidaySeason