Bringing Humanity Back Into Business

There's something missing in our economy. As we try to find a way forward in the world, our interactions seem transactional. I believe the best thing we can do is to slow down and step back, so we can truly see each other.?

Last week, I had the pleasure of being in the company of intellectual giants. I bore witness to a talk featuring my dear friend and client Tanmeet Sethi MD and Ijeoma Olou to celebrate the launch of Tanmeet’s book, Joy Is My Justice. And to talk about what joy means in terms of the ways we show up for justice work in the world.?

My biggest takeaway was about the importance of humanity and the ways in which our current society divides us, creating disconnection. The result is isolation, loneliness, and too much time spent looking inward instead of out at the world. While I'm processing and marinating on this conversation, yet another key concept clicked into gear for me as I spent more time sitting down with fellow creatives to sift through client projects and start cultivating new ones.??

What came through for me was how, in order for our work to feel meaningful, connection needs to be a part of the process. But because of our obsession with productivity, deadlines, and doing the most in the shortest amount of time, we're missing out on opportunities to reflect, get curious, and hold space for new ideas to come through.?

My question for you this week is: What would it take to slow your work down??

What would it take to create more space so you and others can feel seen in the process? How could this change the way you feel about your work? In times of scarcity and stress, we hold tight to the things that feel firm, whether it’s a due date or the direct outcome we're supposed to deliver. But what's actually needed in this season is grace and space for things to come through in the way they're meant to, versus the way we could force them into being.?

I have to admit, I'm not entirely comfortable with this idea, but it's something I'm working on. For years, I have worked too much to the point of exhaustion, to the point where my creativity can’t flow because there's nothing left. As I’ve shifted into a season with more capacity to take breaks, to get outside with my children, I’ve found myself equally uncomfortable with the idea that I'm not doing anything that equates to work. I think the gift is in learning we can actually be more prosperous, more creative, and cultivate work that matters. We do this by allowing ourselves to exist in the fullness of our humanity and connect with the world around us so we can call in relationships, ideas, and experiences allowing us to live more fully and find joy in all we do.???

Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but it's definitely something I'm going to continue to work on. I hope you'll join me in that pursuit.??

-- Madeline Reeves

Episode 10 of the Creative Friction podcast, Carving Your Own Creative Path, goes live on Friday, May 19th at 10 am PST!?

We’re sitting down with Jasmine Childress of Eight Thirty Seven to talk candidly about what it took for her to bet on and believe in herself, and create a career all her own as a designer and brand strategist to companies around the country.?

Hear how Jasmine turned her artistic abilities into a full-time career, how partnerships have played a key role in her growth, and what she does to continue to hone her creative process and abilities.?

Putting human empathy and impact at the heart of marketing is essential to creating an emotionally connected and successful brand.?

As our Digital Media & Design Manager says:?

“Human-centric marketing is important because humans buy from humans. When you are able to connect and understand your customers and speak their language, you have a better chance of a conversion.”?

Luisa Alberto is the CEO & Founder of People First Finance , where she provides women entrepreneurs with the support they need to secure their financial future while doing the work they love. Luisa has 18 years of Finance and Operations experience working alongside visionary leaders of successful San Francisco Bay Area startups, such as Blue Bottle Coffee and Good Eggs . She’s been a business and finance consultant for almost a decade, and excels at implementing sustainable solutions that result in profitable businesses.