#communications #business #relationships

This Creative Bite is brought to you by my older, more-experienced self. A collection of experiences and thoughts; not all are mine, and I got permission to share them.

When I was a bit younger, I heard from someone very accomplished the following:

"Never take advice from a person who has never been in your shoes or doesn't aim to reach similar goals in business or private life or just isn't where you want to be."

Because: people will shower you with well-meant advice because: It feels good to give advice. Don't take them.

They will be with you on any sunny day, and believe me; all people seem to be nice people when they buy fresh croissants in a French bakery without a queue on a sunny day in Southern California.

"And most people will be there for you when you are successful in your business because they would want to be related to you somehow."

If you want to get to know your friends in private or business life, ask them for specific contacts, warm introductions, or help to find new clients or jobs. Or just start setting boundaries in challenging times, and see what is happening. Or tell them about your challenges. Most of them will ignore you or dismiss it. Some might listen deeply and give you a space to share. Not everyone deserves to listen to you.

"A handful, maybe even just one person, will help you: And this is your friend for life."

It might sound like a simplification of a very complex matter: interaction between people when each of us is just so so different. Like parallel universes. And yes, of course, it always depends on the situation. And yes - things are not always black and white; this is why the one thing that you need to learn is...

Listening - people will always reveal who they are when they speak.

So learn to listen deeply before you speak, gather all possible information, and trust your guts. After a while, you will learn how to differentiate between authentic, real encounters and fake faces.

As I continued on my journey, I realized the importance of not just listening but also observing. Life is like a canvas, and every interaction leaves an indelible mark, shaping the person we become. Each connection is a brushstroke, painting a vivid picture of our inner landscape.

Don't let anyone steal your canvas.

I learned the art of vulnerability as I navigated the stormy waters of personal and professional relationships. To be open and honest about my fears, hopes, and dreams, even when it feels like taking a leap into the unknown. In doing so, my relationships became richer, more authentic, and infinitely more rewarding; some just collapsed, but this will be for another Creative Bite.

But remember, as you cultivate these skills, not everyone will understand or appreciate your openness. Some may even exploit it. So, it is crucial to keep honing your instincts, discerning who deserves to be a part of your story and who doesn't. In these moments of clarity, we begin to see the canvas of our lives come to life, brimming with colors and textures we could have never imagined.

So, as you continue on your journey, be mindful of the value of listening and observing, embracing vulnerability, and trusting your instincts. As you do, you'll begin to recognize those rare, genuine connections that become the pillars of your support system, the ones who will walk beside you through both the triumphs and the challenges, the ones who will contribute to your life in a palette of meaningful encounters.

And in the end, these people will truly enrich your life's tapestry.

And now, tell me, what are your thoughts on the above?

P.S. Creative listening is one of my favorite creative tools; you can learn more about it during Online Creativity Bootcamp.

Meet me in Zurich at the AI in Action: A Hands-on Exploration of ChatGPT and More...

My work wouldn't have been possible without the incredible support of my mentors (if you want to get to know them, write me a pm), sponsors of this newsletter, and partners. Thank you!

Here are a few things that they brought to you:

1. Female Founders Conference: Lead Today. Shape Tomorrow. 2023, October 11th & 12th, Vienna and Online: Change the game. Not the players. LTST is where startups, investors & tech opinion leaders come together to create meaningful connections and contribute to an equal-opportunity ecosystem.?Get your ticket here.
2. If you're searching for a best friend, don't forget to look in the mirror. Marjolein (MJ) Van der Kruk is a wonderful life coach and will help you to make magic happen.
3. Microsoft Speakers Hub is searching for speakers. Contact them here.
4. Female Founder Coworking Morning in Zurich. Join Merle Zur ??
5. My next in-person workshop: CoCreate: Creative Leadership Workshop will take place in ??? Where would you like me to host the next CoCreate Workshop?