Life Lessons: Finding Happiness and Perspective

Dear Happiness & Leadership@Work Community,

I’m just back from the 美国哈佛商学院 Women’s Leadership Summit, where all alumnae were invited back to campus for a two-day “brain spa.”?

It was fascinating to reflect on the progress we have made. Back in 1963, when women were first admitted, we made up barely 1% of the class. Today, women comprise 46% of the student body—a significant shift from when I attended, with women representing about a quarter of the class.

During the summit, I filled pages of notes, eager to share insights with you. But in the rush of filming on location, my notebook didn’t make it back to RDU with me.??

I thought, "What can I share with you?" Inspired by recent feedback encouraging short-form video content, I’m experimenting this week with video reflections instead of my usual written column.

In the playlist, HBS Life Lessons , I share my journey, beginning with the day I received my admission letter and thought “my life is set!” —a bit na?ve at age 21.

My time at HBS was filled with ups and downs, from the intense “sharky” environment of my first-year section to a much happier second year.

Reflecting now, I can better appreciate those challenges and know what I’d do differently.

This return to campus for the pure love of learning is part of my “happiness hygiene.”

In September, I created a series of videos at the MIT Alumni Leadership Conference. The playlist, MIT Life Lessons , highlights my four year journey, from my “dazement” scanning the vast physics lecture hall freshman year, and then failing my first calculus exam, to partnering with classmates as we all “drank from the firehose” together.

Over the years, I figured out how to pace myself, set milestones, and teach myself techniques to calm my nerves in order to have a front row seat in this fun roller coaster journey called life.

I’d love to hear if one of these videos hits home and helps you have a new perspective. Enjoy!

If this is helpful, please share with a friend, family member, or colleague.

With love and gratitude,

Grace ??

I founded Savvy Growth , a consultancy and leadership coaching firm that equips leaders and their companies realize their highest potential: 2 min intro

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