Making Space

I am buzzing from the second "Leverage Your Sips" co-hosted by me and Surabhi Lal . I was asked why we created these events, and simply put, we both wanted to connect our networks and have good conversations with no pretense.

No looking down at nametags to see if someone is valuable to you.

Build trust through stories, values, and beliefs, then transaction next.

Networking is about generosity and reciprocity.

We're having our next event in the fall, so message me if you want to be on the mailing list!

Full post with pictures below.

I was scrolling my IG newsfeed when I saw this post about mental health and failure.

I started thinking about the multiple failures throughout my life and career:

• Getting an "F" in Honors Organic Chemistry
• Dealing with a breakup from my first girlfriend in college
• Sharing a private conversation via email doing post-college advocacy work
• Separating from jobs

Without therapy and asking for help from MANY people, I wouldn't have been able to build up my mental health and resilience. I'm grateful that I'm more comfortable asking for help and feedback.

I have made space for myself to learn from failures because failure isn't an indictment of my character.

The K-12 leadership job market is rough. I have talked to several talented leaders from school leaders to central office leaders to ed non-profit leaders. Many have been on the job market for over 6 months.

They're leveraging their networks to learn about opportunities and get advice and methodically applying for aligned roles.

They're sending thoughtful messages to hiring managers and preparing for interviews thoughtfully.

You can work on all of the right inputs, and still not get the job.

I can't look anyone in the eye who is looking for a K-12 leadership job (esp in a central office or non-profit) that they'll find something in 3 months. Or even 6 months.

I know that consulting isn't the answer for everyone, and that building a business can feel daunting. Making space in the K-12 market to make revenue means you can't be reliant on finding a full-time job only.

Check out one of my most popular #RONderings clips from Recy Benjamin Dunn !

Recy made space for Ascend Schools to ask who they are and where they want to go!

Upcoming events:

• I'm in Denver with my family this week (the missus is facilitiating at the Standards Institute through UnboundEd. Message me if you want to say hi!
• I'm co-hosting a fundraiser for Congresswoman Grace Meng (https://meng.house.gov/). We went to Stuyvesant HS together. The fundraiser will be at Pearl River Mart on June 20th. Please buy a ticket or make a donation here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mengjune20
• Stronger Consulting is sponsoring the National Charter Schools Conference in Boston from 6/30 through the morning of 7/3. I'd love to connect if you'll be there!
• Our Stronger Consulting leeadership team will be doing our first retreat in Boise, ID in mid-July! I can't wait to spend time with our team in-person.

And last, some quick reminders about ME:

- I'm an Associate Partner at Stronger Consulting. We are a social impact search and consulting firm. I sell our search and consulting services to K-12 and non-profit clients nationally. www.strongerconsulting.com

- I'm a book publisher. My company, Leverage Publishing Group, provides coaching, ghostwriting, editing and publishing services for non-fiction authors. I'm not only a partner, but a former client! https://lnkd.in/e65s2AZk

- I'm an author. My book, Leverage the People Who Love and Care About You Personally and Professionally, is about the archetypes of people you need in your circle of champions to further your career. https://lnkd.in/eJNX_zYh

- I'm a podcaster. I'm on episode 49 of the hashtag#RONderings podcast, where I interview guests to learn about their stories, values, and beliefs. Every guest starts with their story and ends with their hashtag#RONdering, the value/belief they want to share with the audience. The middle of the interview is all improv with me getting curious about the guest and their story. https://lnkd.in/ex_hRK-D

- I'm a career/leadership/equity coach. I have been supporting leaders and jobseekers for the last 20 years to find their next career move, improve their leadership practice, and amplify their equity lens. I use a combination of intuition and practical wisdom to support my clients. Message me if you'd like me to coach you!