Slowing Down to Speed Up

People have been asking me to share what inspires me, and how I continue to practice my mantra of “love and the bottom line.” Those people have also asked me how I am able to be a mom, wife, executive and team coach, and advisor to C-suite leaders. My response to them is that you have to slow down in order to speed up. I also say that this is an ongoing process that requires continuous practice.

In response to these requests, I thought it would be useful for me to share some recent articles, podcasts and books that help me practice slowing down to speed up.

Articles

• “How to Create the Perfect Meeting Agenda” by Steven G. Rogelberg

Rogelberg has a series of Harvard Business Review articles on the topic of improving meetings. I believe that developing more engaging meetings can actually build trust, and I’ve seen the power of a successfully planned meeting with my own eyes.

• “’Both/And’ Leadership” by Wendy K. Smith, et al.

Both/And is the way to go in this complex world. I’ve recommended this article to many clients.

• “The Lost Practice of Resting One Day Each Week” by Joshua Becker

Life is not a sprint; we do have to rest. 

• “Malena Ernman on daughter Greta Thunberg: ‘She was slowly disappearing into some kind of darkness’” by Malena Ernman

I was touched by how one’s life purpose— loving parents and a focus on mental health— helped Greta Thunberg (and many of us).

Books

• Navigating Polarities

I discovered this book through my co-faculty member at Georgetown’s Leadership Coaching Program, Kelly Lewis. A co-author of the book, she facilitated us through a ‘navigating polarities’ workshop at a Georgetown Faculty Meeting last November. Since then, I’ve read it, bought it for members of the Zukin Leadership coaching team and for several clients. It’s worth a read for organizations, teams, and individuals as they navigate polarities. 

Podcasts

• The Daily by The New York Times

I listen to The Daily, almost…well, daily. I love how Michael Barbaro tells the news by going deep into one specific story. At the end, he summarizes a few key points from the previous day/nights’ news. Here’s a little secret: I bought myself a waterproof speaker so I can listen to it in the shower and finish it on my commute or while doing the dishes. My hubby and I got to see him at Sixth & I synagogue— one of my favorite places in Washington D.C. to see amazing authors and speakers.

One of my recent favorites is the episode titled ‘The Swing Issue That Could Win a Swing State’ from January 24. It opened my eyes to an issue I knew little about prior to listening.

• Tara Brach

For inspiration and relaxation, I love Tara Brach’s podcast. Her meditations and talks are thought provoking and help me to see the world in new ways. 

• On Being with Krista Tippett

I also love On Being by Krista Tippett. Specifically, the episode, “How do you want to be when you grow up?”. A client recently asked me what I meant by the difference between being and doing. This podcast and episode helped to answer that. 

More to come next month. I can’t wait to tell you about a friend’s upcoming book (one that has been in the making for over a decade!).