A tribute to Seth Godin’s altMBA

If you're thinking about joining the ranks of change agents, I wrote this for you especially.

Below are some some thoughts on the lasting effects of Seth Godin’s alltMBA for me now almost two years after attending. What am I still recieving from this course? (I completed altMBA in Mars2016, it was the 4th time Seth held id)

I’ve learned, applied and had great success with Seth’s advice over the years so joining was an easy choice, even if the course was still in its early stages.

I was wildly surprised at the intense speed of the assignments and input of the lessons.

It felt like drinking data from the firehose while trying to while trying to paint a beautiful picture using both hands at the same time. I did NOT paint pretty pictures. Part of me felt like hiding away feeling “I can’t keep up with the need to ship, ship, ship yet somehow I managed to level up.

After the course I now have a much higher bar when it comes to how I invest my time and how much I can deliver. I also know more of how to address those around me to help them do the same too.

Now almost two years later, I’m still very much living the spirit we kindled during altMBA. I still connect often with peers from “our” run #4 / class#4 and here are three key takeaways now two years into living with “my” #altmba4 crew. Now the “new normal” – not freshly out of the almost overwhelming experience.

1) You really become the company you keep. altMBA taught me that we ALL can do so much more than we think possible, even with people we will never meet, yet connect firmly on values or goals. The potential is in you too, if you dare to embrace it making yet another new potential emerge within you.

Since completing altMBA two years ago there’s been a steady stream of insights and challenges daily on the slack-forum from all participants, both members of the class before me and the new classes that keep adding new members.

The vibrant energy and mental stretching that goes on there rubs off making it easier to do my own work that matters. To dance with my own emotional labour, fears and resistance. To embrace reality and actively help others where needed.

2) Claim responsibility by delivering on your promises AND changing your own worldview of what’s important for you and those you care about to be responsible for.

Don’t wait to receive responsibility. Step up now and help by helping others get the important work that matters done - that matters to both them and you.Give credit to those who need it. Most want credits, yet fear responsibility. Help change that by taking the initiative.

If you’re playing the waiting game until you’re ready – you’re wasting your potential – and the gift you could be giving others already.

3) Leap, experiment. The fastmoving unsafe edges of the bell curve is now the “safer” place.

Become aware and own your “percentage level” of experimentation.

Taking a leap means by definition you don’t know how safe you’ll land. If you knew that it would just be a bigger step, not a leap.

Taking a leap means taking a chance = “it might not work. The bigger the leap the bigger the risk compared to “the old normal” way – but also the potential gains for you and our world.

Learn to move that slider up and down that percentage in different part of your life. Playing it all safe means you’re in a zone that soon wont be safe, playing it all on one card might mean a long walk back to where you’re right now if it doesn’t work out. (hopefully with a lesson learned) - what's the right slider setting for your lizardbrain right now?

Where can you add some members to your circles that will boost the work you do?

It doesn’t have to be a big add on, or a huge change, just adding one special person in your life can open doors for you that you never knew you had in you.

If you’re thinking of joining yourself and want to hear more of my personal reflections on this course, feel free to listen to my podcast episode #183 here. Curious to see if you know anyone who’s already attended and can give you their personal reflections check here on Linkedin

Already attended yourself? What was your top key takeaway? Above is just my thoughts, it could be yours that help others take the step towards change