Yes-vember

No-vember has traditionally been the month of No, reminding us to assert our boundaries. This year, I’ve flipped the script to Yes-vember, saying Yes to new adventures and opportunities and stretching outside of my comfort zone! My commitment to writing this monthly newsletter, which I've maintained since June 2022, nearly slipped because of my enthusiasm for all these new experiences. But I couldn't let an impactful November go unnoticed!

In my book, "The Audacity Spectrum", I wrote a full chapter on Trusting your Yes and leading your life following Richard Branson ’s advice: ‘If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say Yes – then learn how to do it later!’

As an extreme optimist, I lean towards saying Yes and figuring out the details later. Assurance is my spikiest A in my own Audacity Star, and I have embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly, particularly through three significant commitments: Yes to Opportunities, Yes to Risk, and Yes to Self.

Saying Yes to opportunity fuels my optimism, and that’s precisely how I approached November! Here’s a glimpse into my whirlwind journey:

Yes to Opportunities and Risk:

• Starting the month, by launching the 3rd MAP Women Leadership Programme?for Deutsche Bank alongside Tatiana Poliakova .
• Facilitating an Emotional Intelligence (EQ) workshop?for Panasonic’s delightful optimistic leadership audience.
• Co-leading an Artemis Masterclass with Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau, PhD in a breath taking venue in London. We took a risk organizing this unconventional event, and it paid off!
• Exploring the intensity of?Competition vs. Collaboration?with Cinven’s Ascend Women Network audience, co-led with Tatiana.
• Speaking on?Confidence as a Consequence, celebrating LGC’s re-launch of their Women’s Network.
• Engaging in an insightful discussion on?Audacity and Intensity?with another wonderful audience at Columbia Business School alongside Tatiana.
• Co-leading an?EQ Leadership Forum?for a group of charmingly open and receptive leaders at Abbvie in Switzerland with Carmen Balacianu .

Yes to Self:

• Attending our first Return-to-Self Retreat?in Transylvania, led by Carmen Balacianu , where we learned to slow down, reflect and recharge. Here is my sister Laura Cioc and me, saying Yes to ourselves at the Retreat!

While my optimism sometimes leads me to underestimate challenges, I’m learning to balance action with realistic expectations. It’s vital to understand that healthy commitment includes knowing your limits. When you’re prepared to say a grounded Yes, you open doors to skill development and personal growth, becoming more valuable to those around you.

Remember that Saying Yes is an invitation to a world filled with possibilities and hope! It fosters a vision for a brighter future, a subject we dove into during my Linkedin Live with Carolyn Mahboubi .? This month, I've also had enriching Audacious Conversations with remarkable women like Kanchan Prinsloo (she/her) here Live and Shelley Paxton ?? here Live. If you missed them, you can now also find them on the new youtube channel.

And remember to Celebrate Achievements. Don’t forget that acknowledging your successes is essential. It builds your audacity and amplifies your impact. Most high achievers move so fast to the next level of accomplishment that they never stop to acknowledge their successes.

So, this weekend, take a moment to celebrate your accomplishments. Reflect on your journey, and let this appreciation fuel your ambitions for what lies ahead.

Oh, and I almost forgot! This Yes-vember, my son has returned from a 10-week adventure in Peru and the Amazonian jungle!

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Let’s embrace this season of gratitude and possibility together.

With love, Alina x

PS - for more details of our programmes or retreats, you can reach any of us at ADAPTAA or at [email protected]