Many of you know that I chose to dedicate the months of October through December to thinking, reflecting and planning so that, beginning in January, I am ready to Live and Leap in a big way. Much of my first week on the quest has been about what I’ll call clean-up. Bills were paid, emails were answered, overdue tasks completed. Still, even while I managed through the minutia, the universe stubbornly conspired to please and delight. Like a meteor shower, the opportunities alight and swirl. I observe, enjoy and, now share a few examples…
- The Silicon Valley Commonwealth Club asked me to moderate their program on October 29, 2009 , featuring Mireille Guiliano, author of French Women Don’t Get Fat and new book, Women, Work and the Art of Savoir Faire. I was THRILLED! I LOVE her – adored her last book and am an avid Champagne lover (she was CEO of Veuve). I help the Commonwealth Club, get exposure for my company and me, and have the opportunity to meet an off-the-charts fabulous female in the process (and thanks, James Duran, for inviting me to be a panelist for the Commonwealth Club which got me the gig in the first place). What a Win/Win
- Lucinda White – a recruiter/HR professional – called me out of the blue suggesting that we meet. She saw information about Live and Leap — F5 and my talent acquisition background — and wanted to meet me. Turns out she is a fabulous recruiter and a lovely human being. She reminded me of the generous spirit of great recruiters; they get such a charge out of helping people realize their career dreams. We connected; I gave her a little career advice. Not sure if there is a business angle here – but I sure felt great after our conversation over lunch. It was a Win/Win
- Carmen Hudson and I talked this week so that I could check-in on her after she so graciously agreed to be “team coached” at the Fifty Fab Females forum. Turns out that Lisa Kowalski, fellow forum attendee and sales expert extraordinaire, has helped Carmen immeasurably in her quest to promote her new company (MAJOR kudos to Lisa), which launches some time in November. Also, Dory Willer, coach and guest speaker at the forum, volunteered to coach Carmen, and both agreed to share the journey on this blog! Carmen offered to assist me with my blog and passed on a consulting lead (love ya, Carmen). A little sister love and definitely an example of a Win/Win
- I received three separate emails from individuals/business people discussing potential business opportunities. I won’t go into detail on any of them now, but what is interesting is that many of the connections I made months ago are paying off in opportunities now. Win/Win
- My friend Ben Wong over at Juniper Networks invited me on behalf of the HRCA to participate in the upcoming Recruiting Game Show event on November 11th over at Yahoo! Win/Win
- A top nutritionist, personal trainer and image consultant all responded to my invitations to participate in a public project to re-invent ME into a more healthy and attractive 51 year-old – chronicled step by painful step on this blog. They are all “in” and excited. Win/Win
- And finally, I was able to help a few people who needed it. I know that by paying it forward, the rewards will be immeasurable – not the least of which is to share in the joy of having something to offer another in her time of need. Win/Win
“Tune-in” to the F5 blog…more great stuff coming. Also, stay “tuned-in” to life…there are a million win/wins waiting for you to pay attention and pay it forward.
Carol
Carol… I’ll be keeping up with the makeover. Looking forward to hearing the day-by-day, blow-by-blow description fo what’s going on.
Great to know that you have started a blog — I have subscribed and look forward to reading your posts. I love the idea of using October to December to reflect back and strategize forward! Will definitely take that page from your playbook. Thanks!
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