Inspiration

As a rising leader, your ability to communicate effectively is essential for your success. But communication is not just about what you say; it’s also about how others perceive what you say. Your intention may be crystal clear in your mind, but if it doesn't match other people's perceptions, your message will fall flat. In this article, we'll explore the importance and challenges of intention and perception and how to ensure that your intention matches other people's perceptions when you communi…

A friend of mine recently shared a story of how he had moved to a new city and decided to create something that instantly brought him an entire community of amazing friends. He had been living in San Francisco for over a year, and he had spent the weekend alone, feeling disconnected. Monday morning, he heard about a fantastic beach bonfire party that happened over the weekend. He was so bummed out because that was exactly the kind of party he wished he would have been invited to.

And then he had …

“To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself." – Soren Kierkegaard

Imagine a comfortable, familiar room bathed in soft light; perhaps you are lounging on your favorite sofa - this is your comfort zone. It's a cozy place, but outside of this space lies a vast, dynamic world. Stepping outside of the warmth into the unknown can be unsettling, and it’s supposed to be. That jolt is growth knocking at your door.

Our comfort zones are psychological states where things fee…

“The true strength of our leadership lies in the depth of our character.”

The Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey (known in Turkish as Yerebatan Sarnıcı) is one of the most fascinating historical sites in Istanbul. It was originally built during the Byzantine Empire era to store water for the Great Palace. Today, it stands as a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of ancient times, drawing visitors to walk on raised platforms above the water, marveling at the 336 marble columns…

“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen." – Brene Brown

Authenticity in the workplace is often hailed as a key to effective leadership and harmonious team dynamics. It's seen as the golden ticket to building trust, fostering open communication, and creating an inclusive environment. However, there's a less discussed side to this narrative: the risk of o…

"True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less." – C.S. Lewis

To prepare our teams for the future, we need to start by admitting that we don't have all the answers. For some leaders, this might seem counter-intuitive. Why would someone follow me if I don’t know the answers? How can they trust me if I am not 100% confident in the plan? But the opposite is true.

I have been working with a CEO at an immuno-oncology therapeutics company. The company’s clinical develop…

“In leadership, as in art, the boldness of our vision lights the path of progress.”

In many cultures, especially in Asia, the dragon symbolizes wisdom, power, and good fortune. It's often seen as a guardian figure, and its presence along the iconic Great Wall - a monument to human tenacity and ingenuity - speaks to the enduring strength and spirit of those who strive and persist. This illuminated dragon lantern, set against the historic backdrop of the Great Wall at Badaling, serves as a spectacu…

Discomfort is something that most of us try to avoid at all costs. Whether it's physical discomfort, emotional pain, or the discomfort that comes with stepping outside our comfort zone, we often do everything we can to stay in our safe and familiar spaces. However, it's important to remember that discomfort can be a gateway to fulfillment and growth and that some of the most rewarding experiences in life come from pushing ourselves beyond our limits.

Here are some examples of how discomfort can l…

“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.” – Albert Einstein

The Alchemist, a sculptural masterpiece located at MIT, is composed of mathematical symbols and scientific formulas that form the silhouette of a thinker. This innovative piece by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa is a physical manifestation of the quote by Albert Einstein: "The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and scie…

The human mind is a complex and powerful tool that is heavily influenced by the environment in which it operates. Our set and setting, or the physical and social environment that surrounds us, can have a significant impact on our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This phenomenon has been studied extensively in psychology and has also been explored in various forms of media, including the film industry.

One of the most significant ways in which our set and setting can affect us is by shaping our …