Dear DesignChange Community🌳
I hope this September finds you well, whether you’re easing back into routines after a restful summer or still savoring the last few rays of sunshine.
In this issue, I’m excited to share a photo from my recent ArtTalk in Cologne’s Museum Ludwig (see the picture above). It’s me in front of a large photograph (by Tacita Dean) of a 1,000-year-old Japanese cherry tree. This tree, which has weathered centuries of seasons and changes, serves as a powerful metaphor for resilience in leadership and life. 🌸
Resilience & Leadership: Lessons from a 1,000-Year-Old Cherry Tree
Just as the cherry tree has stood the test of time, resilience is a cornerstone of successful leadership. We often think of resilience as something we need only in times of crisis, but like the tree, true resilience is about steady growth, finding strength in our roots, and adapting to changing environments over time.
This is what coaching is all about. In my work, I help leaders and teams find their own deep-rooted resilience, ensuring they don’t just survive challenges but adapt and thrive. The cherry tree is a reminder that resilience is an ongoing process, not a one-time achievement.
Still on Holiday? Boost Your Brain with Art
For those of you still enjoying a well-deserved break, consider using this time to engage with art. Studies show that art can have significant cognitive benefits, from improving problem-solving skills to enhancing emotional intelligence. Whether you’re walking through a museum in Venice or reflecting on a piece of artwork online (see below), art has mediative power. 💪🏻
RA Expo Reflections: Time Management, Empowerment, and Resilience
A special thanks to everyone who attended my talk at the RA Expo! It was a fantastic opportunity to share insights on time management, empowerment, and resilience. If you couldn’t make it, check out my article recapping the key points and providing practical tips.
I’d love to chat with you about how professional coaching can boost your or your team’s resilience! Reach out for a complimentary consultation.
As always, 💕thanks for reading and connecting!
Karla Schlaepfer and the awesome 🚀 DesignChange team
Testimonial
So grateful to share a heartfelt testimonial from Roxana Talpeș, an attorney balancing the challenges of starting her own law firm while caring for her young children. Her journey through our coaching sessions speaks volumes about the power of resilience and focus. I’m deeply honored by her words🙏🏻
Insights and Information
🔆Best take-aways of my talk at the RA Expo on resilience and effective time management! This tool, called the Eisenhauer matrix, is one that many know and still too few use. Read why this can make a difference here.
💥Test Your Focus: Can You Spend 10 Minutes With One Painting? In a world designed to distract, focus has become an essential skill. This New York Times interactive piece, based on an even more challenging Harvard art history exercise, gives you a chance to practice. I completed the exercise and felt ever-so calm afterwards.
Video of the Month 📹
Dan Pink’s mini video on how to deal with annoyances, frustrations and setbacks. This reframing shift comes from Stoic philosophy. It is simple, takes 5 seconds and is effectively motivating. Have a look! 😎
Bonus 🎉
I’ve put together a Coaching Field Guide, an easy-to-read resource explaining coaching processes and topics, tools, how we achieve goals, and even my pricing. Interested? Drop me an email to get your copy 😉