Now Plus One

09/30/2022

Check out an article I wrote about The Future of Shopping.

https://medium.com//the-future-of-shopping-9c1e94e762d

Considering the changing landscape of retail

11/03/2021

Ai Wei Wei’s massive new show in Lisbon includes new work inspired by Portuguese material (cork, azulejos) since he’s now living in Portugal. An amazing collection of videos and sculptures with powerful political messages. A must!

10/27/2021

Didn’t expect interesting art in Times Square! Pamela Council’s “A Fountain for Survivors” is a mosaic of 400,000 acrylic fingernails. The cocoon-like structure features a water fountain inside an enveloping, multi-sensory space.

10/14/2021

Mexico City is one of the most vibrant world cities and each neighborhood, or colonía, has a distinct feel. Colonía Juarez used to be the “up-and-coming” neighborhood just a couple of years ago, but boy, has it already up and came! Walking the streets of Juarez is a treat, with super trendy shops and cafes alongside traditional architecture and street vendors. Put it on your list for your next trip to CDMX!

02/25/2021

What do you think are some of the most important POSITIVE changes brought about by the Coronavirus crisis on how we work and how we think about work?

This is February's Question of the Month, in my attempt to combine the concept of 'wisdom of the crowd' with my global contacts on LinkedIn!

Today's guest respondent is Wendy Robison, Director of Global People Development at Etsy

"No longer having to physically be in an office is more inclusive for many people who need or prefer to work from home. For example, people who are also providing care for family members, have differing abilities that make commuting difficult, or need a more flexible schedule. Because people no longer have to share space, virtual connection also enables folks located all over the world from different cultures and perspectives to interact in more immediate ways, collaborating on projects and sharing ideas through whiteboard technologies. The need to remain connected in human ways through virtual technology is also spurring creative advances, such as technology that seamlessly creates breakout groups, collects in real time information for quick polls, and provides ways for more people at a time to contribute to large virtual live discussions. Teams are imagining different ways to approach “icebreakers” so people can get to know one another and learn as a group despite the challenges of team members no longer sharing space together. Some teams mail physical objects or activity packages so everyone can join in an activity to share on camera, or home scavenger hunts, which allows time for storytelling and sharing of their space with others. Though there are definitely drawbacks to all virtual work interactions, people have found ways to creatively use humor, creative energy and technology to keep connecting in human ways."

Thanks Wendy!

02/17/2021

What do you think are some of the most important POSITIVE changes brought about by the Coronavirus crisis on how we work and how we think about work?

This is February's Question of the Month, in my attempt to combine the concept of 'wisdom of the crowd' with my global contacts on LinkedIn!

Today's guest respondent is Ashley Kolaya the Founder of Third Space:

"No distinction between work and home life means, for many, that we work during home-time. Because we don't see/feel others living their work days around us like we do in an office, we assume all the important stuff is happening without us. This narrative takes a psychological toll on our ability to feel connected to our team and our work and be confident in the value we add.

I did eventually develop a rhythm, and I learned to establish healthy work/life boundaries. Now, I take daily delight in my ability to schedule my work around my life, rather than the other way around. If I need 30min extra sleep, a yoga class in the middle of the day, a walk with my dog, or a conversation with my husband, I can have it. And miraculously, I do not feel guilty! The transition was bumpy, but I can confidently say I'm much happier and healthier now.

I've seen this covert thrill—this sneaky joy of freedom–creep into my friends' eyes when we start talking about how we're really doing. We're not ready to fully, outwardly embrace the joy yet (lest the secret get out and evaporate into thin air), but critical mass of folx working from home has been a stick through the spokes of the speeding-out-of-our-control work wheel, especially for those of us who live in cities).

The impact seems different from the college campus-ifying we've seen at tech companies which, rather than connecting us to our non-work lives, can instead create more opportunities for FOMO. Instead, we appear to be entering a collective slowing down—a stripping away of the inessential that lets us take back a bit of the control we hadn't realized we'd lost. And I don't think we'll be quite so willing to give it up again, even for a kegerator at the office!"

Thanks Ashley!

02/12/2021

What do you think are some of the most important POSITIVE changes brought about by the Coronavirus crisis on how we work and how we think about work?

This is February's Question of the Month, in my attempt to combine the concept of 'wisdom of the crowd' with my global contacts on LinkedIn!

Today's guest respondent is Buddy Teaster, President & CEO at Soles4Souls:

"We had to adapt on so many levels, including a wholesale staff restructure, as well as working remotely. What we found is that we had so many assumptions holding us back that when we were forced to look at everything, even through so much tragedy, it was actually freeing. We are now a work-from-anywhere organization and got rid of our vacation policy. We believe it will allow us to attract and retain the best people regardless of location.

We have also stepped up our communication frequency. Our 70-person team is probably more aligned than we have ever been. That has allowed us to improve our financial strength, keep every employee without a furlough or layoff, and serve more people than ever."

Thanks Buddy!

02/10/2021

What do you think are some of the most important POSITIVE changes brought about by the Coronavirus crisis on how we work and how we think about work?

This is February's Question of the Month, and today's guest respondent is Evan Schneyer Co-Founder and CEO of Outlaw:

"I think that going 100% virtual/remote forced us to be much more conscious and intentional about face time. It's much easier to get things done without interruption. If I need some quiet solo work time, I can simply close my email, close Slack, and that's it! No one can walk up and interrupt my flow, and there's no longer the need to put headphones on to signify DND. It's much easier to focus.

On the flip side, when we do have meetings, I find that people are more present and attentive to each other. I think everyone is craving real-time social contact so much that despite all meetings being virtual, it's easier than ever now, ironically, to close other tabs/email and genuinely listen to one another."

Thanks Evan!

02/10/2021

What do you think are some of the most important POSITIVE changes brought about by the Coronavirus crisis on how we work and how we think about work?

This is February's Question of the Month, and today's guest respondent is Sonja Montague MacKay, the founder of Wild Orange School of Wellbeing and The More Human Company:

"As we meet virtually, we’ve been given a rare insight into how our colleagues, bosses and peers live. We’ve been provided with a window into their lives which has enhanced our ability to see one another as humans, with the same challenges of children, pets, spouses, or indeed the isolation of living alone during a pandemic, and this has increased compassion and empathy.

With the enforced work-from-home policies, people have quickly adapted, and trust has been built between leaders and teams, leading to greater autonomy and innovation. Many also had to have honest conversations with their bosses about their responsibilities of caring for family members, or having to focus on their own mental wellbeing. In asking for help, it has allowed them to be vulnerable and create the foundation of a richer, emotionally open culture."

Thanks Sonja!

02/09/2021

Wisdom of the crowd meets LinkedIn connections! Each month I will pose a question to some of my global contacts and share their insights.

February's Question:
What do you think are some of the most important POSITIVE changes brought about by the Coronavirus crisis on how we work and how we think about work?

Today's guest respondent is Shantera Chatman an executive coach with PowHer Consulting :

"Due to the coronavirus, most of us have been and are still working from home. Working parents have had a lot on their plate during this time, but the positive side of this is that leaders who may not have previously had empathy for working parents now do. This can and should change remote work policies to make it easier for working parents to return to the office.

Many people found themselves juggling several tasks—both personal and professional—which caused anxiety at times. Because of this, there has been a renewed focus on self-care. Leaders are checking in often with their teams and even mandating time off for mental breaks. The pandemic has been tough, but one huge positive thing to come out of it is that companies are focused on their biggest asset: their people."

Thanks Shantera!

02/09/2021

What do you think are some of the most important POSITIVE changes brought about by the Coronavirus crisis on how we work and how we think about work?

This is February's Question of the Month, in my attempt to combine the concept of 'wisdom of the crowd' with my global contacts on LinkedIn!

Today's guest respondent is Roselin Rosario-Meléndez, Ph.D., a scientist in research and innovation at L'Oréal Paris:

"Scientists working at the bench depend on being in the lab to do most of our work. During the pandemic, many of us were not able to go to the lab to perform experiments. Even though I require a lab to do part of my job, I did not let that stop me from doing science and innovating. I worked on knowledge-building and coming up with ideas that I was able to test later on. I think the most positive outcome of the pandemic in the workplace is the realization that work is not a physical place, but a mindset."

Thanks Roselin!

02/04/2021

Wisdom of the crowd meets LinkedIn connections! Each month I will pose a question to some of my global contacts and share their insights.

February's Question:
What do you think are some of the most important POSITIVE changes brought about by the Coronavirus crisis on how we work and how we think about work?

Today's guest respondent is Jon Adam Ross, a theater artist with The In[heir]itance Project:

"Live theater is exciting because anything could happen. Even well rehearsed, polished, shiny Broadway has its share of unexpected moments. As a theater artist, it has been exciting to observe my wife and my friends with jobs in the ‘formal’ world navigate the new reality of working on an unpredictable stage.

It’s not just the home wifi that might mess with our zoom feed; it’s the children with immediate needs, the now daily process of ‘setting the stage’ behind us with books that make us look smart, or a virtual background that creates a myth of control.

The whole world is now living in an experiment of live performance. We are our own costume designers, set designers, set designers, lighting designers, directors! And every now and then, there might even be a dance break!"

Thanks Jon!

02/03/2021

Wisdom of the crowd meets LinkedIn connections! Each month I will pose a question to some of my global contacts and share their insights.

February's Question:
What do you think are some of the most important POSITIVE changes brought about by the Coronavirus crisis on how we work and how we think about work?

Today's guest respondent is Lystia Putranto, the Head of Organic marketing at Tripaneer:

"To say that 2020 was challenging for us at Tripaneer would be an understatement! The year served as a powerful reminder of how we can deliberately choose to use adversity as a priceless opportunity for growth; and that we did.

We decided early on that while we can’t change what is happening externally, we can certainly control how we respond internally. We embraced the many challenges as a chance for us to truly step up, support each other, and cultivate resilience. With every constant change, we made a conscious decision to stay flexible.

As a result, we were not only able to survive; we thrived. This experience has enabled us to become more efficient, effective, and stronger than ever."

Thanks Lystia!

02/02/2021

We've decided to employ the wisdom of the LinkedIn crowd to weigh in on current topics, so allow us to introduce Question of the Month!

February's Question:
The Coronavirus crisis has accelerated changes in the workplace in many ways, but let’s focus on the positive outcomes for a moment. What do you think are some of the most important positive changes on how we work and how we think about work?

Today's guest respondent is Kaan Nazli an Emerging markets Economist & Portfolio Manager at Neuberger Berman:

"The flow of information is very important in the investment industry and I have been amazed that knowledge has become so freely accessible over the past year. I am delighted with the opportunity to (virtually) attend policy and investment forums all around the world featuring experts from Washington to Moscow to Johannesburg. Event planning and programming have transformed very fast and I think several new aspects of this change will prove to be durable.”

Thanks Kaan!

02/01/2021

We've decided to employ the wisdom of the LinkedIn crowd to weigh in on current topics, so allow us to introduce Question of the Month!

February's Question:
The Coronavirus crisis has accelerated changes in the workplace in many ways, but let’s focus on the positive outcomes for a moment. What do you think are some of the most important positive changes on how we work and how we think about work?

Today's guest respondent is Karen Strauss from M Booth Health:

"Remote work has improved listening skills. Without the ability to read 'full body' language, listening carefully and deeply is the only way to get things right. And surprisingly, that need to focus on words and intent has added an intimacy to work relationships that’s been unexpected.

Another interesting development is a more open and conscious discussion of boundaries. While most of us now feel fewer boundaries between personal time and work time, we are asking colleagues and bosses to respect boundaries—no email after 6pm rules, or Slack off limits after hours, or no weekend work, or saying no to opportunities because the enterprise is stressed. Awareness of boundary creep may lead to post-pandemic respect for the professional/personal divide."

Thanks Karen!

12/01/2020

Kick 2020 to the curb and kick off the new year with a bang!
Your team deserves some lovin' after a challenging year, so why not invest in your people and plan a Virtual Team Building Workshop to engage and connect with your team?

Check out our end-of-year discount packages and use up that Q4 budget to energize your team for the new year.

As Q4 wraps up and a challenging year finally comes to an end, most employees are facing significant stress both at work and at home. This is the perfect time to help your team connect and have some fun, while boosting their morale to start the new year right. Think of our Virtual Team Building Work...

11/23/2020

Excited to present a virtual session for Culture Amp's Culture First Berlin Chapter.

Please join me on Thursday November 26th at 16:30 CET for an interactive workshop, where we explore how Parallel Category Inspiration can help you flip the context and discover new perspectives to solving problems and coming up with innovative solutions

https://chapters.culturefirst.com/events/details/culture-amp-berlin-presents-uncovering-unexpected-inspiration

08/21/2020

What we learned about team building from Bouldering.