Note to self | lessons #1

Serving an organisation, we are all a part of a continuum - not all ideas need to mature during our tenure
When stepping into a role newly created by the organisation, think about the cultural nuances it must set
Internally, design with a systems-view. And do it in such a way, that even you wont be able to over-ride it without a few people knowing
Externally, cultivate a view that considers actors/stakeholders - an intersectionality view. Is there creative room for MVP tweak, outreach, etc.
There is God is hard work. There is nothing called smart work. The cooking of the right ingredients for hours bring about the best meal
There is God in honest work. There is God is silence. There is God in listening
In silence, there are opportunities to speak. Consider three gates before speaking - (a) is it accurate (b) is it necessary (c) is it kind
Difficulty is as much a part of work as ease, do not make it personal
Difficulties that arise from inefficiencies are not your doing
Managing emotions in teams are as important as managing systems. Address them with individuals to bring out the best; don't approach them as a 'problem'
There is no work-life balance as there are no work-life demarcations. We are bring the best selves of our life to work; we must bring the best learnings from work to our life too
Carry people with you: cheer where there is celebration, help where it is required. Treat them as equal. They are not a beneficiary of your presence
Set time for yourself each day. Only for yourself. That is the sacred space of unbound creativity
Parenting is quite difficult and perhaps the only responsibility that cannot be outsourced. Choose your partner wisely and think about parenting in detail - there is no retake on this one
Be able to know your position on issues that impact you is good. It is not essential to make a point each time... but being aware is desirable
When you find yourself in a place where you are unable to take a position, or have insufficient information, go learn about it. Knowledge - complete and unbiased - will give it teeth
Reflect on your fortunes and privileges. Then, think about the biases you may be affirming through your communications and actions
No degree of technology, process, or systems can replace the investment value in people. Be very careful with talent, hiring, and retaining people
When you are in a position to evaluate someone, remember you are being evaluated too
Do not take communications and flow of information for granted
There is no un-important promise. A promise is a promise. Make them carefully and keep them each time
The calibre in the board room is excellent. Each one will put their best foot forward. There will be room for surprise, creativity, framework, jargon, appeasement. Here - you go armed with Authenticity
Be humble in making recommendations. Remember: they know it and your arrogance won't help
In recommending, make 2 or 3 suggestions- that all of you in the room see as possible
Love it when an opposing view comes in. Ally with the person, take a joint-view and see what comes out
Your integrity is like a fire extinguisher. It is this quiet investment that comes in handy when most don't know what to do
Your life before now has shaped you. Love it without resentment. Your broken families, painful memories, hurt, happy times, kindness - all make you who you are today
Now: you are in the driver's seat and you decide how you fill your van
Find what you like doing that gets you into a flow, lose track of time. Do this - personally, professionally, and bloom
I like to write, design, read, until it hurts. Then I go for a stroll
Words to live by - 'I don't mind what happens' - but quite something to put in place
A lot of things will come to life with Practice, and only Practice