Newsletter, October 2023
October has been a month marked by a whirlwind of emotions. From the ongoing conflict in Israel/Palestine to the referendum, it's hard to ignore the divisions, conflicts, and complex challenges, such as climate change, that threaten the world we're creating for the next generation.
Our world's challenges undoubtedly stem from human actions, but we aren't irreparably broken. This month, I attended the Inner Development Goals (IDG’s) Summit which rekindled the hopeful, optimistic spirit within me. It reinforced the belief that we possess the power to change, evolve, and grow. There's a different way of Being, Thinking, Relating, Collaborating, and Acting that can pave the way for a brighter future.
In this edition, we'll explore some of the insights and ideas sparked by the IDG Summit, along with other valuable resources to fuel your leadership journey.
Fish tank thinking
In her thought-provoking work, Phoebe Tickell introduces the concept of "Fish Tank Thinking," urging us to consider if we're trapped within a fish tank, expending our energy on improving the conditions within rather than looking beyond its confines.
At the Inner Development Goals (IDG) Summit, Phoebe Tickell challenged us to employ our moral imagination and engage in what she terms "imagination activism" to instigate systemic shifts. This notion of "fish tank thinking" doesn't just encapsulate the global crises we confront; it also deeply resonates with challenges within the organisational realm.
Far too frequently, we witness the prevalence of short-term thinking and narrow, reductionist thought processes in businesses, leading to the recurrence of similar issues in different guises. This paradigm shift encourages us to break free from these limitations and strive for more holistic, long-term solutions that can truly transform our world and organisations.
Leadership 2.0
didn't coin the term Leadership 2.0, but it certainly resonated with me when Simon Sinek described Steven Bartlett's leadership philosophy during their recent podcast conversation.
Leadership 2.0 signifies a new breed of leaders who prioritise not only the profitability of their businesses but also the wellbeing of people and the planet. This concept aligns seamlessly with my ongoing focus on the inner development of leaders, emphasising that meaningful change begins from within.
In his conversation with Steven, Simon passionately portrays Steven as a beacon for this new era of leadership. These two in-depth discussions, available in two parts on the A Bit of Optimism podcast, will inspire you, offering fresh perspectives and ideas essential for the evolving landscape of leadership.
What I am listening to 🎧
In line with this month's theme of a brighter future, I highly recommend the Huberman Lab podcast episode featuring Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook), and Dr. Priscilla Chan, M.D., co-founder and co-CEO of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI).
In this episode, they discuss CZI's ambitious goal to eradicate all human diseases by the end of this century through transformative projects at the crossroads of biology, engineering, and AI. They delve into their support for Biohubs and the significant progress already made in advancing our understanding of cell function, pathways, and diseases. Mark Zuckerberg also shares insights on social media's impact on mental health and introduces new tools for enhancing online experiences.
What I am reading 📖
If you’re weary of the current world of work, I highly recommend Seth Godin’s latest book The Song of Significance, A new manifesto for teams. In this short but soulful book Godin re-envisions what work and leadership can be, why it’s gotten so bad and what all of us (especially leaders) can do to make it better.
Quote I'm pondering 💬
“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.”
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
I hope this was helpful and sparked some insights. I would love to hear your thoughts!
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Warmly,
Cherry
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