What path has your career taken?
I spent most of my early career in non-profit organizations as I always felt more connected to a purpose than a company. I saw a consistent disconnect between the passionate program administrators or artistic directors who had vision for where the work of the organization should be directed and the financial stewards, typically the Board of Directors or CFOs, who fought every day to manage the dwindling resources. I sensed I could serve as an interpreter since I have degree in music (yep, classically-trained trombonist) so I get the need to create, and another degree in business, so I get the reality of numbers. Business school opened my eyes to the possibilities of thoughtful strategic management of both financial and human resources but conventional management structure was still limiting and usually inefficient.
The universe must have known I needed something to shift. A friend sent me an article on a new way of working, Holacracy, and I was immediately attracted to the idea of distributed authority leading to more efficient work. I learned as much as I could and ended up joining HolacracyOne so I could serve others seeking similar change in the world. I capture my purpose in the world as To Sparkle & Serve, and my work with Holacracy practice lets me do that every day.
How long have you stayed at Zoku Amsterdam, and what were/are your thoughts?
My first stay at Zoku was only a few months after Zoku Amsterdam opened in 2016. I had been looking for a new location for our Holacracy training events and just knew Zoku Amsterdam was a great fit. Since then, we have hosted all of our Amsterdam events at Zoku and have been a
short stay resident there each time.
As for my relationship with Zoku…I am a Zoku. I have been Zoku since the beginning and coming to Zoku is coming home.
What’s a life-changing song, film, event or book you’d like to recommend to others?
There’s a great song by the
Editors: An End Has a Start that I've loved from the first listen. Both the title and the lyrics remind me that everything is cyclical and what really matters are people, not things.
I read both the
Anne of Greene Gables and
Little Women series once a year as they remind me of family and simplicity. Maybe it’s a little lofty but I think the song, film, event or book that is most life-changing is the one you create and share with others.
What’s your current/newly discovered go-to product, service or app you would recommend to others?
I’m currently trying to lighten both my physical and psychological loads so I’m actively not buying new products or downloading new apps. I do love Filofax and Levenger for journals, the
Breville tea-maker for tea, and the
Timeular device & app for time tracking.
If you could pick one project to work on for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Myself! I am flawsome (awesomely flawed) and in constant need of evolution. I figure if I continue to work on myself and grow and improve, I will be even better at being able to connect with and serve others.
What is one piece of advice or tip in your field of work that you want to give to people?
Clarify expectations early and often. It leads to less unhealthy conflict, greater transparency and deeper connection. If you want to learn more about how I do it using Holacracy practice, I’d love to talk to you!
