The School of Life is in Session

September brings with it an instinctual feeling that it’s time to start the next chapter — that “back to school” feeling. And if anything, 2020 has made us acutely aware that we are all students of life.

For those of you who have children or are navigating the back to school process this year, I see you. For those of you, like me, who feel as though Labor Day brings with it this urgency to be more productive because “summer’s over,” I see you.

Now what I’m about to say may feel counterintuitive and at first may even induce an eye roll, but give yourself permission to pause. Take inventory of where you are at right now, mentally, physically, emotionally — even take stock of your energetic capacity.

On Friday, we released a solo episode of our podcast all about this entitled “The Purposeful Pause” to dive into the benefit of taking that moment, both in the short and long term, as we turn a new page in our journey. For those of you who grew up in the 80s/90s, I have a feeling the pop culture references in the episode will be right up your alley.

Finally, we got some great feedback on last month’s video message so we’re going to keep a video component of the newsletter going this month. Here’s last week’s interview with Anna Oakes on the Culture & People ‘cast talking about the elements of our collective shift towards modern leadership and why "a big part of why I do what I do is to be a vessel for change."

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and enjoyable month ahead,
 

Let’s Talk about Systemic Racism

Many organizations and individuals have contacted us asking “What can I do? Where do I start?” We began offering our facilitated discussion experience virtually for small groups & teams in search of a starting point for guided learning, reflection and practice in a safe, constructive, shame-free zone to chart an intentional path forward focused on anti-racism.
 

New Dates Available: 20 for $20
Hot Seat Women’s Leadership Coaching

Our 20 for $20 coaching sessions hot seat women’s leadership coaching sessions are 20 minutes long and focus on the question “What is the biggest thing holding you back either professionally or personally?”

Available dates: September 16th & September 24th. Slots are available on a first come, first served basis and will sell out.
 

Making Political Waves
Gerly Adrien, the first Black, Haitian-American, City Councilor At-Large in Everett, MA, received the highest number of votes in 2019, however older, whiter council members have tried to silence her. Nikki & Gerly dive into the dynamics at play in this arena and how Gerly’s background has made her up for the challenge.
 

Navigating the In-Between
As a Culture Columnist for The Boston Globe, Jeneé Osterheldt often writes at the intersections of identity and social justice through the lens of the arts and culture. Jeneé joins Nikki for a conversation about being biracial, the experience of living in the in-between of identity buckets and how that influenced them both as children and as adults.

 

A Purposeful Pause
This solo episode is all about the importance and power of taking time for a purposeful pause. With COVID19 & the national reckoning on racial injustice, so many of us find ourselves in a mental, emotional and physical survival mode. Nikki urges listeners to acknowledge this unorthodox situation and notice when they’re slipping into autopilot.
 

Let’s work together.

To learn more about ways to stay connected & work with me: