📝 Notes for the Curious: Edition #61

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Hello,

Before we begin, a quick ask. On the 27th of September I will be at the Rise & Lead Summit in the Hague. I am considering coming to the Hague a bit earlier on Wednesday the 26th of September. If I did, would any of my Netherlands-based Notes readers be interested in having a meet-up? Maybe an afternoon tea or an early evening borrel (drinks for my non-Dutch readers!). If you would be interested (even if you're not attending the Summit) then let me know by clicking this link: Meet me in the Hague. If you are not free for this one but would be interested in a meet up in Amsterdam on another date then let me know by clicking this link: Meet me in Amsterdam.  This would be a get-together, so no coaching, consulting or workshopping, just a nice chance to see each other face to face while I'm in the city. What do you think?

And now let's get on with the Notes...

1) Disconnect this summer

With the summer in full swing, are you finding it hard to disconnect from your work? Especially if your work lives on your phone/tablet/laptop? Buffer have some solutions to help you switch off this summer. The no notifications one is something I've done for years. It works, trust me. There is almost nothing so urgent that you need to drop everything to read What's App when it beeps. 

2) From book to TV

I am an unashamed fan of Shonda Rhimes. I love her writing, I love how she chooses to show up in the world and her book, A Year of Yes, spoke deeply to me. Which is why I was thrilled to learn that she would be developing new programming for Netflix. A number of these programmes will have their origins in books and I am taking some time this summer to discover the books behind the upcoming shows as a way of diversifying my reading. 

3) Bias and imposter syndrome

This year I have been doing a lot of work in and around Imposter Syndrome. Mostly for myself. It is something I have always struggled with and it is not something that I am prepared to let define me any longer. The work is hard, the outcome is worth it. As I do the work, though, I am becoming ever more curious about the root causes of why people experience imposter syndrome. Because it's not just me. It shows up everywhere. This article made me think deeply, especially in the context of the movements we are seeing gain prominence at the moment.  

4) A different sort of to-do list

It's been a long time since I felt swallowed up by my to-do list. I am a big fan of the Eisenhower Box method and I am ruthless at getting stuff off my desk, even if that means making the hard decision to trash it rather than let it languish on my list never to be crossed off. I am all about getting from to-do to to-done in the most effective and efficient way possible. I thought I had read about every possible to-do list management technique out there over the years but the method that the CEO of Air BnB uses is new to me. Have you tried it? 

5) Women need to negotiate

When was the last time you negotiated for something you really wanted? Statistics and anecdotal evidence tell us that women just don't negotiate as strongly as men. This mini video series from LeanIn and Duke University gives concrete tips and action items for women to start negotiating better. Now, I know not all of my readers are women so for my male readers who feel confident in how they negotiate I would like to ask for your help. I want to ask you to be an ally. As women improve their negotiation skills, be an ally in the room for them. We don't need saving, we do need support. 

Until the next Notes,

Emmy

P.S. Something happened this week. A red mist descended and I found I just could not take it anymore. I had to speak out about what I am seeing in the world around me with regard to women and visibility and leadership. If you are not connected with me on Instagram already, then please follow me there and you can find my thoughts in my Soapbox story highlights. I'm not staying quiet anymore.

Who am I and who do I help? I’m Emmy McCarthy and I make small businesses better and help people create leadership in their communities.

If you would like my help to get get clear, get focused and take action to reach your business goals, these are the ways we can work together. 

  1. The Change Maker Programme - A 5 month group learning + mentoring programme to work through the structure, systems and strategy of your business and move you from overwhelmed at all the things to confident leader of your business alongside a small group of peers. The next cohort begins in September 2018 and we are almost full.
  2. The Change Maker Collective - For established business owners who thrive in the support of their peers and are ready to make more impact, income and influence with what they do. New cohorts start every three months with a maximum of 8 people per group.
  3. 1:1 Mentoring - For business owners who are ready to transform their business with personal, actionable strategies to achieve their goals. I have a very limited number of available slots for business brainstorms or more intensive mentoring programmes. Next available programme start date = October 2018.

❓ Do you have a burning question that you think I can answer? I don't have all of the answers, but that just gives me a good excuse to learn more. Hit reply to this email to send me your question.

🎙 Would you like me to speak on your podcast or present to your audience? I'd love to! Visit my speaking page to get in touch. 

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