Month: July 2018

The past few weeks of summits on the international scene have offered the world a series of amazing turns and twists with considerable consequences and angst over the fate of liberal democracies.  “Strong men politics” have given us an opportunity to pause. What we see out there is what we fear inside. Better yet, what we are inside is now showing up all around us.

As we watch consciously what is happening internationally, nationally, and around us in our neighborhoods and our homes, in our minds and hearts, and as we despair, let us reach out of the gloom. The Dark Ages produced the Enlightenment years. It helps to remember that we will find ourselves on the other side of troubled times, and that we may even come out with something new to offer.  Visionaries are used to darkness. Real leaders are born of challenging times. There are always seeds of light in darkness.

However, we will not create enlightenment by staying in a place of anger and fear, or even doubts. We will not progress from a lack mentality, where there is not enough for everyone, and where some of us are better than others. No organization will thrive if it treats its own people with utter disrespect. No country will prosper on the basis of disturbing images of children being taken away from their parents. No system will survive if it is at the expense of our humanity. We may think that this is politics or simply beyond us – let us think again!

You may feel you have nothing to do with this but this IS about you. It is about your ability to conceive a different perspective on life, to dream and create a way to expand your vision. Once we open our minds to greater possibilities we will find inspiring ways forward. Let us redefine the norm and come forward with the new normal. Together we can.

Are you wondering how to be a creative leader in today’s world? I can help you connect with that passion inside. Email me at isabellefrancoisbe@gmail.com for a free 30mns breakthrough session.

Have you noticed how life often throws you a curveball when you least expect it? For me, curveballs have always been a way for life to remind me that I am not in charge, or to keep me awake, because let’s face it, life is unpredictable. The more we think that we have it under control, the more we seek security, the least prepared we are for life and the unexpected. I am starting to realize that the ability to accept what is coming my way and release my original plan–the way I think my life should unfold–is the way to go!

Of course we all would like to be in control. It is never easy to let go, but life is a roller coaster. We have a choice: we can hang on tight and try to negotiate every up and every down; or we can surrender to the ride, feel the ups and downs in our guts rather than fight them and, if at all possible, enjoy the ride. Yes, some of us get sick on roller coasters, but the point is that the very things that we do not want to do or that scare us are often precisely what we need in order to get past roadblocks on our way. When we cling on to our zone of comfort, our way of thinking, we rob ourselves of an opportunity to overcome the same challenges we encounter over and over again in life. We turn our backs to experience and growth.

When you see a door open, walk through it. Avoid the tendency to overanalyze and agonize over the decision. Trust that the door will open only when the time is ripe for you to enter this new space. On the threshold you will feel the fears and doubts, but on the other side you will feel invigorated. In fact, pay attention to the one thing in life that seems frightening and keeps popping up. Put it on top of your list of things to do. Your willingness to move into what seems scary, boring, or repelling will generate a lot of energy into your life, and lead to new places, new relationships, new jobs and inspire you as well as those around you

How important is your leadership in your day-to-day? If you want to experience a breakthrough let us connect for a free 30mns session at isabellefrancoisbe@gmail.com

I lost my job – yet again! My body had stored a similar experience from 10 years ago; the trauma was still there. I woke up to the abyss of past feelings, still raw. The shock passed, I started reflecting on how an inspired leader would take this forward.

The first step lies in the art of rewriting the story, reconnecting with your purpose in life. It goes something like this… You did not lose your job; you took a new direction. You needed a change, as your job was not allowing you to flourish and bring out your full potential to the world. Even better… what if the next step was going to lead you to the career of your dreams?! When you lose your job it is time to reconnect with your deepest desires, and push aside all your limiting beliefs: I am not safe, I am not wanted, I am bad, I am too old, I am too young, etc. You know what I mean!

The second step relates to others: your platform. Rely on your tribe: i.e. the people with whom you resonate. You do not need to go through this alone. These people may not be in your professional circle, but they believe in you. You share the same values; you look at life in a similar way. Your story may well be helpful to them; they want to help; they can mirror back to you your own brilliance and reconnect you to your environment.

The last step anchors you to your inner power. Stay open to what is coming your way. Embrace change and feel the power within that calls for expansion, becoming who you are at heart instead of conforming to what others have imposed on you. Accept your vulnerability and be generous towards your surroundings, even when you feel this painful contraction inside. Trust that the world is supporting you, even when the signs are all negative. Yes, this is a stretch, but catching the impulse of evolution while your whole being is contracting is a powerful propeller.

Ultimately, as an inspired leader, you will find your way to these three steps, but you may push aside the pain and avoid spending time with your feelings. Don’t! Losing a job is not easy. It is painful and I would strongly recommend taking time to grieve and acknowledge those feelings. They will help you connect with others and inspire them one day when they face a similar experience.  Finally, processing your feelings may also avoid a repeat of a similar experience in future.