As our country continues to open up, and life starts to look more like “normal,” may I present some other ways to reconnect with colleagues, partners, and clients?
Coping During COVID-19
How are you? No, really. How are you dealing with the “new normal” of living through a pandemic? I hope you answered with, “I’m okay.” or “We’re hanging in there.” I wish you and your loved ones good health, safety, and security during these troubling times. As we get through this together, I wanted to share a list of ten things that have helped me cope during COVID-19:
Peloton: Those that know me well will be surprised to learn that I use my Peloton daily. It has been an escape and daily stress reliever during the pandemic—and quite the lifesaver! And it is not just the bike; the content includes outdoor programming, yoga, meditation, and family-friendly exercises. Peloton currently offers one month of free programming with its app; for $100 off of a bike, click here and use referral code NQNJH9.
Passion Planner: With a company value of “get one, give one,” this tool is so much more than a planner. It is how I organize my days, keep myself accountable, reach for goals, and journal feelings. In a world full of so much technology, it’s incredible to write down my thoughts and even be creative. Access an incredible library of free downloads here. If you’re looking for a digital tool for daily reflection, check out the Five-Minute Journal here.
Shutterfly: Staying closer to home has certainly lent itself to checking items off our to-do lists, including my goal to stay current with annual photo albums. I’ve enjoyed documenting memories and taking the time to appreciate life (even in COVID-land) through this process. Click here to start a free Shutterfly book of your own.
Reading: 2020’s new year’s intention was to read a non-fiction book each month. From Brené Brown’s Gifts of Imperfection to Seth Godin’s This is Marketing, I’ve liked getting out of my reading comfort zone to gain knowledge or hone my skills. (Now that it’s August, I’ve got five more books to check out this year. Any recommendations? Drop me a line!)
Streaming: It’s safe to say many of us are caught up on our favorite shows and then some. As an extrovert, I’m amazed at how much I now look forward to being home watching Netflix or Hulu—from nostalgic content like The Babysitters Club and Hallmark Channel-like Sweet Magnolias to edgier fare like Ozark and Spinning Out to favorites like Younger.
Tovala: Speaking of things to look forward to in the evenings, I now am pumped to fix dinner in this smart oven. It’s like a Blue Apron or Freshly service, except the healthy meal options are pre-prepared and convenient for my husband and me. Learn more about this high-tech kitchen essential here.
Happy Hours: Have you been on any great Zoom happy hours? I’ve been fortunate to experience both a virtual wine tasting from the vineyard and a bourbon mixology class. For an easy-to-plan networking event, consider shipping wine through a service like Winc to invitees, then hosting a virtual get-together to explore flavors.
Care Packages: This is a fun one: send friends, loved ones, and clients coronavirus care packages. I recently created a summer version complete with hand sanitizer, masked emoji cookies, Who Gives a Crap toilet paper, and a handwritten note. One of my clients responded with, “You are the BEST! Thank you so much for the gift basket.” Why not use this time to let your people know you care?
Hiking: I’ve always loved exploring far-off places, yet enjoying a hike through the great outdoors is a new joy for me. Did you know that America’s National Parks even have a passport program? Learn more here and hike to it!
Pool: What a refreshing pastime: ten feet of distance soaking up the sun! Add a chilled White Claw, and perfection!
As I bounced around the idea of this list, I wondered how I would position it. Would I send these ideas to friends only or post on my personal Facebook page? Then, I thought about my brand. My brand values are being open, fun, friendly…and to be helpful to my clients and community. In that vein, I share these ten coping mechanisms that I’ve relied on during the pandemic.
Personal? Yes. A bit different than my typical blogs? Certainly. Yet I hope these might spark some joy within your life and perhaps inspire something wonderful.
Leadership...in Las Vegas
When I applied to Leadership Las Vegas over a year ago, I defined leadership as “a characteristic that inspires others to follow, moving together in the same direction to reach a common goal.” While that language is still an accurate definition, after becoming a member of the Class of 2017, my view of leadership—and the community in which I live—is quite different.
After almost 14 years in the energy efficiency space, moving to Las Vegas three years was quite a professional departure for me. I had to make myself invaluable within a whole new set of industries, as well as create a whole new network. Bottom line: I’d be lying if I didn’t say I initially wanted to apply to Leadership Las Vegas as a networking opportunity.
But what I learned after going through this extensive 10-month program run by the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of commerce was not networking. It was relationship building with likeminded leaders who want to make the most out of being a part of the community. I applied and interviewed to learn more about my adopted hometown. What I gained throughout the process was an inside view on how I can be a part of important issues in Southern Nevada like education, healthcare, and community services.
My classmate Elaina Mulé, with the United Way of Southern Nevada, was very new to Las Vegas when she applied. “As a new resident to Las Vegas with no relationships or personal connections to the city, Leadership Las Vegas ingrained me in this community in ways I could not imagine were possible over the course of just 10 months. The program truly enabled me to make Las Vegas my home and gave me with family and friends that provided—and continue to provide—support, love, and laughter.”
I was shocked at how strong the friendships with classmates and program alumni alike would grow to be. It shouldn’t have been a surprise, as curriculum chair Jennifer Mayon and co-chair Brian Rice set out to create themes of inspiration, collaboration, and gratitude in monthly session days. Those themes set the tone for the entire experience and brought 49 of us from leadership roles across the valley together.
And we weren’t the only ones who were inspired. Rice, Chief Administrative Officer of Boys and Girls Club of Nevada, says, “Serving in a curriculum role and leading the Class of 2017 through the experience had an exponential effect. I now have an affinity for the members of the class who are some of the finest people that live here and make our city great.” Mayon, with the Clark County School District agrees: “I still have a post-graduation gratitude afterglow for the opportunity to collaborate with, learn from, and lead the LLV Class of 2017. They are a force for good in our community. The type of ripple effect we choose to make matters. Creating ripples of kindness, decency, and curiosity instead of judgment will undoubtedly help us to recognize the humanity in ourselves and one another. I can't wait to see the ripple effect that the Class of 2017 will make in our community and the world.
And our views and perceptions of our town have shifted. “Leadership Las Vegas’ real value for me was not just getting me outside of my bubble, but helping me realize what a bubble I live in,” shares classmate Gian Brown, a partner at Hart & Holland. “That occurred from what we focused on, to the people who spoke, to the people who are our classmates.”
Dr. Shellie J. Keller from the College of Southern Nevada has this to say about her experience: “My understanding of the history, challenges, and wonderful opportunities in our community increases my drive to help others and create positive change. My network of people and support is much larger. I’ve made lasting friendships with some amazing and talented people. And to top it all off, I experienced personal growth that is priceless.”
Yes, I have imbibed on the proverbial Kool-Aid when it comes to Leadership Las Vegas. My class did get to do amazing things like visit the Golden Knights’ practice facility under construction—and be a part of the hype of Nevada’s first professional sports team!, tour the Nevada Test Site, and experience back of house of the MGM Grand. But it was more than that. Leadership Las Vegas helped me understand the history, culture, and industries that have shaped the city. And I’ve met 48 classmates and even more alumni, each of whom has brought something special to my life while I explore my chosen hometown.
To learn more about the Leadership Las Vegas program, please click here.