The Me-Suite

On this episode of the Me-Suite, Donna Peters brings back Season 1 Ep15 guest, Tina Gilbert.  A lot has changed in our society since we last spoke to Tina in Feb 2020.  Tina's wisdom on diversity, equity and inclusion is needed now more than ever...and is always direct and constructive.  She challenges us to  welcome the friction and be uncomfortable.

In a down-to-earth, authentic way Tina uniquely brings, we discuss the differences between unconscious bias and privilege.  We discuss microaggressions and safe spaces.  And Tina’s challenge to us all on what it truly means to be an ally is life-altering.  Participate, don't just listen.

Tina leads the external consultancy for Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT).  MLT transforms leadership pipelines by supporting institutions in addressing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.  MLT advisory services is all about creating rigorous strategic programs and processes that are embedded into an organization's DNA to bring the philosophies of diversity, equity & inclusion to light. 

www.the-me-suite.com
FB: @mesuite
LinkedIn: Donna Peters
Twitter: @DonnaPetersCMeO
The Me-Suite podcast theme song by Moshun

The Me-Suite host, Donna Peters, has a virtual fireside chat with fellow leadership coach, Katie Adkins.   We talk here about the power of having a "processing partner" to help process our thoughts--both the motivating ones and the self-limiting ones--to achieve our goals.   Research shows people need people. 

If you're thinking about getting a coach, this episode will give you some ideas on how to get the most out of a coaching relationship and, most importantly, how to assess the best coaching fit for you.  Experience, approach and fit all matter.

Katie also shares a wonderful tip for helping us stay present and focused in all we do.  If you're on video calls a lot, you'll love this tip.

Katie's core values are connect, care and create.

www.the-me-suite.com
FB: @mesuite
LinkedIn: Donna Peters
Twitter: @DonnaPetersCMeO
The Me-Suite podcast theme song by Moshun

The Me-Suite host, Donna Peters, helps us think through the right time for a career coach.  "Without goals there is no coaching."

One of the most popular questions that I receive is "how do I know if I should get a career coach?"  "Is this the right time to have a coach?   What is it like to work with a coach?"

Have you been thinking about getting a career coach for a while now? At this self reflective time in our society, you may be asking what is my next move?  Am I in the right career?  What if my job or my job offer is eliminated? Or already has been?  Am I staying fresh and relevant for the future that I want to have? 

If you're asking these types of questions, right now may be the right time for a career coach. I believe that there are three reasons that seeking a career coach is a very valuable next step. 

 1)  Those closest to us aren't actually listening closely. Because they think they already know what we're going to say. And it's a thing it's a real thing. It's backed by science. It's called the closeness communication bias. Check out Kate Murphy's book called you're not listening for more evidence that those closest to us aren't actually listening closely. So we often cannot lean on them for these types of critical topics. 

2)  It can get lonely or as you rise in your career, a Google search yielded about a million hits on leadership and loneliness. And the truth is it's challenging to find people in your regular professional and personal sphere to talk frankly, about your ambitions, your hesitations, your wild ideas, your insecurities. It can get lonelier as you rise. 

3)  Anyone performing at an elite level at anything has a coach--athletes, musicians, actors, next generation leaders, CEOs-- for these elite performers, the better they are at their craft, the more they seek coaching.

Bill Gates said everyone needs a coach. So then why do we too often say “no, no, I got this."  We should be asking ourselves, have I ever regretted investing in myself?   Do I have goals and decisions or a crossroads that need focus and action right now?  Will I progress more rapidly with an expert in my corner? 

A recent client said it best. “I should have gotten a coach a long time ago.  If you’re on the fence, jump in and give it a try for a few rounds.”   

Credentials, experience and fit all matter, so definitely do your due diligence.   To set a complimentary 'discovery call' with Donna Peters in December, book here.

 And remember, without goals, there is no coaching.

www.the-me-suite.com
FB: @mesuite
LinkedIn: Donna Peters
Twitter: @DonnaPetersCMeO
The Me-Suite podcast theme song by Moshun

The Me-Suite host, Donna Peters, dials in COO Alan Slavik from Spain to talk about learning, change and growth.  Alan is a thought leader on mentoring--how to seek mentors and be a mentor--and hosts Mentors Who Made Me.  Alan challenges us to be life-long learners and experience-seekers.  He packs so much wisdom into such a short time, including:

• Enjoy the process of learning (not just the outcome)
• It's normal to feel discouraged when you're learning something new and being stretched.  It's not normal to stay discouraged, so that might be an indication to look for something new.
• The most fulfilling career opportunities are often when we're most scared  
• People want to change; they don't want to BE changed
• Embrace the big decisions in your life with confidence

Alan has visited over 50 countries.  His core values are relationships, openness/discovery, being a citizen of the world, being present in the moment, always be learning.

www.the-me-suite.com
FB: @mesuite
LinkedIn: Donna Peters
Twitter: @DonnaPetersCMeO
The Me-Suite podcast theme song by Moshun

The Me-Suite host, Donna Peters, interviews the C-Suite Whisperer, Lisa Finkelstein.  Lisa has advised over 1000 C-Suite leaders across 30 countries.  She sees the leader's key role as bringing out the best in others.  Lisa shares tips on staying true to your core as a leader, stepping out the way to let others shine, and clearing a path for people to be successful.   She helps us get into the hearts and minds of leaders, especially in the face of the latest world challenges.  She helps us recogize that leaders are being challenged more than ever and face their own insecurities and doubts during these times.

Lisa leaves us with several memorable nudges:

• recognize that low self-confidence at times is an asset for a leader
• try new things
• nothing is permanent except change
• go for the dream

Lisa's core values are: creativity, curiosity, clarity, connection, compassion, courage, truth

www.the-me-suite.com
FB: @mesuite
LinkedIn: Donna Peters
Twitter: @DonnaPetersCMeO
The Me-Suite podcast theme song by Moshun

The Me-Suite host, Donna Peters, welcomes Jason Anderson for a powerful dose of positivity.   You will smile through this interview.   

Jason and his wife, Annie, were on a certain path, and everything changed.  Their son was born with special needs.  Jason shares how this pivot point has led to a most remarkable life for his family of 4.  Jason has learned that everyone rises to the expectations we set for them.  You can't judge and limit people.

Jason has a single, powerful core value: Serve Others.  He shares stories of how this core value has guided him through tough times. 

We close with a wonderful Monday 'suitener.'  Take one minute to think something positive about yourself.  And before you roll your eyes at the idea, give it a try.

www.the-me-suite.com
FB: @mesuite
LinkedIn: Donna Peters
Twitter: @DonnaPetersCMeO
The Me-Suite podcast theme song by Moshun

The Me-Suite host, Donna Peters, sits down with Cass McCrory of the podcast "Real Women in Business."  Cass is a mom of 4 and business development expert.  She challenges us to be deliberate about how we spend our precious few resources: time, energy and money.

Cass encourages us to identify what we like, what we don't like.  Protect what we love to do the most.  Cass has a fun, powerful analogy about the "thanksgiving pie plate."   Don't we often have our pie on a separate plate to protect our favorite part of the meal--the part you don't want to touch the other dishes?   Think about what goes on your "thanksgiving pie plate" for work.  What are you uniquely good at?  What do you love?  Put boundaries around it.  Protect it. 

Cass' core values are adventure, learning and nurturing.

www.the-me-suite.com
FB: @mesuite
LinkedIn: Donna Peters
Twitter: @DonnaPetersCMeO
The Me-Suite podcast theme song by Moshun

Mike takes the mic in this refreshing, real talk about going from miserable to unstoppable.  Mike Vichich, Co-Founder and CEO of Wisely shares multiple lessons he learned from starting out in a large company and leaving to start a business.  We cover a lot of ground in a short time, exploring lessons such as:

• you need to fail at something to know what you're really made of
• vanity is not helpful in any way
• don't compromise on intellectual honesty and critical thinking
• talk about it, whatever "it" is

Mike's core values are:

• try hard
• stewardship
• no short cuts (play for the long game)
• solve for the greater good

www.the-me-suite.com
FB: @mesuite
LinkedIn: Donna Peters
Twitter: @DonnaPetersCMeO
The Me-Suite podcast theme song by Moshun

Your host, Donna Peters, chats with People/Talent/HR expert, Chris Moses, author of The Sanity Game: Cut the Crap that Drives Employees Crazy.   Chris takes us on an insightful, humorous ride through lessons discussed in his latest book--and how these lessons are evolving due to the pandemic.  We talk about:

• stabbing from the front
• the risk of loyalty
• preparing for the cultural 'nuclear bombs'
• stealing from your future
• granting permission
• rethinking work relationships during COVID

Chris offers listeners an opportunity to send his book for free, anonymously, to a person you think needs to read it:).

Chris' Core Values: PART--protect, accuracy, results and timeliness

www.the-me-suite.com
FB: @mesuite
LinkedIn: Donna Peters
Twitter: @DonnaPetersCMeO
*The Me-Suite podcast theme song by @Moshun

Everything comes down to the decisions we make. 

Your host, Donna Peters, is inspired by global leader, Pietro Mangione.  Pietro, originally from Italy and now residing in Australia, shares with us the power of knowing both your core values and your 'move-away' values.  To live aligned to our values, we need to get uncomfortable at times and lean on mentors, coaches and friends.

Join Pietro’s infectious energy that’ll leave you feeling more motivated and positive about the future.

Pietro's Core Values are: Growth, Contribution, Integrity/Authenticity

www.the-me-suite.com
FB: @mesuite
LinkedIn: Donna Peters
Twitter: @DonnaPetersCMeO
*The Me-Suite podcast theme song by @Moshun