Abracadabra

"What we say is what we bring into being. The way we speak shapes our perceptions, our actions, and ultimately the outcomes we seek." from Rooted, by Lyanda Lynn Haupt

Who doesn't like a little magic? As a child, the word abracadabra gave me the power to wave an invisible wand and instantly produce anything I desired. A word that wraps mystery, power, and a little mischief into one rhythmic, arm-waving package of delight. Just speak, and your word will change the world. Abracadabra!

Is reality really any different? Our words have power. What we say ultimately leads to changes out there in the world. And so, I will add my word to the world through this blog.

I don't purport to be out to change the world by posting a few words on a website. What I am out to change now and then is your perspective. I like to take ideas and turn them sideways. I dislike constraints and enjoy dismantling them with questions. I have been both popular and unpopular for this approach, yet consistently successful in shifting or expanding someone's perspective in the process - including my own.

I hope to talk about things I know and things I question. Here are some examples:

• I've spent about 20 years building expertise in product leadership and innovation in the world of software. I'm also fascinated by how these strategies, principles and techniques can be applied to just about anything, and will talk about how I've given this a try

• Vision, purpose and strategy seem to be the squirmiest of practices when it comes to actually obtaining clarity and taking action in business, yet without them we are going nowhere fast (or slow). There is a lot to say about this.

• Outer space and the continuum of time. I am incredibly unqualified to talk about this but forever curious and highly qualified to ask questions. Questioning the unknown expands my perspective; maybe it will do the same for you.

• Listening and engaging with others. The words inside our heads are still words, and they shape our perception by colouring what we hear, what we think it all means, and what we decide is real. (Scary, right?)

• Our stories, how they occur to us, and how we can use this as a powerful force for change. Stories are just a group of words after all. If what we say brings matter into being, then we can purposefully craft our stories of the past to embolden the future

Finally, I plan to write about what I do for a living. I work with people to help expand who they think they can be and therefore change who they are being. Areas where my work has been instrumental include business strategy, product leadership, learning and development, team leadership, leader character, and overcoming obstacles to success.

I've been honoured to coach and mentor individuals and teams throughout my career, and have catalyzed exciting change and growth for some pretty impressive people. How do I do that? With words. Usually in the form of questions. That's it. Abracadabra! If you're curious about what we can create and expand together, reach out and let's talk.

Join me on my blog journey here at presenceleadership.ca, and follow me on LinkedIn.