Hello friend!
This week's post is a bit, schizophrenic, as I have two major events to review. So, let's get to it.
Disclaimer
So, I’m torn. On the one hand, I promised no politics. On the other, this is Banned Book Week and, as a former librarian, this is a topic near and dear to my soul. So, how do I mention it without…mentioning it? Then I realized, I’m now a businesswoman and I’m going to approach it as an act that’s bad for business.
Yes, It’s Banned Book Week
Yes, I know that most DEI initiatives at corporations are for show, that those (mostly white women) who take on that role most often leave in frustration from lack of any support or resources stemming from no real desire to change. But I also know that it’s in the air as an idea, and ideas, unlike people, don't go away once released. That includes both good and bad ones. And for many, it isn’t a fad. It’s a value, one many workers have and want their places of employment to share.
As someone who does care about this, what can I do? I don’t have employees, much less a culture, yet. I will, though. Still, I want to do something now. So, I’m choosing to focus on book bans. Yes, it’s true. I don’t have kids, but kids grow up and get jobs. Stats show that most people work at small businesses like mine. And being small, every hire matters and I want ones who work well with all kinds of people. Books are crucial to creating this type of workforce. They provide a safe way to learn about different people and cultures. So, in the best interest of the future of my company, I oppose book bans.
And Now, A Final Review
I went into Denver Startup Week with the best intentions. I fully intended to eat healthy, hydrate and get a good night’s sleep every day. I also went on vacation the week before, so I was very relaxed. You would think that this would be enough. What I didn’t count on was just how much walking was involved getting around. I came home stiff, sore and exhausted every night. It was a stark lesson that I need to take better care of myself all year long!
Once I got there, I discovered it was as important to stay limber mentally as physically. I had a plan. I’m not one to do anything without one, but, as usual, some of them went awry. Often, I ended up going to unexpected workshops and getting a lot out of them. Enjoy the surprises, the Universe seemed to be telling me. Then can take you to unexpected spots of inspiration.
Finally, overwhelm is to be expected, so plan ahead. Generally, I do a live networking event a month. One. Truthfully, I don’t hate them. In fact, I often enjoy them, but the experience costs. It doesn’t matter where they take place, you walk into a wall of noise. It takes me some time to adjust, say 10-15 minutes. I come home beat and sometimes sporting a headache. I can do that once a month. I did it three times last week. I made a lot of connections, but the introvert in me, she’s spending the next week getting her writing cap on (including this post ;-).
Thanks for reading along with this wacky, uncentered post. The next one will have a single topic一promise. Until then, read a banned book (here’s a list), consider your conference options for 2024 and visit next week for an extra bonus post.
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Thanks for reading along rock stars, and remember, it's never too late to bloom!
Colleen
Photo credits:
Banned Book Week: The American Library Association
Union Station: Thomas Ward on Pexiels.com
Stair going up to Capitol building: Halojim on Pixabay
Statue Outside the Denver Center for the Preforming Arts: Steve Sawusch on Pixabay