industry thoughts from Clarteza

“The hallmark of an open mind is separating your ideas from your identity.If you define yourself by your opinions, questioning them is a threat to your integrity. If you see yourself as a curious person or a lifelong learner, changing your mind is a moment of growth” – Adam GrantHaving an open mind is essential for innovation. This openness, coupled with a positive outlook, enhances your ability to perceive and observe a broader range of ideas and phenomena. It involves welcoming contrasting viewpoints and nurturing a curiosity that is strong enough to potentially change your perspective.The Broaden-and-Build theory … Continue Reading

As we grow up, our creative expression tends to diminish and I believe it’s time to reverse the course and make the point to include it permanently in our lives again!

Creative expression is important for problem-solving, inspiration, new perspectives, new ideas, and, yes, even happiness. Doing something that we love, can also put us in the ever-so-elusive state of “flow”!

The issue is that our creative effort is a window that bares our soul, and it might feel risky … Continue Reading

It has been March of 2020 when our reality was upended. My family’s life – like so many other families – has changed as a result. What has surprised me in this transition, though, are the many things and activities – some of which I have never done before – that have filled my life since then. Some of these newfound pursuits are likely to stick for quite some time. This is a power of change.

For starters, I have entered the world of online … Continue Reading

For most of my life I’ve been told to choose between the two things that I love: My passion for business or my creative musical expression. I studied music and business.

In fact, as a child and through my early twenties I felt as if I was always a part of two different worlds: “the real” business world and the creative “unreal” music, art world. Deep down I knew, that I embody both but it’s hard to be honest and talk about both, for fear of being perceived as not fully committed to … Continue Reading

I have always admired great leaders. I’ve tried to figure out what they do, not because they were very successful with their careers, but because they created value. They created value for the team they led, for their communities, and for clients they served.

I studied leadership at school, but mostly, I learned it on the job. I have seen bad leadership and how damaging it is, and observed remarkable leadership and how it lifts organizations.

What I have learned though, is that your leadership style has to match the style and culture you want to create within your organization.

Here’s what leadership … Continue Reading

We think we’re immune to change. We say, that’s just the way I am, the way I’ve always been. But the truth is, you can change. You are not defined by past choices and you can become that better self you imagine.

Here’s my advice on how to make that happen, gained from my recent work at making some real changes in my own life.

• The first and most important step is to make your mind up.

You may be able to imagine getting up early and having more time for coffee and reading … Continue Reading