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B E T H E L E A D E R O T H E R S C H O O S E T O F O L L O W
B E T H E L E A D E R O T H E R S C H O O S E T O F O L L O W
YOU
As I reflected on what I’m most grateful for this Thanksgiving, one thing kept coming up — you. I know it sounds corny, but it’s true.
Whether you connect with me through this newsletter, on social media, as a listener or guest of Notable Leaders Radio, as a client, or as a member of a group I lead, please know how much your presence means to me. Your engagement, courage, and authenticity inspire everything we do.
Whether you connect with me through this newsletter, on social media, as a listener or guest of Notable Leaders Radio, as a client, or as a member of a group I lead, please know how much your presence means to me. Your engagement, courage, and authenticity inspire everything we do.
Strength vs. Strain: Knowing the Difference
You know this, as leaders, we’re wired to push forward, through deadlines, big initiatives, and the weight of responsibility. But not all effort is created equal. There’s a powerful difference between the kind of stretch that builds strength and the kind of strain that quietly chips away at your well-being.
How Creativity Impacts Leadership
When you spend hours working with your hands, whether knitting, Tunisian crocheting, or designing jewelry, you begin to notice that the work itself becomes a teacher, these crafts have reminded me of some of the most profound lessons I carry into my leadership practice.
Three Statements That Changed Everything
As you read this article, I want you to think about a transformational moment in your life—a pivotal event that forever shifted the way you view and value yourself.
Mine came when the President of the company I was working for walked into my office and said:
Mine came when the President of the company I was working for walked into my office and said:
I Have a Question for You
Before I ask the question, let me provide some context.
Are You Being Active—or Aggressive?
I did a yoga this morning and my instructor offered a powerful distinction: be active, not aggressive.
Are You Being Active—or Aggressive?
I did a yoga this morning and my instructor offered a powerful distinction: be active, not aggressive.
NLR is turning 100!!!
Join me as we 🎉celebrate🎉
Notable Leaders Radio podcast turning 100❣️
Can you believe it? We now have 100 episodes full of wisdom, tools, and loads of inspiration. For those who don’t know about the Notable Leaders Radio podcast, I started it in 2021 to bust myths I hear people say all the time.
Notable Leaders Radio podcast turning 100❣️
Can you believe it? We now have 100 episodes full of wisdom, tools, and loads of inspiration. For those who don’t know about the Notable Leaders Radio podcast, I started it in 2021 to bust myths I hear people say all the time.
Rewrite the Rules & Redefine Success from the Inside Out
Often, we think of success as something we earn by doing more, fitting in, or pushing harder. But what if the key to meaningful success lies in doing the opposite—slowing down, tuning in, and potentially choosing a different path altogether?
Do You Like Rollercoasters?
I like rollercoasters in amusement parks.
It’s the ones in my personal and professional life I could do without.
That said, when we pause long enough to look for the lesson in the loop-de-loops, they can be game changers.
It’s the ones in my personal and professional life I could do without.
That said, when we pause long enough to look for the lesson in the loop-de-loops, they can be game changers.
Be Open to What Can Be
This month has been all about being open to what can be. So often, we go after what we want with full-on commitment—which is a beautiful thing. But if you find yourself constantly pushing, it’s simply not sustainable. Burnout becomes the outcome, not the success you’re seeking. And perhaps more importantly, that kind of relentless focus can actually limit the opportunities that are trying to come your way.
Let Go of the Outcome
I recently spoke with a client who is designing the next chapter of their career—deciding what they want to include (or exclude). They’re exploring which problems to solve, in what industry or position, and which companies align with their values. As a senior-level executive, they have the expertise and network to pivot in several directions. With wisdom comes intention, and it’s clear why they’re approaching this transition with such deliberation. Yet, despite their strategic mindset, they are finding the process unexpectedly frustrating.
A Path to Growth and Transformation
Do you choose a word(s), theme, or focus for the year? Is there something you would like to focus on conquering or shedding this year? It's such a powerful question to ask yourself. It is not a goal but a focus that informs your decisions throughout the year.
Build Your Dream 5
Why not make this the year you form a connection with that leader you admire, the author you love, the company you want to work for…and do so in a way that will develop a genuine connection.
I have done this over the years and have met some of my favorite authors, leaders I held in high regard, and even organizations I respected.
I have done this over the years and have met some of my favorite authors, leaders I held in high regard, and even organizations I respected.
Love & Whiskey & Self-Care
This month, the focus of our 360-degree view of you and your wellness is:
When people think about physical health and self-care, they traditionally think about what they eat, how much exercise and sleep they get, which is why I kept this one as the last one for us to explore.
❣️Your Physical Health❣️
When people think about physical health and self-care, they traditionally think about what they eat, how much exercise and sleep they get, which is why I kept this one as the last one for us to explore.
❣️Giving Back to YOU❣️
This month, the focus of our 360-degree view of you and your wellness is:
When exploring Giving Back, the first thing that comes to mind is where you can volunteer, support a cause, or help others in some way. How do you give back to yourself?
❣️Giving Back to You❣️
When exploring Giving Back, the first thing that comes to mind is where you can volunteer, support a cause, or help others in some way. How do you give back to yourself?
Not A Single Person Called Me...
This month's focus in the All About You series has been Restorative Time. I took a trip to the Netherlands this month with a group of friends from college, where we buzzed from one town/city to another, seeing everything we could (averaging 15,000-20,000 steps per day). I did not think of this type of vacation as restorative.
❣️YOUR Community❣️
This month, the focus of our 360-degree view of you and your wellness is:❣️Restorative Time❣️
To ensure we are all on the same page, Restorative Time is about creating calmness, inner peace, and stress release. Click below to read more.
To ensure we are all on the same page, Restorative Time is about creating calmness, inner peace, and stress release. Click below to read more.
❣️Holy Cannoli Mama❣️
This month our 360-degree view of you focus is on:
Fun is one of my biggest Core Non-Negotiable Values. If it is not fun, I don’t want to eat it, wear it, drive it, work on it, or... Life is too short and empty without it.
❣️ Fun, Fun, Fun❣️
Fun is one of my biggest Core Non-Negotiable Values. If it is not fun, I don’t want to eat it, wear it, drive it, work on it, or... Life is too short and empty without it.
❣️ YOUR Intellectual Stimulation❣️
As we continue to explore the 360-degree view of you, this month, our focus is on:
❣️Intellectual Stimulation❣️
How do you keep yourself intellectually stimulated in your career and personal life? Is that something you consider or are intentional about? Read more below. 
❣️You❣️ ❣️Your Spirit❣️
One of the blessings of aging is the wisdom that comes with it. Releasing you from living your life based on the dreaded “shoulds.” Giving you greater freedom to be you and honor all that is important to you, with a true understanding that “No” is actually a complete sentence. You don’t need to defend it, define it, or in any way explain yourself. And the list goes on…
❣️YOUR Emotional Life❣️
I don’t know about you, but Spring is one of my favorite seasons. It is a time of renewal, refreshment, and revitalization. Which matches perfectly with this month’s ❣️All About YOU❣️focus.
Click below for resources.
Click below for resources.
❣️YOUR Community❣️
Happy entrance to March. In our ❣️All About YOU❣️ series, the focus for this Month is Community. Your Community. This is a time for you to reflect on your community. I would recommend listing them out because as you begin to do this type of work, you will think you will remember it all, but in truth, you won’t.
Click below to see the tools I use personally to do just this.
Click below to see the tools I use personally to do just this.
Intro To All About YOU
I wanted to share some of the details of the additional focus I will bring to you this year. It will be 360-degrees of ❣️ All About YOU❣️ focused on Wellness. Not just the traditional areas: nutrition, exercise, sleep, but rather a variety of areas that contribute to your overall wellness and personal fulfillment. I'll be offering curated content, resources, and recommendations in each category. I would like you to send me additional resources that you find valuable so I can share them with everyone. (or share them in the posts on social media).
Holy Cannoli Mama❣️
I hope your 2024 is off to a great start and that the year evolved in the way you desire. Have you made a plan, set goals, or intentions for the new year? If you have, does this plan feed your soul or deplete it? One that inspires you or is another “to do” list? If it is another “to do” list or full of “shoulds,” please take some time and create a new one, follow your heart and honor you. Read more for tips.
Don't Forget The "No's!"
It’s that time of year. The time when we review the past year and plan for the new year. There are many ways to go about this. I thought I would share how I approach this, rather than a list of goals it is more of a look within to find your way.
Before I jump into all of that I want to take a minute to let you know the elements that are NOT a part of this process of judgment, making yourself wrong or less than.
Before I jump into all of that I want to take a minute to let you know the elements that are NOT a part of this process of judgment, making yourself wrong or less than.
The Navy Veteran's Gift That Keeps On Giving
I hope you have been able to enjoy the fall weather. This weekend I did just that as I walked outdoors. I was reminded of my first Navy football game after moving to Annapolis, MD. I sat next to a Freshman Navy Cadet and a Navy Veteran was seated behind me. What a gift that turned out to be.
Read more of the key takeaways that guide me still today.
Read more of the key takeaways that guide me still today.
Life Is Like A Camera.
I came across the above quote by Ziad K. Abdelnour at a coffee shop and literally stopped in my tracks. I had so many thoughts racing around my head.
As I stood there pondering this, others began to do the same.
I finally spoke up and said, “what a brilliant reframe from the way so many of us live our day-to-day.”
As I stood there pondering this, others began to do the same.
I finally spoke up and said, “what a brilliant reframe from the way so many of us live our day-to-day.”
Make It Personal!
As we move from summer into the fall work crunch before the holidays, Work Life Balance (WLB) can quickly get lost. One of the biggest discoveries I have made when it comes to defining WLB is that you MUST make it personal.
Here are a few things to consider as you define what WLB looks like for YOU.
Here are a few things to consider as you define what WLB looks like for YOU.
Uncommon Connections Create Uncommon Value
There is a great deal of value in uncommon connections.
Many we don't think twice about. At face value, none belong together. However, someone had the vision and the courage to give it a try.
So what does that mean for your career and life?
Many we don't think twice about. At face value, none belong together. However, someone had the vision and the courage to give it a try.
So what does that mean for your career and life?
Are You The Chicken, The Egg, Or The Coffee Bean?
Have you ever heard the story about the Carrot, Egg, and Coffee Bean? It is a wonderful story that speaks to how we handle the daily struggles and conflicts that come our way.
Which one are you?
Which one are you?
The Sounds Diversity Creates
A friend sent me a link to a recording of the acapella group Pentatonix singing the Simon & Garfunkel song, The sound of Silence.
What is so magical about their arrangement of this song is how beautifully it highlights each of the singers' unique gifts. Separately they would sound lovely but together they are magnificent. Different styles, ranges, and talents all coming together to become event more than they could be separately.
To me Pentatonix is a beautiful example of what is true when we celebrate our differences and come together as one.
When you take that same premise to leadership today, it not only calls for leaders to lead differently but also for all of us to recognize that there is a leader inside each and every one of us.
What is so magical about their arrangement of this song is how beautifully it highlights each of the singers' unique gifts. Separately they would sound lovely but together they are magnificent. Different styles, ranges, and talents all coming together to become event more than they could be separately.
To me Pentatonix is a beautiful example of what is true when we celebrate our differences and come together as one.
When you take that same premise to leadership today, it not only calls for leaders to lead differently but also for all of us to recognize that there is a leader inside each and every one of us.
The Bluegrass Half Marathon
Recently, a client shared an experience they had when things did not turn out as planned or desired. Rather than being with what was happening and making any changes necessary in the moment, they stewed over what went wrong.
Starr, how do you handle it when things doesn't work out as you planned?
Starr, how do you handle it when things doesn't work out as you planned?
Red Letter Days!
It's a Red-Letter Day here in Annapolis, Maryland and I would love for you to celebrate with me.
I was able to change the sheets on my bed by myself today, ‘mike drop moment’. That may sound silly, but to me it was a Red-Letter Moment worth celebrating!
I was able to change the sheets on my bed by myself today, ‘mike drop moment’. That may sound silly, but to me it was a Red-Letter Moment worth celebrating!
Yes, AND vs Yes BUT
That Who would have thought this one phrase, "Yes, AND" could make such a difference in out ability to connect, find the most robust solutions, and create space for differing opinions to come together in productive, harmonious ways.
The world of improvisation has much to teach us in out lives, careers, and business.
The world of improvisation has much to teach us in out lives, careers, and business.
Words To Live And Grow By
I have had this quote by Thomas Crum's first book titled: The Magic of Conflict, in front of me for the past 30 years. What does this quote say to you? May the wisdom of this quote awaken deeper awareness into you and all you desire to create in your life and career.
Be More You Not Faux You
One of the reasons I love what I do is because of the people I meet and work with. I am continually inspired by who they are, what they have overcome and achieved…in many cases defying the odds in big and bold ways.
Confidence Is A Slippery Little Sucker!
There are times where confidence feels like a fair-weather friend. Here in the good times and absent in times of challenge…something you struggle to hold on to.
Do You Honor Yourself At Work?
We all have fears as we elevate in our careers. It is how we respond to those moments that define who we are as leaders and the level of success we will achieve.
Do you let that moment define you or use it as your catalyst to move beyond the fear or circumstance?
Do you let that moment define you or use it as your catalyst to move beyond the fear or circumstance?
Blind Spots Will Hold You Back
“New level, new devil.”
That is what a past mentor of mine used to say. I didn't like it focusing on the negative, so I changed it to:
“New level, new opportunity to grow.”
The Best Strategy for Masterful Communication
Who’d of thought, this one phrase; Yes, AND could make such a difference in our ability to connect, find the most robust solutions, and create space for differing opinions to come together in productive/harmonious ways.
Technology is Killing Our Communication
While technology allows us to connect with people we might not otherwise be able to and do so with ease, it has actually hurt our ability to communicate.
How many people do you know that have had a relationship end via text or been let go from a company through an email?
How many people do you know that have had a relationship end via text or been let go from a company through an email?
How To Create Your Vision Statement
In last week's blog, I touched on the topic of building out your DREAM 15 influencers that you want to meet. People that can help you elevate your career, business, leadership presence, make an introduction, or potentially partner with you.
Build Your DREAM 15
Imagine going to work each day (or starting your day from your laptop, like so many of us right now), full of purpose and conviction. You are motivated, you strongly believe in your values and you are passionately committed to your mission.
Reveal Your Greatest Place of Differentiation
How do I differentiate myself as a leader? Do I have to copy what other great leaders are doing if I want to be a great leader, too?
I get asked questions like this a lot and my answer is always the same...
I get asked questions like this a lot and my answer is always the same...
How Do You Align Your Personal and Career Goals
One of the first steps in my client coaching process is bringing personal & professional life into alignment. I thought I would share this step in the process with all of you in our community of leaders making a difference in the world so you can do the same.
Own The Impact Your Unique Leadership Style Creates
I believe that leaders come in all shapes and sizes, genders, orientations, affiliations, abilities, races, ages, levels of experience...and that the world needs each of us to show up fully as the leaders we are here to be.
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Business Innovation Group
DBA Belinda Pruyne
PO Box 373
Chester, MD 21619
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Phone: (646) 450-4244
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© C O P Y R I G H T 2 0 2 1 B E L I N D A P R U Y N E
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Business Innovation Group
DBA Belinda Pruyne
PO Box 373
Chester, MD 21619
settings
Phone: (646) 450-4244
settings
© C O P Y R I G H T 2 0 2 1 B E L I N D A P R U Y N E