Andrea Wojnicki, MBA DBA

丢脸: To those who understand, these words hit deeply. It's something that most have felt at some point in their lives. It translates to "lose face," where "face" represents reputation, honour, and influences how we are perceived by our family and society. The maintenance of "face" is crucial for social survival. In Asian culture, one person's actions reflect on their entire family's "face". It comes with many expectations, immense pressure, and significant repercussions. To these expectations, everyone responds differently - some rebel, others try to please. But all are left with lingering feelings of shame, guilt, resentment, and the sense that they are not good enough. Many become adults who lose their sense of autonomy, a unique voice, and don't feel comfortable in their own skin. It doesn't have to remain this way. And it has become an issue I feel extremely passionate about in helping others navigate. ----- 👇🏻Want to dive deeper? Check out my latest post to read further 👇🏻 ✍🏻 If you’d like to stay updated with similar content, please subscribe to my newsletter.

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🌞 As summer approaches, it's easy to get caught in the rush to clear our to-do lists. But what if we took the time to truly pause, reflect, and recharge? Some leaders I am working with ‘aren’t sure if they will take a holiday.’ ⛓️ 🖥️ 🙁 What value can pausing bring? 🧘‍♀️ Purposeful pauses integrated into our day-to-day routine are an effective way to tackle challenges and create space for reflection. @JaniceMarturano, writing for @Forbes, suggests they may even be the "key to becoming a mindful leader" (link in comments). A longer pause, to step away and gain perspective, is also helpful. I find that summer is a great time for me to step back, look at things from a rested and hopeful place, and really think about who I will be working with in the fall, what they need from me, and what they can offer each other. 🌟 It's a time to remember that I am more than just my role or my work. I have amazing family and dear friends that I love to engage with. 💖 It’s also a chance to set intentions for the coming year. Each year when I do this, I return refreshed and ready to go—open to the possibilities! 🚀 What do you do to reset or to pause? I’d love to hear your strategies! 🛶 We will be pausing our social media posts for the summer, so we can step back and rejuvenate. See you in September! 🍁

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For some leaders, these are seen as badges of HONOUR. For others, they’re seen as badges of HORROR. The culture of an organization determines how these badges are viewed. Organizations that have a results-focused culture may applaud their people for “toughing it out” or “not taking vacation days.” Whereas organizations that have a people-focused culture would do what they could to help their people find that work-life balance and avoid getting burnt out. These are two very different organizational approaches, but I can tell you from experience that one REIGNS SUPREME. Yes, by being more results-focused you may experience high levels of productivity in the beginning, but that will quickly fade as levels of burnout begin to rise. But, when an organization focuses on its people first, it can expect to have productive people for the long term, increasing results overall. That means, instead of being burnt out, people are engaged. Instead of not taking days off, they proudly take vacations when they need them. Instead of not getting any sleep, they set boundaries around work hours. And instead of TOUGHING IT OUT, they are honest with their teams and leaders about how they are feeling. A people-focused culture helps foster the happiness of its people for years to come. So what is your organization doing to eradicate these badges of horror? Let me know in the comments. And if you want more content like this straight to your inbox, be sure to sign up for my Coach-Like Leader Newsletter and receive a free copy of my Coach-Like Leadership Starter Kit: https://lnkd.in/g-a6nMAM #coachlikeleader #leadership #leadershiplessons #coaching #managers#management #ceo #chro #burnout

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My Role in Transforming Women's Lives 🌟 My journey began in the world of small business consulting, helping entrepreneurs refine and improve their business processes. What I soon realized was that I wasn’t just coaching clients on business matters. I found myself drawn into conversations about their lives, their struggles, and their personal challenges. This is when I discovered something profound: the same strategies and tools used to enhance business processes can also be applied to life itself. Life, after all, is a process. By adapting these techniques, I began to help people improve the process of living, not just working. Although I work with both men and women, my heart undeniably gravitates towards assisting women who have struggled and juggled to keep everything together. These are women who: Hold Down High-Powered Jobs: Balancing demanding careers with personal responsibilities. Manage Homes and Families: Keeping the household running smoothly while nurturing relationships. Deal with Endless Activities: From kids’ soccer matches to swimming galas, they’re always on the go. These women often manage everything successfully until, through no fault of their own, everything changes. Life can pivot in an instant—one moment everything is fine, and the next, it’s in tatters. This is where I step in. My role is to help women move from that point of crisis back to a place of control. I support them in: Regaining Balance: Helping them identify and prioritize what’s truly important. Developing Resilience: Equipping them with tools and strategies to bounce back from life's challenges. Rediscovering Joy: Guiding them to find fulfillment and happiness despite the chaos. My mission is to empower women to navigate life's unexpected turns with grace and strength. Through my coaching, I aim to transform their lives, showing them that they can rebuild and thrive no matter the circumstances. Are you ready to take control and transform your life? Let’s work together to make it happen. 👉 Book Your Coaching Clarity Session now https://lnkd.in/d8FnGtgY #TransformingLives #WomenEmpowerment #LifeCoaching #BalanceAndControl #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #EmpowerWomen

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Do you intentionally create time to pause and think? I used to have what's often called a "monkey brain" in mindfulness practice. I first learned about it when I was curious about how one cultivates creativity. I had so many ideas but would get lost in them instead of using them with purpose. Shin'en (the Japanese word for it) means "heart-mind monkey" and is a Buddhist principle that describes a state of restlessness, capriciousness, and lack of control in one's thoughts. Learning to pause more to reflect and be mindful of my thoughts, I learned to instead engage with the principle of Shoshin, meaning "beginner's mind," where we have an attitude of openness, willingness, and lack of preconceptions when listening and reflecting on situations with a fresh perspective. Learning to pause and listen more has changed my life. It has also changed how I create, solve problems, and stop ruminating. I now direct my thinking pauses in a constructive, creative, and collaborative way. In my recent article below, I further share the power of thinking pauses. I hope it resonates with you. May the Pause be with YOU! #mindset #growthmindset #pause #empowerment #selfreflection #powerpausing

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In today's fast-paced world, we often glorify productivity and action, overlooking the essential need for downtime. A few weeks ago, I embarked on my first solo trip to an adorable little Airbnb overlooking Maple Bay. Initially, I had some trepidation, but this decision led to some surprising and valuable outcomes. Typically, I’m a “get ‘er done” type of person, always planning and aiming for concrete results. However, after an incredibly busy and stressful start to the year, I realized I needed rest and clarity more than ever. I heard successful people often take time away not to be productive, but to be creative – to listen to their gut, give their brains a break, and tune into their hearts. So, I took a giant box of books, planning tools, and productivity exercises but promised myself to only engage with whatever called me in the moment. It was hard not to start with a plan, but I committed to the gut, brain, and heart approach. I relaxed, read a few chapters, journaled, meditated, binged Netflix, cooked, drank Island wine, and allowed space for everything to converge. No guilt over the lack of productivity. Nothing earth-shattering happened during that weekend. I didn’t have a massive breakthrough or finish any books. But what did happen was profound in its simplicity. I sat on the balcony, took in the breathtaking views, and felt a peace that made stress seem distant. I rested physically, mentally, and emotionally, and that ease sparked a stirring within me that hasn’t left. This downtime allowed new ideas about my business and life to emerge, ideas that wouldn't have surfaced in my usual hectic routine. By the third day, I was already thinking about how to create this margin more often. Anne Lamott once said, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” This couldn’t be truer. In a culture where productivity is king, we forget that downtime is crucial for our well-being and creativity. Taking time to unplug and go with the flow can lead to unexpected insights and clarity. I encourage you to find ways – big or small – to unplug, go with the flow, and see how it transforms your perspective. You might be surprised at the clarity and peace that follow. #unplug #MySmartHR #TakeABreak

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Today is World Mental Health Day and if you weren’t able to join us live, make sure to catch the replay of my virtual fireside chat with Anthony Sartori about normalizing mental health in the workplace. This is a topic that is near and dear to both of us and we share a lot of our experiences and insights in this discussion. #workplacementalhealth #humancenteredleadership #mentalhealth #worldmentalhealthday

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Entrepreneur friends: I highly recommend Seth Werkheiser's 'Social Media Escape Club' if social media isn't your favourite place to hang out. His emails are funny, which helps :) and his point of view, refreshing. It can be easy to believe that pumping out content is 'the answer' to growing your business. But what if connecting with other humans is something best done through one-to-one or small group (real-time) conversations, rather than the thread of a social media post? In his words: 'Opportunities can come from the people we already know, the connections we make today, and the relationships we’ve had for decades.' Link to one of his recent posts below: https://lnkd.in/gPBe7zuy

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Letting Go: How Past Pain Shapes Our Growth My RRT experience with Karen Seltz, a powerful reflection on past events and their profound impact on personal growth. This introspective discussion explores attachment, subconscious influences, and the journey toward empowerment. Discover how to let go and embrace your true self in this enlightening session. #PersonalGrowth #SelfReflection #Empowerment #SubconsciousMind #LettingGo #Introspection #EmotionalHealing #LifeLessons #AttachmentTheory #Mindfulness

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Who I am today has been deeply shaped by my education at Integral Coaching Canada. Their methodology didn’t just teach me how to coach—it gave me the experience of upgrading my entire operating system on multiple levels. Emotionally, interpersonally, somatically, and spiritually, I grew in ways I never imagined. Their framework provides an incredible scaffolding for becoming a truly transformational coach, equipping you to support deep, meaningful change in others. If you’re looking to deepen your skills and embody a methodology that brings depth and intention to your conversations, their Fundamentals course is a fantastic place to start. Check out the post below for all the details!

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THIS. This is why I do what I do. To understand that while you did not put the program into your subconscious, it's our job to re-program. Our subconscious/habits/paradigms want to keep us 'safe' (whatever that is). So many nuances that impact the ability to achieve goals that we might think it's impossible. It is simple, just not easy. That repetition? Seems like it should be easy, but how often have we tried to instill a new habit - and failed. We didn't fail - we just stopped trying. It is exactly the same as when we learned how to drive a car. We wanted to drive. First time on the road with the instructor - probably not the best sample of our driving life. And yet - here we are, driving. Repetition. Over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over (I can keep this up...) Consider this - what is the last thing you wanted to learn that you were willing to put in the repetition? Now, let's see what that looks like for our BHAGs. What is the thing you want bad enough?

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Do you find yourself being a bit more reserved recently? Do your conversations have obstacles? Listen to what Jerome Deroy, ELI-MP and I discussed during our post election Leadership Storytalks by Narativ podcast. #conversations #communications #postcasts #challengingconversations #teambuilding #authenticconnections #selfreflection #conflict #storiesthatmatter

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Here are the 5 Steps on How I Use "Permission" to Improve the Likelihood of Making a Sale [and resolve personal conflicts] Background story: Anyone that knows me knows that I love to use Permission as a part of my dialogue when I speak with people. Whether I'm speaking to a potential client or speaking to family and friends, if there's something I want to say that could potentially alter the perception that someone has about something that we're talking about, I'll use Permission to co-create harmony in the conversation. If I'm speaking to client that is seemingly set in their ways about a certain belief they have, I'll use Permission. If I'm speaking with a friend who feels strongly about their opinion on something, I'll use Permission before I say what I'm thinking in response. Permission is a courteous approach at co-creating a conversation that can result in all parties benefiting. For you in particular, if you're speaking with someone that is reluctant about buying your program, use Permission by applying any of the following steps: 1. Invite - "with your permission I'd like to invite you to consider X" 2. Request - "with your permission I'd like to make a request of you." 3. Suggestion - "with your permission I'd like to make a suggestion." 4. Question - "with your permission I'd like to ask you a question." 5. Recommendation - "With your permission I'd like to make a recommendation." When I teach my clients this method, I call it the "Permission Prospecting Process." It works every time! Use Permission. Be Courteous. Be Considerate. Treat a conversation like a dance between two or more people that are working in harmony. Give it a shot today and let me know how it works out for you. If you'd like a personal touch on how you use it, shoot me a message with the context that you'd like to use it with and I'll personalize your approach. P.s. With your permission, of course.

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I have a confession to make... After reading Kat's book Beyond Illusion, my favourite response to skeptical questions from my coaching clients is going to be, "Did you do your homework?" Let me explain why! Beyond Illusion addresses two primary audiences: skeptics and philosophers seeking the truth of life, and service providers in the fields of nonduality and spirituality, such as coaches, trainers, therapists, and authors. I personally identify with both groups. As a nondual author, I found this book thoroughly enjoyable. Katrijn tackles complex topics with a natural and beautiful clarity. Her way of writing already illuminates how one could approach life in a complete and unfettered way, cutting straight to the core of how things are. A comforting insight from the book is that the separate self is not portrayed as an enemy to be conquered. Katrijn acknowledges its apparent existence. The book enables you to see the confusion between the separate self and our true essence more clearly. For coaches and authors like myself, this book is incredibly useful. You can recommend it to skeptical clients without needing to create your own scientific explanations of nonduality, saving you time and potential frustration. Even if the illusion of separateness seems obvious to you, this book still offers refreshing perspectives and insightful quotes. It serves as a valuable reminder of nondual insights, allowing you to appreciate what may have become familiar. Refreshing these insights will help in guiding others on their path to self-discovery. If you're a nondual coach, don’t make your life more difficult. I recommend purchasing multiple copies to offer to your new clients, particularly the skeptical ones! This book enhances your approach and empowers you to fully embrace your distinctive style. After sharing a copy, you'll find yourself less often thrown back by your clients' doubts. Instead, you can playfully ask them, "Did you do your homework? ;-)"

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Have you booked a demo of this program yet? On June 16, being at the hot seat of HR Bar I was amazed to learn how the professionals now have started given attention to their wellbeing, mental health & seeking coaching tools to address their daily challenges. I introduced ‘Leader As Coach’ a flagship corporate program from Erickson Coaching International Canada. It is 20 hours program to bring a solution focused mindset to Managers dealing with daily loaded tasks and building teams. During Q&A session many interesting questions were posed. What is coaching? How is it different from counselling or a therapy? How is it different from training and mentoring? Why professionals should hire a coach? We also discussed how managers get overwhelmed with piled up tasks and how coaching may improve their TIME MANAGEMENT. How non cooperative team members come difficult to work with and how HOW COACHING MAY HELP BUILD CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT WORKPLACE. Most importantly, we address the necessity of LEADERSHIP by HR managers to build a collaborative environment. If you like to introduce Leadership in your organisation or transform yourself into a leader, book a demo by sending a message today.

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This post is not meant to be a judgment; it is a reminder of a hard truth. May 3rd is #DigitalWellnessDay, and as we look at establishing a healthy relationship with technology, we need to consider how tools like email impact us and those we work with. To be clear, there will obviously be times when emails will need to be exchanged on weekends; these are not the situations I am referring to. And particularly if you're in middle management, the data shows you spend the most time in meetings and receive the most emails, so it makes sense that you are trying to stay on top of things, which may mean feeling the need to address email on the weekend. However, our brains, our relationships, and our workplace cultures don’t handle mixed signals well. Even if you don't expect a response, your weekend emails can: 1) Pull your team out of their personal lives and back into work mode. 2) Make your people feel the need to keep checking their inboxes just in case there is something from you that does warrant a response. 3) Increase the likelihood your team will read other emails, some of which may be more stressful. Instead, try setting a delayed delivery time on your weekend emails so they go out during work hours, or save them to your drafts. 💡Even better, in the spirit of Digital Wellness Day, I challenge you to ask yourself why you've suggested your team disconnect from work on weekends in the first place. It's likely because you know it helps them recharge, find better harmony between their personal and professional lives, and return to work more refreshed and with fuller capacity. So why not follow your own advice? Maybe it's time to take that much-needed break and be the example for your team instead of the exception 😉. #DigitalWellnessDay #SelfCare #WorkVitality #LifeWorkIntegration #Leadership #LeadByExample #WellbeingTips #DearWorkbook #KeynoteSpeaker

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It’s November, and it’s hard to believe we’re just two months away from the end of 2024! As I enjoy the vibrant colors of the changing trees outside my window, I reflect on the unusually warm Fall in Ontario, which delayed the annual color change and showed nature’s remarkable adaptation to weather shifts. Change, adaptation, and resilience are interconnected and becoming ever more critical for us to understand, both personally and professionally. These themes often arise in my coaching sessions. Change is a constant that pushes us beyond our comfort zones. We all face shifts that can be subtle or transformative. To navigate these changes and achieve successful outcomes, we must adapt to new circumstances while maintaining the resilience and strength to handle external pressures. This is not always easy to do! How we navigate discomfort and support others in doing the same offers opportunities for personal and professional growth, while enhancing our ability to adapt and be resilient. Make November your final push this year to keep up your momentum on the challenge questions and step outside your comfort zone. - How can you navigate change better and strengthen your ability to adapt and be resilient? - What goal(s) or project(s) do you need to press the ‘extend’ button on to ensure the result adds value and doesn’t require ‘fixes’ later on? - What is one new thing you would like to try between now and the end of 2024? - What is one hard conversation or thing you did so far this year? How did it turn out? What did you learn? - What is one hard conversation or thing you want to address in November? What will the impact be? How can you prepare for this? How can you incorporate these questions into team conversations? These are great questions to spend 5 minutes answering in your journal or to discuss with others. Find an accountability partner to support you in accomplishing the challenge questions. Happy Friday and wishing you a wonderful upcoming weekend!

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Big Moment! Thrilled to see my friend and colleague Michael Kerr's book profiled in the The Globe and Mail. Harvey Schachter shares some of the highlights from the book "Small Moments, Big Outcomes" about the importance of being an intentional Culture Leader; as your company's culture is your greatest competitive advantage. Michael Kerr discusses in his fabulous book that as a Leader, there really are no small moments - everything you do has an impact. Your culture isn't one big thing, it is a collection of the small moments. The good news is that if you want to intentionally change your culture for the better, you can - it doesn't have to involve a big culture event, doesn't necessarily require a huge budget - it just requires you. You make a commitment, be intentional, lead by example, don't be a jerk, be kind, compassionate and accountable. Small Moments Matter #leadership #culture #book #cultureleader #humoratwork #smallmomentsbigoutcomes

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