Reid & Associates Executive Search

I did it again. I got in my car this morning, headed to work, and 20 minutes later, as I pulled in, I thought to myself… What the... how did I get here? 🤔 The first time it happened, my  reaction was a little fear that I might be “losing it”—which my team would probably laugh and agree with. But I know it’s just my brain slipping into autopilot. It’s routine. I’ve done it so many times that my brain has made it muscle memory, freeing it up for more creative thoughts and problem-solving. It’s one reason I don’t mind my long drive to work (as long as there’s no traffic!). After years of driving the same route, I often have some of my best creative moments during my commute. I have other routines that keep me organized and save me from those “oops” moments—like setting my phone and wallet by the door so I don’t forget them in the morning or putting my gym bag out the night before. And here’s a quirky one: I put my keys in the fridge when I have leftovers to bring home from Enriques (IYKYK), so I don’t forget them. No keys, no leaving—hey, it works for me! As I get older, I rely more and more on these routines to stay productive and drastically reduce stress. They free up my brain from little worries so I can focus on bigger things. Of course, one little deviation throws off my entire day!  Whether it’s a lane closure on the 5 Freeway or my dog deciding to take her sweet time going potty, if my routine shifts, I feel it. I’ve even pulled into the gym, only to realize I left my bag behind. 🤬 What daily routines do you have that help you stay on track? And how do you handle it when they’re disrupted? (A couple of great reads on this: Atomic Habits & The Power of Routine) #ProductivityHacks #WorkRoutine #CreativeThinking #BrainScience #StressManagement #LifeHacks #MorningCommute #WorkLife #HabitBuilding #AtomicHabits #PowerOfHabit

I had the pleasure of going back to Rhode Island (URI) to visit my alma mater and reconnect with some of the members of my fraternity (Sig Ep). Most of these guys I hadn’t seen in 30 years. (I know, I feel so freaking old!) Funny thing is, conversations flowed like we were still sitting around the house, watching The Price is Right between classes—obviously with Bob Barker hosting. The topics might be a little different, not may of us were talking about kids or grandkids... but you get the point. Thirty years ago, I was a completely different person. I was an immature kid focused on girls, bars, and parties. Sure, I did enough to get by in school and my first job, but I lived for the weekends and my friends. My biggest concern was, “Do I have enough left over after paying rent for beer?” Thirty years later, I hardly recognize that person. I’ve raised five kids, built businesses, bought homes, and my values have evolved. I’m not sure I’m any smarter, but I’ve made enough mistakes to learn a lot of hard lessons. It’s kinda my thing…learning the hard way. But this “new” me stepped into those conversations like I was back for a long weekend—not three decades. So, what’s my point? Don’t wait 30 years to reach out to friends you’ve lost touch with. You’d be surprised how easily conversations flow and how natural it feels to reconnect. Many of us keep “in touch” with friends through social media, but it’s not the same. Seeing people face-to-face is soul-nourishing. So, get off social media, get in the car or get on a plane, meet up in real life, and give them a hug. You will love every minute of it. I would love to hear about similar experiences!!! Drop'em in comments maybe we can inspire a few reunions!!!! #Networking #Reconnect #OldFriends #FraternityLife #LifeLessons #PersonalGrowth #AlmaMater #SigEp #RealConnections #FaceToFace #MakeTime #LifeJourney #SigmaPhiEpsilon #URI #UniversityofRhodeIsland

Some days don’t go the way we want or hope. Most of the time, we move on without a second thought. But sometimes, disappointment hits so deeply that it feels like a gut punch, and you carry it with you all day. Dwelling on disappointment can quickly lead to stress, anxiety, strained relationships, and even negative health outcomes. Here are 5 ways to cope with disappointment, grounded in psychological insights: - Practice Gratitude: Start and end the day by writing down three things you’re most grateful for. This practice can be a game-changer for your mental health & relatiosnhips. - Focus on What You Can Control: Channel your energy toward things within your influence. This can give you a sense of empowerment and help you feel less defeated by factors beyond your control. - Reframe the Situation: Try to see disappointment as a learning experience, transforming the setback into a valuable lesson. (Find the silver lining!) - Engage in Mindfulness or Meditation: Mindfulness helps you stay present instead of fixating on disappointment. Meditation can calm the mind and reduce stress. Check out some great apps to get started. - Take a Break if Needed: Sometimes, stepping away provides a fresh perspective. Engage in a relaxing activity to reset emotionally before revisiting the situation. ** BONUS: Grab a bag of Oreos and a pint of Häagen-Dazs.  Somedays chasing away the disappointment with a well-earned food coma is the healthiest thing to do…. ** Each of these strategies helps reinforce resilience, turning disappointment into an opportunity for growth rather than a setback that defines you. #Resilience #MentalHealth #StressManagement #EmotionalIntelligence #GrowthMindset #Mindfulness #PsychologyTips #Wellness #PersonalGrowth #Leadership

Well, here we are – Election Day! And I, for one, couldn’t be happier for it to finally be over. The endless commercials, the mountains of junk mail, and the non-stop calls for votes and donations (thank goodness for iPhones: Political Call)… I AM DONE!!! On a sweeter note, I’m also relieved Halloween is behind us—but for an entirely different reason. Halloween candy. My sweet tooth (BIG one) has been on a mission to conquer every piece of leftover Halloween candy we’ve got (and we have a ton... well, had a ton). As I count down to Thanksgiving (my absolute favorite holiday: turkey and football!), I thought I’d kick off my own election. What’s the best Halloween candy? According to surveys and sales numbers, here are the top 5 most popular Halloween candies: - Reese's Peanut Butter Cups – I’d bet on the mini ones! - M&M's – Both plain and peanut varieties. - Snickers – I may have single-handedly pushed this one into the top three this week! - Skittles – For the non-chocolate lovers… they exist?! - Kit Kats – I suspect this is a cult favorite. Not in my top five, though! This little “election” is meant to be a light distraction from the tension of the next few days, but I can’t help but feel the nerves building over the actual outcome. Though a vote is sacred and private, I’d love to hear your favorite Halloween candy in the comments! Let’s sweeten up the conversation! Write ins welcome!!! I would've done a poll, but they're too limited! #ElectionDay2024 #HalloweenCandy #SweetTooth #TurkeyAndFootball #FavoriteCandy #LightheartedFun #ThanksgivingCountdown #SmallJoys

Last week, I had to do my least favorite part of this job: telling a candidate that her “dream job” with her “dream organization” was going to someone else. The client had decided not to move on with the next round of interviews. I absolutely hate that conversation. (Especially when they feel like they nailed the interview) What makes it worse is when the client gives a “generic reason,” like, “We just felt she was a fit with our team.” Why was that? “Oh, she just didn't seemed to fit our culture..” Seriously? Could we get any more vague? - Was it how she answered specific questions? - Was it based on a reference? (either the ones provided or a “off the record check?”) - Was it the organization she was coming from? - Was she “overqualified,” and you worried she’d leave if she got bored or found another offer? I don’t know if it’s fear of lawsuits, a desire to spare someone’s feelings, or maybe they just don’t know themselves—regardless, it’s not fair. In my opinion, it’s also a bit cowardly. People invest hours and days preparing for and interviewing for these roles, and they deserve clear, honest feedback. Candidates need to hear the why… the truth. #HiringProcess #CandidateExperience #RecruitmentTruths #JobInterviews #TransparencyInHiring #ExecutiveSearch #HealthcareRecruitment #JobSearch #CareerGrowth #FeedbackMatters