Matt Abrahams

I really enjoy working with new organizations on their strategic planning. It is my most favorite activity. This last 2 weekends, I worked with Culture Shock San Diego to develop their One Page Strategic Plan. It was the first time I had worked with an arts organization. The learning and growing went both ways. The Culture Shock team is thoughtful, creative and fun. The team is made up of both board members and several of the members of the leadership team. It was a great mix of individuals who knew different aspects of the nonprofit. We had great conversations on several topics, and they really dug deep when they worked on their values. They have big plans and developed a big audacious hairy goal to challenge themselves as they move forward with their growth plans. With an enthusiastic BHAG comes more aggressive fundraising goals. The team was energized and ready to tackle the plan because of the clarity, alignment and focus that was created during our 2-day sessions. At the culmination of the 2 days, they had a completed one Page Strategic Plan.  Everybody knows who is accountable and what the organization needs to do to start their exciting journey. It’s important to remember strategic planning is a journey not a destination. We live in an uncertain world, so their plan is clear but set-up to change when change is required. If this process interests you, you may want to attend my upcoming webinar on the Highly Effective One Page Strategic Plan on Aug 13th at 10:00 am PDT. Here’s the link to register: Register https://lnkd.in/gqUzxTV4

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*for those local to Irvine, CA* I'm hosting an in-person emotional tapping workshop with the wonderful Alison Keiper! Master Your Stress, Master Your Work: Daily Practices for Professional Women Daily workplace annoyances? Manageable. The accumulating weight of unresolved stress? That's what transforms your workday from manageable to overwhelming. It's a common misconception that starting each day with yesterday's stress is just part of the job. We're here to challenge that notion and offer you a solution. Introducing our Emotional Tapping Workshop: Join us for a transformative experience where we'll dive deep into somatic, mind-body techniques designed to not just manage, but master workplace stress. Why You Can't Miss This: - Learn Emotional Tapping techniques. - Experience real-time stress relief through somatic exercises. - Connect with like-minded professionals seeking growth. - Leave with practical tools to navigate stress with confidence. 📅 Date: June 20th 🕒 Time: 6:30 PM 🌐 Location: Irvine, CA This isn't just another workshop. It's the opportunity to transform your workday stress and solve burnout. ✨ Spots are limited to ensure a personalized experience. Secure your place now. 🔄 Feel this could benefit your network? Share this post and let's spread the power of transformation together! #StressManagement #PersonalDevelopment #EmotionalTapping #MindBodyConnection #ProfessionalGrowth

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Getting to Yes is foundational for San Diego Angel Conference, yet for 98% of founders in the competition, the answer was no, at least for funding, at the moment. There are other many other Yesses to take away: *Say Yes to all you learned *Say Yes to the feedback received *Say Yes to nurturing the relationships started with founders and investors (it often leads to follow on investment) *Say Yes to receiving feedback and making changes *Say Yes to what’s next What an impressive cohort it was. Founders filled with purpose and commitment to make a positive impact, and the grit to see it through. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gG5Hf6Z3 #startups #angelinvesting #entrepreneurship #resilience #leadership

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This article discusses a new study by UCLA sociologists into the ways in which people make requests of one another. Their findings suggest that “please" might not be an all-purpose marker of politeness, but rather a "more focused, strategic tool to manage frictions or obstacles among family members, friends and even coworkers". KEY POINTS • Using the word “please” does not always indicate respect or politeness. • In the study, “please” was used only 7% of the time, mostly when there was an inhospitable interactional environment to overcome. • Findings will help researchers in their understanding of politeness in the flow of social behaviour and norms.

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The #NOWconference at University of California, Berkeley has come to an end, and I feel deeply connected with everyone I coached, both individually and in groups. I'm humbled and I feel that we're all in this together, and a little support and empathy can go a long way. Here are some of my top takeaways from coaching these incredible individuals from the UC community: 🌱 Embrace Vulnerability: Many participants showed that true strength comes from being open and honest about our challenges. It’s empowering to acknowledge our vulnerabilities and use them as a foundation for growth. 🎉 Celebrate Small Wins: Progress is often made in small steps. Recognizing and celebrating these achievements keeps us motivated and reminds us that we are moving forward. 📈 Cultivate a Growth Mindset: The willingness to learn and adapt was a common trait among the attendees. Embracing a growth mindset allows us to see challenges as opportunities for improvement and innovation. 🧘‍♀️ Prioritize Self-Care: It's clear that taking care of our mental and physical well-being is essential. Practices like mindfulness, regular exercise, and taking breaks can significantly enhance our productivity and happiness. 🤝 Nurture Community Connections: The sense of community at the conference was inspiring. Building strong, supportive relationships is crucial for personal and professional development, as we can achieve so much more together than alone. These reflections remind me of the incredible power and resilience within the UC community, filling me with admiration and gratitude. I thank all those people who chose to share their journeys with me. I feel incredibly blessed to have played a small part in your growth and transformation. Your courage, insights, and dedication inspire me, and I look forward to seeing all the amazing things you will achieve. 🌟🙏 #Coaching #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #SelfCare #Community #UCConference #Inspiration #GrowthJourney

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Last month, Greater Good Magazine (a publication out of University of California, Berkeley) published a piece called "The Four Freedoms We Want at Work." In the article, author and org psych researcher Laura Morgan Roberts presents the four freedoms as: 💥 The freedom to be: to bring our full, authentic selves to the workplace. 💥 The freedom to become: to improve ourselves and our situations. 💥 The freedom to fade: to periodically step back from the spotlight and performance pressure. 💥 The freedom to fail: to take risks, conduct experiments, learn from them, and be coached for future opportunities. If you're familiar with my work, you probably aren't surprised that multiple folks sent the article my way and said things like, "HEY! You need to read this!" or "This reminds me of what you said in your keynote!" (Also, thanks to the amazing humans in my life who send me things that make them think of me and my work ... and that includes those of you who find great deals on stylish sequin items ✨ 😘 ). These four freedoms go on to be described in more detail in the article and each description also includes tangible ways to cultivate that specific freedom. I'll pop the article in the comments, but I'm curious what resonates most with you from the list. For me, the first thing that hit me was that third freedom. I can think of a number of my own professional scenarios where the freedom to fade for a bit would have been an incredible gift (and likely would have kept me from leaving certain positions over the years). What about you? Something you felt was well-established in your workplace? Or maybe something you wish had been part of your organization's culture? And leaders, do you have examples of how you are fostering any of these freedoms for your teams? #orgpsych #talentdevelopment #employeeengagement #culture #leadership

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So excited to virtually present "From Tension to Transformation: The Crucial Role of Intersectionality in Resolving Workplace Conflicts Amid Societal Upheaval" next month at #ACR2024! My presentation will highlight that the modern workplace is a dynamic ecosystem where diverse individuals interact, and conflicts inevitably arise. In the midst of societal upheaval, understanding and addressing these conflicts become imperative for fostering a healthy and inclusive organizational culture. This presentation will delve into the intricate relationship between workplace conflicts and societal changes, emphasizing the transformative power of psychological safety and intersectionality in conflict resolution. What does your organization do to create psychological safety for employees? Comment below to share best practices!

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Attend in person National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) - Seattle meeting. Culturally-Conscious Events: Attract & Retain Asian American Clients Did you know that Washington State is among the top five states with the largest Asian American populations? In Seattle alone, Asian Americans constitute 17% of the population, and this number rises to 34%-37% in Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond.   Despite these significant percentages, few are actively focusing on attracting and retaining this vibrant demographic. Are you making intentional efforts to attract Asian american?   Fortune 500 companies like Amazon, Google, Costco, and Microsoft recognize the value of this market, where Asian Americans represent 19% to nearly half of their workforce. Furthermore, Asian Americans projected an impressive $1.9 trillion in purchasing power in 2026, the highest levels of education and income, and are the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group in America.   If you're looking to tap into this lucrative market, understanding their unique cultures, concerns, and perspectives is crucial. May 14, 2024 Tuesday, 5:30-8:30pm W Hotel, Seattle Register: https://lnkd.in/g4n5gqcY Kelly Saling Emily Cunningham Tony Kutch Tony Gavilanes Alan Alabastro Heather Teegarden Hilary Laney Stuart Butler Tina Nole Jeff Evans Logan Niles Mary Davidson Riccardo Marossa Deborah Mieko LaHaela Brock Bradley, CASE (he/him) Josh Henry, CMP Adam D. Dyes, CMP Deanna Kolbet, CMP John Chen, CSP #APIEventProfs #EventProfs #EventPlanner #EventPlanning #EventTech #EventMarketing #MeetingProfs #ConferencePlanner #EventIndustryNews #MeetingDesign #MeetingTechnology #MeetingServices #ConferenceManagement #ConferenceServices #ConferenceTechnology #TradeShowManagement #TradeShowDesign #TradeShowServices #EventSales #EventPromotion #EventNetworking #EventCommunity #EventStrategy #EventConsulting #ILEA #PCMA #MPI #SITE #IAEE #IACC #IAVM #SGMP #ADME #NACE #NSA #HSMAI #DMAI #CIC #IRF #IDMA #ACTE #ESPA #NAEPAS #WIPA #ASAE #IMEX #IBTM #Cvent #BizBash #PCMACL #PCMANW #DEI #AANHPI #AsianAmerican #DiversityAndInclusion #Diversity https://lnkd.in/gSP73ECs

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Pomp, pedigree, and prestige do NOT protect against, and nor do they prevent, antisemitism, anti-Zionism, small mindedness, bigotry, and hatred. What often helps is shining a bright light into the darkness and Robert Friedman does just that. An effective way to combat ignorance and hatred is through education and exposure. Such a strategy doesn't lead to rapid change, but that's ok. We Jews have been battling antisemitism and anti-Zionism for thousands of years. We can hang on for a few more. For as long as it takes, in fact. Am Yisrael Chai. OOPS! Didn’t realize this important essay sits behind a pay wall. If you can’t access it, let me know.

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This article in UCSF Magazine offers a scientific explanation for how deep rest restores us at a cellular level! We've long known that chronic stress degrades our mental and physical health while contemplative practices ranging from yoga to prayer to nature bathing to painting restore us mentally and physically. But why? Scientifically, how can such a wide range of activities make us healthier, happier, and more resilient? Alexandra Crosswell and colleagues think it has to do with "deep rest" -- the peaceful mental state we reach in a variety of ways. My favorites are mindfulness meditation, paddle boarding, and qi gong. Others find deep rest in prayer, yoga, painting, fabric arts, drum circles, shaking, and dance. According to Crosswell, the deep rest state tells the brain and body "you're safe". It completes the stress response. We let go of our vigilance and racing thoughts. That in turn quiets the brain's stress response system (the amygdala and sympathetic nervous system). Stress hormone levels drop. Your heart slows. Your muscles relax. And we feel at peace, and maybe even a deep sense of connection to yourself, others, the world, or a higher power. When that happens, all the individual cells in your body enter housekeeping mode. They clean up debris like reactive molecules. They fix the natural wear and tear on organelles like mitochondria. They can even repair the tips of our DNA, the sections known as telomeres that famously grow shorter as we age and as stress chews away at them. It's this ability of our cells to finally enter housekeeping mode that causes all the health benefits of deep rest. Isn't that so darn cool?!?! The science nerd in me is utterly in love with this synthesis of stress science, cell biology, and contemplative practice. Love love love!!! If you or a woman in your life is needing some deep rest so you can restore every cell in your body and return to work fully rejuvenated and reenergized, please consider joining Tutti and I in Mendocino Sept 13-16 for our fourth annual women's leadership retreat. Two women joined this week and three others are in the process of requesting funds from their organizations to invest in their leadership. PM me for details ASAP. Enrollment closes in 2 weeks.

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Woo hoo! Show Her the Money is coming to the Eastside. Please share. Sign up if you are interested in #entrepreneurship, #investing #angelinvesting #venturecapital and supporting #femalefounders. You will be inspired by this film!

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The Ampersand Manifesto Podcast is all about: ✅ Portfolio careers ✅ High achievers in multiple realms ✅ Left brain + right brain ✅ People who connect two disciplines in ways that make you go 🤯 ✅ Finding balance, integration, and harmony This month, I'm featuring Ampersands from the past two seasons who identify as #asianamerican, in honor of #APAHM. My conversation with scientist & dancer Sloka Iyengar Ph.D., PMP from last year's podcast resonated deeply, and I wanted to share some key takeaways for all my fellow #Ampersands out there: 🌱 Nature's Impact: Sloka finds inspiration for her work in both dance and science from nature and animals. Her quote, "an act of observation is an act of love," gave me chills. 🌍 Value of History: Sloka's perspective on our place in history, whether in art or science, made me think. Just as Bharatanatyam has deep roots, science builds on past discoveries. History matters in every field. 💫 Rethinking Beauty: Sloka's work with older adults challenged my view of beauty, which has been shaped by our shared culture and media. She finds beauty in imperfection and aging. It's a reminder that beauty isn't just about looks, but about connection and feeling. Have you checked out the episode?

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Have you ever considered redesigning your life from the ground up? In this episode of The Virtual Campfire Podcast, dive deep with Ayse (Eye-Shay) Birsel, the visionary who's turning life planning on its head! From defying family expectations to revolutionizing everyday objects (yes, even toilets!), Ayse's journey is a masterclass in embracing the unknown. She doesn't just design products – she designs lives, and she's here to show you how. It's time to break free from conventional thinking and start seeing your future as a blank canvas. Ready to pick up the brush and paint your masterpiece? Tune in now and learn how to become the designer of your own life! https://lnkd.in/e3JwPMJP #design #innovation #CareerReinvention #PersonalGrowth #mindset #courage #creativity

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When I performed this story for the National Speakers Association/Northern California Chapter storytelling competition back in March, I was thrilled to place 2nd! 🥈 Feedback from one of the judges:  “Excellent job. Your voice was very engaging from the very beginning. Almost animated. Loved the power of your voice.” It was my first time performing this story for a live (virtual) audience, so it wasn’t in my bones yet. I also knew it was a little too much content for the 5-minute time limit… Watching it now, I cringe a bit at the lack of pauses and        s  p  a  c  e       in my delivery. 🙄 But I’m still proud of myself for crafting a solid story, and having the courage to enter the competition! 💪 That’s the thing about creativity and innovation: it is impossible to deliver perfection, or even excellence, right out of the gate! If you watch the video, you’ll see this is, in fact, very much the theme of my story: we need the crap to fertilize the good stuff! The story is also about how comparison and self-criticism can damage our creativity… …and what we can do to overcome that and unleash our full creative potential. NOTE: the same principles apply whether you’re an individual artist, or a company that needs to innovate on a timeline. ⏰ I actually have a 3-step process that I use to help leaders and teams to Create the Impossible™: 1️⃣ Play Hard 2️⃣ Make Crap 3️⃣ Learn Fast I love leading teams and organizations through this framework to help them bake everyday innovation into the culture. BONUS: Building better connections and communication is part of the process, teams collaborate better, and everyone looks forward to Mondays. 💪 When you’re ready to empower your team or organization achieve breakthrough innovation, book your complimentary Impact Assessment Call and let’s chat about how I can help  👉 https://bit.ly/md45 – Now I want to hear from you: Have you ever struggled with perfectionist paralysis? Or are you able to appreciate where you are with something, even when you see what you want to do to improve on it?  Share in the comments below 👇 #creativity #storytelling #selfcompassion #innovation #perfectionism

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Human Resistance to "Different" vs. Curiosity for "Better"    At the PSCU conference in Las Vegas, I shared insights from an intriguing UC Berkeley study that uncovered a profound human truth: our resistance to the unfamiliar and our innate curiosity for improvement.     When people were asked, "Would you propose a new idea if it meant doing different work?"—only 37% said yes. But reframe that question slightly: "Would you propose an idea if it meant doing better work?" and suddenly, 87% were on board.    This difference reveals something powerful: humans are wired for growth and purpose, not just change for change’s sake. When technology and innovation empower us to do better, more meaningful work, we’re inspired. But if it only disrupts, motivation wanes.    So, how is your organization framing the future? Are you encouraging ideas that make work better, not just different?    #FutureOfWork #Innovation #MeaningfulWork #Technology #HumanCentered #Leadership #PSCU #Keynote #ChangeManagement

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Join the next #possibilityproject episode (#50! 🎉) all about "AI: What are the Potential and Harm for Social Impact?" We will be joined by the brilliant, Di Dang, Shijuade K., and Mitch Stein to discuss the many elements connected to the attraction to, power of, and potential harm embedded within AI. There are definite benefits of AI technology that can and do benefit social good organizations and might even increase access to equitable resources. There are also dark elements of the tech such as ethics washing with "AI For Good" initiatives, the "move fast and break things" style of its development, lack of oversight and foresight to consequences, lack of savvy with adoption which can cause harm, and the potential for colonizing a new frontier. Register and share in your networks! https://lnkd.in/gEU73Rjg

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Democracy is built on the assumption of holding tension in life-giving ways that serves the common good. In my conversation with legendary writer, teacher and activist, Parker J. Palmer, he shares five habits of the heart that make good citizens and can be cultivated in the everyday venues of our lives. Listen now to this episode of The Compassionate Accountability® podcast⬇ https://lnkd.in/gZJJKe5J

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