Marssie Versola

BOOM - This is what community-based collective impact is about.... 2.5 weeks ago Austin Montoya @ LIMINAL came to me and FuseChange with an opportunity to write a grant to support workforce development in Portland, Oregon. Together we decided that as a person with lived experience with learning differences and neurodivergent, they our priority populations. 30-40% of those who identify as neurodivergent are unemployed. We are going to create a program to provide these participants with education, training and a hands on paid apprenticeship to build an open source technology for a local community-based nonprofit.. ultimately to land them a job into the nonprofit or forprofit tech sectors. 1. We posted an ask on Linkedin and Emily Henke, MPH & Kyna L. Harris, MBA, CHW @ Oregon Public Health Institute - have an open source tech need. 2. We got inspired talking to Beach Pace @ Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest who recognized the power of inclusive collaboration. 3. For a week Austin and I worked after our normal work hours on the Future Ready Oregon Workforce Development Grant - Technology with an Technical Assistance provider: Marianne Boules @ Boules Consulting who is amazing! Answer questions in the middle of the night and super responsive. 3. We then talked to some outstanding community-based organizations, who said they're in and love this new innovative program and put their names on it. - Skip Newberry (he, him) & Elaine Hsieh @ Technology Association of Oregon - Rick Turoczy @ PIE (Portland Incubator Experiment) - Jack 🤔 Herrington - Blue Collar Coder 4. Then Amy Sample Ward @ NTEN came back from PTO and said let's meet tomorrow (Monday 7/30), and said they love it. NTEN would like to join the group and ultimately offered to become the lead nonprofit to support the program. 5. Amy, Austin and I worked until the wee hours last night and knocked out the last parts of the grant. 6. We submitted the grant today That is 2.5 weeks idea to -> grant proposal with amazing partners. Even if we don't get this funded, which we will.... this is the power of #community, #collaboration, #collectiveimpact, #opensource. It's what makes #Portland a community. We came together based on shared goals and impact to deliver a proposal that can help persons with cognitive disabilities and or neurodiversities with a proposed solution to empower, train, educate and ultimate connect them to a technology job in the #nonprofit or #forprofit tech sectors. Check out the Project Summary https://lnkd.in/gVNb2pFv

31

10 Comments

I wish I didn't need to share this news. I suspect you've slowed your scroll to dive deeper on this post, and I'm glad. Posts like this usually talk about changes in jobs or family situations, health issues, relocation and more. But I've got more critical news to share. During a meeting today with the Co-Founder of HelpMeSee, Jim Ueltschi, and our CEO, Dr. Bonnie Henderson, we were discussing what a terrible global health crisis that cataract blindness truly is. We aren't just talking about a few hundred or even a few thousand people impacted... we are talking about over 100 million people impacted by severe visual impairment or complete blindness. Their lives are lived in complete darkness. Can you even imagine? These are people just like you and me, but often living in countries that don't have anywhere near the number of trained specialists who can help restore their sight. HelpMeSee has pioneered a solution to this world health crisis that can be the cure to the communities that need it most. The challenge? With thousand more people going blind each day around the world, the backlog of those needing to be treated still far exceeds the number of those positioned to help remove their cataracts. If you've made it to this part of my post, thank you. You obviously care deeply about your fellow human and realize that sight is a human right. So what are we going to do about it? HelpMeSee is going to train thousands of people around the world to perform a relatively simple procedure (once mastered) called Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS). MSICS can be done anywhere around the world, even where resources are low. MSICS will change the world but we need your help. Can you do at least one (or all three) of these things right? 1. Share this post. It will take just one click and would mean the world to me and those suffering around the world. This world health crisis is like a pandemic we could never imagine. The more people that become aware and do their part to help, the quicker we can restore site to the 100M people that need it. 2. Check out our website to learn more: www.helpmesee.org and to make a donation. 3. Message me directly to figure out how you can leverage the power of your network to eradicate a world health crisis. We are forming new groups and networks near you and would love to plug you in so you can leverage your influence to end a world health crisis in our lifetime. Can you help? It would mean the world to me and the millions around the world suffering today.

32

2 Comments

I'm so excited to be on welcome committee for the US Chamber of Connection because it addresses the root cause problem of loneliness. Check out this op-ed written by its co-founder Aaron Hurst in The Seattle Times. He writes, "I believe our social isolation has become an invisible threat to our democracy, making us more polarized and impeding our ability to come together to solve complex challenges, from climate change to affordable housing. The primacy of technology-based virtual interaction in our culture also worsens the problem as it eliminates the need for real-world interaction. Rebuilding social connection and trust have become the greatest challenges of our times." Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gH-ZSpeA

19

3 Comments

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

22

1 Comment

🌟 Unlocking Potential: The Power of Community in Adversity 🌟 Today on my Coffee and Coaching channel, I shared an inspiring story about Heart & Soul Coffee, a small coffee shop in Portland that exemplifies resilience and community spirit. When faced with the challenges of the pandemic, owner Sarah didn’t just survive; she thrived by launching a pay-it-forward campaign that brought her community together. This initiative not only kept her business afloat but also fostered deep connections among her customers. Here are some key takeaways from this incredible journey: 1. Embrace Change: Adaptability is crucial in tough times. 2. Foster Connections: Building relationships can create a loyal customer base. 3. Give Back: Community initiatives enhance your brand and strengthen ties. 4. Share Stories: Storytelling fosters connection and understanding. Let’s take inspiration from Sarah’s journey and look for ways to uplift those around us! ☕💪 Check out the full video here: https://lnkd.in/eyY7Di-V and let’s keep the conversation going! What are some ways you’ve seen community support make a difference? Share your thoughts below! 👇 Please like, share, follow and subscribe to help me keep my channel going and support folks through change and challenges. You can also listen on the Choosing Happy Podcast - from your favourite app or the website. Love, light and laughter to you all! #CoffeeAndCoaching #CommunitySupport #Resilience #Inspiration #Leadership #SmallBusiness #Storytelling

4

2 Comments

Struggling with imposter syndrome or a lack of confidence? Former Fortune 500 exec Marissa Fernandez explains how hiring an executive coach transformed her mindset and career trajectory in our freshest podcast drop. She also dives into the ROI of coaching and choosing the right partner to invest in your growth. Listen now anywhere you get your podcasts, or at https://lnkd.in/gxabsRuM!

1

5 years ago, I gave a 5-minute talk with Ignite Seattle about "Saving the Planet with Your Fork". It outlined ways that we can all help to help our environment and climate by what we eat/serve/advocate for. Luckily what's good for the planet tends to be good for human health. Some of what I called for: 1. Eating plant-based more often 2. Wasting less food 3. Using less plastic 4. Buying more local/#organicfood 🤔 It saddens me a little to think that we haven't come as far as I would have thought we might in 5 years. I'm left both scratching my head and am all the more alert as we head into this election whose results could determine a LOT related to the potential transformation (or not) of the food and agriculture system. 👍🏽 Where do you think we are doing well? 🚦 Where do we still have great work to do and what are some of the best strategies you believe in? (Please note: At the time I gave the talk, #regenerativeagriculture & #agroecology was less on my radar. And....I only had 5 mins!) https://lnkd.in/g8mYfiN

32

11 Comments

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

12

3 Comments

You know what's vulnerable? Sharing that you have a highly stigmatized disease condition with all 72k of your fellow colleagues. Worth it? 100%. Why? Because no one should suffer alone in silence. Our stories have the power to save each other. I only got sober by hearing others tell me how they did it. Side note: my internet was a hot mess during this recording. It's not you, it's me! Creating a safe workplace culture + helping employees navigate their (or a loved one's) sobriety journey is what Sobrynth does. Want to see your culture change? We can help. #recoveryready #sobrietyispersonal #sobersellers

63

6 Comments

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

29

9 Comments

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

22

2 Comments

Reflections from tribal council on this week's episode of Survivor. (No spoilers, I promise). We often try to keep our emotions out of business decisions. But what if our feelings aren't the problem - what if they're actually trying to tell us something important? Here's what I'm learning: 1. When something at work makes us feel strongly, it's worth taking a moment to ask why. Often, these feelings point to things that really matter - like our values or relationships with others. 2. I've seen many professionals push hard for what they want assuming this is the way to get results. But I've learned that when people feel pushed, they usually push back. Taking time to understand where others are coming from leads to better solutions. 3. The best decisions come when we don't ignore our feelings or try to fight them. Instead, we can use them as a compass to guide us toward choices that work better for everyone. When has listening to your gut feelings helped you make a better choice at work? #Leadership #WorkLife #PersonalGrowth #Business

2

2 Comments

Don't fall out of touch with your people. Yesterday I shared space with a San Jose City leader. We shared some words too. They were talking about Tesla's recent layoffs, initially talking about the way it was done in disbelief and then turning it into jest. At some point in the conversation they said something along the lines of, “Well, if you work for Tesla, what else did you expect? You signed up for it.” I was appalled. Here was a city leader, an elected official, brought in by the vote of the people, and they were ridiculing and dehumanizing an entire group of people. “You know, some people have no other options, there are no other jobs they can get,” I butted in to their conversation. After a brief pause, “you're right, that's true. Some people don't have a choice,” they responded, contemplating what I had said. As a leader, whether you're an elected official or were hired into your position, never ever ever get out of touch with your people. It creates a gap between you and them, which in turn makes it really difficult for you to effectively lead them. The gap grows wider in times of turbulence and massive change (like we're currently in). It's your job to understand not only the business side of things, but also how to be sensitive to the needs of your people (all people, really). But you can't do that when you're out of touch with people. This city leader who mocked the laid off Tesla workers, was completely disconnected from the fact that for some people, factory jobs are the only type of jobs they can get. Sitting in the upper echelons, they had completely lost touch with the experiences of an entire group of people. If you've lost touch with an entire group of people then you cannot lead them. I've seen this happen time and time again - The people on top have no idea what their people are experiencing. Knowing and understanding the experiences and needs of your people isn't just a job for HR or your People team. It's an important job for you, too. How well connected are you to the experiences of different people? Do they trust you to lead them? #leadershipdevelopment #executivecoach #people

5

I'm excited to present in-person to the West Seattle Women in Entrepreneurship Group next week! My presentation will be loaded with valuable teachings and insights about how our past shapes our life, both personally and professionally—including in entrepreneurship. Link to this entrepreneurial group is in the first comment. #selfdiscovery #selfawareness #understandingourpast #womeninentrepreneurship #womenentrepreneurs

2

1 Comment

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

13

13 Comments

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.

2

If you've been feeling like every day is a struggle, you might be carrying more trauma around with you than you think. Join me in this scary (but enlightening!) Halloween episode where I chat with Sr. UX Designer Prescott Perez-Fox, who opens up about his past difficulties with burnout & job-trauma. We discuss: 🤯 What happens when you’re constantly operating in survival mode 🚧 How this can create invisible limitations in your future creative career 🎨 The difference between misalignment and burnout 🥰 Ways to begin recovery and heal from this experience 😫 The phases and signs of what this feels like even after you’ve left a job 💕 How to successfully transition from a traumatic job into a safe space Listen to EP75 of Rock That Creative Job podcast on Apple or Spotify and please share with all your creative friends! 🎧 #creativejobs #creativecareers #careergrowth #burnout #designjobs #creativelife #creativeindustry #designerslife #mentalhealthmatters #anxiety #jobsearch #mentalhealth #rockthatcreativejob 

13

2 Comments

As an executive leadership coach, I often discuss the importance of balance and self-renewal with my clients. This summer, I'm practicing what I preach by heading out on a 12-day camping trip with my family. We are driving up to the Santa Cruz Mountains and then heading to spend some time in Yosemite National Park. I am looking forward to unplugging from the digital world, connecting with my husband and 4-year-old son, and creating summertime memories. Why is this important? Because in our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, stepping away from our desks and devices is crucial. It’s not just about taking a break—immersing ourselves in the rhythms of nature helps us to rediscover our peace. For me, disconnecting from technology encourages me to slow down, reflect, and engage more deeply with my surroundings and the people that matter most to me. As much as I love to disconnect in the day-to-day life, it doesn’t always happen. Spending time in nature—hiking through the woods, sleeping under the stars—provides a unique opportunity to reset my mental and emotional state. It reminds me that we are part of a larger ecosystem, one that thrives on harmony and balance. Nature is full of lessons: patience, resilience, harmony, awe… This summer, as I look forward to the trails and the tales of the campfire, I am reminded of the essential human need for downtime. These moments are not just pauses; they are gateways to greater creativity, productivity, mindfulness, and ultimately, a more fulfilling life. To everyone feeling overwhelmed by deadlines and meetings, remember that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to step away. Take a moment to breathe, walk in nature, and let the earth’s quiet wisdom inspire you. That’s where I’ll be for the next couple of weeks. #ExecutiveCoaching #balance #SelfRenewal #mindfulness

17

3 Comments

When was the last time you had the chance to have a great conversation with a fellow leader? I had the chance to do this very thing with one of my SoCal sisters, Debra Coleman, on the "Have A Seat Conversations with Women in the Workplace" podcast. It's truly special when you can connect with someone and have that candid conversation that makes you feel empowered and heard. Topics we dive into: ➡️ Mastering the art of saying no ➡️ Navigating toxic relationships ➡️ Setting boundaries like a boss I'm sharing insights to help you feel empowered and inspired. Let me know your thoughts! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g2p66BHt #Leadership #Empowerment #Podcast #BoundarySetting

6