Amico ’s Post

Being laid off twice in fifteen months wasn't on my bingo card, and yet, that's the way the things have played out. Yesterday, myself and 25% of SunPower Solar's workforce were impacted by a reduction in force due to the winding down of their residential home solar installation business, of which I have been supporting operations for the previous twelve months. My heart breaks for my friends and colleagues that were impacted, as the uncertainty that bloomed in our lives yesterday is REAL and there is no way around a lay-off than through it. So where do we look for faith? That it will work out - because it has to, right? The past three years, I have found hope and solid ground within my garden. 90% of what happens there starts from a single seed, sown in dark, damp soil, with only the promise of light and water and daily attention to get to a fruitful harvest. So I offer this to anyone impacted by a lay-off: plant your seeds. Plant them in your network and in your window sill. Believe that you can again grow something from nothing. Every day, come back to them and yourself, and say that you can do this. Because you can, because you will. Friends, colleagues, mentors, if you've read this far, thank you. If you're hiring or know someone who is, I'd love the opportunity to chat. I'm organized, energetic, analytical and a direct communicator; I am a hardy, unique varietal searching for new soil. XO, Ruthie P.S. if you want to support my creative writing endeavors during this time, please visit my website, www.ruthhawley.com, and subscribe to my weekly newsletter. It's delicious. And a quick read. And subscriber counts really do matter when I'm pitching myself and my work. Thank you <3

The 'I Belong Journal' that I worked on in collaboration with the amazing team at Torque remains one of the pieces of work that I'm most proud of. At the risk of sounding as though I'm blowing my own trumpet (which I'm not as it was a team effort), this journal is an incredible resource for people serious about exploring their relationship to all aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion. ➡ It explains the terms that we often aren't familiar with that make us insecure in broaching conversations. ➡ It provides a space to reflect, be challenged and shift perspective. ➡ It gives clear tools and strategies for having tricky conversations. ➡ It has the most incredible, fun design that is truly inclusive. The recent US elections, and even Brexit, I think, are evidence that in a world where we're confronted with more diversity than ever before, we're increasingly unable to navigate it. At the moment it feels as though fear and distrust are winning. This journal feels more important than it's ever been. The fact that more schools and businesses are approaching us inquiring about using the journal is evidence of how critical this issue has become. If you're serious in reinventing how you lead yourself and the people in your system, if you're serious about building connection and increasing engagement, I'd seriously suggest you have a look at this resource.

Making people’s lives better by powering a more prosperous world requires a healthier planet, vibrant communities and engaged citizens. At Cummins Inc., the health of our business is dependent on the health of our communities. With over 420 employee-led community involvement teams around the world, our approach to effective corporate responsibility is to think globally, lead regionally and act locally. Watch the video below to learn how our business strategies and community strategies align. Sharon Barner and Jennifer Rumsey

Impact isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the story of a difference made. But defining that difference is what truly matters. For some, impact is about bottom-line growth. But where we can do the most good is by focusing on the positive differences made in people’s lives. When we hone in on this level of impact—helping change lives—we ignite true advocacy for brands and sparks instrumental work to improve the world.

Uncovering the Journey: Unpacking Executive Functioning Triumphs and Challenges Exploring our experiences with our thinking patterns can be a powerful way to connect, learn, and grow. By examining our stories, we reveal the unique paths we've taken to master these essential skills. In doing so, we can inspire others, gain valuable insights, and break down the stigma surrounding executive functioning challenges. So let's start a conversation, share our victories and setbacks, and together, create a supportive community that empowers everyone to thrive.

Looking to learn more about the world? Read on.  The purpose of The Signal is to help meet a deep need among independent-minded people, across America and around the globe: to understand the world on its own terms, from beyond the ideological camps. In a way that does justice to its complexities—and our curiosity.  It’s why we place so much value on contributors who’re open to good questions, who can speak to them with specific knowledge and insight, and who love for us to come back to them with our follow-ups—and yours. Who should we talk to next? #currentaffairsstrangeworld #independentthinking #readon

Why is America the best by far at software? Culture. Not IQ, there are smart people everywhere. But globally competitive enterprise software companies: -China has 0. -India has 0. America is the only place where this culture exists at scale. And this culture was imported by an immigrant to Silicon Valley… from Iowa. Bob Noyce, co-inventor of the Integrated Circuit and co-founder of Intel Corporation. It is midwestern culture - strong work ethic, emphasis on community and cooperation, humility, and an innovative spirit – that gave birth to the hallmarks of SV culture: openness, meritocracy, and the willingness to take risks and learn from failure. Noyce's own management style - open-door policy, lack of hierarchy, and encouragement of teamwork and innovation - reflected these values. It became the blueprint. Founder Effect in every sense of the term. It is why it is so hard to replicate in other geographies. Do you know what you need to copy? In "The Tinkerings of Robert Noyce," (1983) Tom Wolfe argues that the revolution didn't just happen; it was engineered by a small number of people, midwesterners, whose horizons were as unlimited as the Iowa sky. Collectively, they engineered Tomorrow. Foremost among them is Robert Noyce. https://lnkd.in/gjDGR_2x h/t Isaac Evans

BREAKING THE CYCLE OF ONLINE CANCEL CULTURE 🚫 Tired of the hostile environment on social media? It's time to change that! At CLP, we believe in promoting positivity and understanding, especially when running a business. Here are some key points: 🤝 Educate and Lead by Example: Show kindness and integrity online. 💬 Private Conversations: Handle difficult situations privately, not publicly. 🌟 Appreciation Posts: Focus on positive interactions and thank your supporters. Read our full blog for insights on fostering a respectful online community and dealing with negativity constructively. Link in the comments! #QuitCancelCulture #PositiveOnlineCommunity #BusinessEtiquette

Creating a new outreach program can be equal parts exhilarating and scary. How can you set it up to reach the most hearts? In this article, get insider tips from Kathy Bruce, Brotherhood Mutual Foundation director. She shares 7 essential questions to ask before "doing a new thing." As your team answers the questions, you'll be developing a strategic plan with a strong, sustainable impact. https://lnkd.in/gm65ndmy

I noticed that one of my clients shared a Columbus Day post which both shocked and disappointed me. Kicking into coach mode, I reached out to share my concern. I was so excited by the response that I almost missed how neatly it fit into the More HUMAN Approach Framework. *Honest - As an organization, they acknowledge the harm committed by Christopher Columbus and recognize Indigenous Peoples Day. The error was at the individual employee, rather than corporate, level. *Urgent - the post was immediately removed when brought to their attention. *Meaningful - the head of the organization shared a post acknowledging Indigenous Peoples Day and an ongoing effort to recognize historical harm while working to prevent present harm. *Accountable - the staff person received proper guidance *Nuance - unless all employees are grounded in the corporate values, sometimes things will happen that are misaligned. Never assume that everyone on the team values, understands or agrees with the full spectrum of work your organization is doing to increase your equity footprint. Education and grace are always important.