Summary:
In this week’s episode of the UpLevel Podcast, our guest is Gail Barker, an entrepreneur and seasoned coach with over two decades of dedication to supporting leaders and aspiring leaders in uncovering and crafting their own meaningful definition of success. Gail believes that finding 'ease' even in challenging situations is the key to successful leadership. Her book "What Matters Now: Lessons On Living With Ease" explores this concept and redefines our understanding of adversity.
Gail Barker shares her insights on writing and creative expression to offer a fresh perspective and highlight the importance of understanding your unique working style instead of blindly following popular norms.
She believes that success isn't solely defined by bestseller status or mass approval. If you have the wisdom to share that can enlighten even one individual, that counts as a successful endeavor too!
In this episode:
Understand the difference between 'ease' and 'easy': Acknowledge that a path of ease doesn't mean life is always easy or without obstacles; it's about finding calm amidst difficulties.
Establish a writing rhythm: By identifying the optimal writing time and environment to foster creativity and productivity.
Redefine procrastination: Recognize that such activities can stimulate subconscious idea generation, instead of viewing them as distractions.
Explore different methods for inspiration: Incorporate physical activity into your creative process or try handwriting instead of typing if you find it more effective.
Silence your inner critics by expressing your unique voice: Remember they are just voices, not truths, and focus on how you want to sound on paper rather than imitating others.
Manage outer criticism effectively: When seeking feedback, be clear about what kind of input you're looking for so reviewers know their boundaries—this way their input will be more beneficial.
Honor your own voice amid a multitude of voices: Share whatever message calls out from within you - even if your audience is small because everyone has something valuable worth sharing with the world.
Pay attention when certain themes repeatedly surface in your thoughts, indicating their significance and need for shared expression; this could indicate an important message that needs to be communicated.
Remember, being a bestseller isn't everything; there’s more satisfaction gained by disseminating wisdom and allowing others to build upon each other’s insights.
Order of Topics:
The Journey to Leadership and Balance
Understanding Ease Amid Challenges
Writing Rhythm & Overcoming Writer’s Block
Dealing with Procrastination & Personal Creativity
Handling Criticism & Managing Feedback
Acceptance, Authenticity & Inspiration
Reframing First Drafts & Body Involvement
Emphasizing Message over Medium
Publishing Process & Granting Permission
The Importance of Honoring Voice
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Social Consciousness
About Gail:
Dynamic, insightful, inspiring, and visionary - these are the words often used to describe Gail Jacob Barker, the renowned author of “What Matters Now: Lessons on Living with Ease.” An entrepreneur and a leadership coach for two decades, Gail has dedicated herself to guiding leaders, aspiring leaders, and their teams to lead at the work they love, without sacrificing their lives on the altar of their leadership. A certified Coactive Coach, and proudly holding the PCC credential through the International Coach Federation, Gail leads public courses for the Co-Active Training Institute and contributes her expertise as a valuable member of the Faculty Development Team at CTI on a part-time basis. Gail is an avid reader, a compassionate listener, and a lover of meaningful human connection.
Website: https://www.stellarcc.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gailbarker/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stellarcc/
Twitter: @stellar7
About UpLevel Productions: Founded by Christie Mann, MA, CPCC, PCC, and Rachel Baldi, CPCC, PCC, UpLevel creates, produces, and delivers Transformative Experiences, Workshops, Training, Events + Media that develop leaders who make our world a healthier, more alive, and connected place to be. As Associate CTI Faculty Partners, UpLevel is licensed to sell, produce and deliver Co-Active coach training and leadership development programs around the world to support the transformational growth of individuals and culture inside the workplace and organization. www.uplevelproductions.com Instagram @uplevelproductions Facebook & LinkedIn @uplevelproductionscompany