Toward a Life of Balance

As the year comes to an end, we reflect on what went right or wrong and how to course correct for the future. We are desperate to find a "new normal" and a life of balance. But we cannot create a new normal that brings the past forward, unchallenged and unchanged. The coronavirus, the economy, civic unrest, social inequities, and all the rest of it will still be there, waiting for us on the other side of midnight. Then what? As we approach 2021, how can we meet it with eyes wide open, a heart full of courage, and our hands outstretched to offer our best to everything and everyone that comes our way?

Courage, Self-Awareness, EmpathyLORI EBERLYDecember 16, 2020year-end reflection, change management, self awareness, growth

Good Trouble: Marching for Jacob Blake

In the wake of the shooting of Jacob Blake by police officers in Kenosha, WI, I joined about 300 other Portlanders in protest outside the local police union. Contrary to mainstream news reports, Portland is and has been overwhelmingly peaceful, organized, and unified. // Truth matters. What really happened matters. Believing witnesses matters. Those who shape the narrative hold the power. Black Lives Matter.

Empathy, f*ckery, Racism, integrityLORI EBERLYAugust 28, 2020Black Lives Matter, truth, real talk

Leadership Communication: Stop Mincing Words

Trying to be “nice” and using euphemisms to remain comfortable, rather than communicating directly is a form of fucker. Honesty can feel uncomfortable—both to receive and to give. But being willing to be vulnerable—to become uncomfortable with discomfort—is part and parcel of effective communication and leads to greater understanding and connection.

Acknowledging The Amy Cooper Within

As white women—and men—I believe it is incumbent upon all of us to examine our biases and our privilege as the first step to dismantling racism. As with everything I teach and do, we’ve got to Name It to Tame It. Toppling monuments and protesting police brutality are external signs. But there are other, less visible changes that are of critical importance. We must—those of us with white privilege—take a fearless moral inventory of our roots, our conditioning, and the subtle (or not so subtle) ways we keep racism alive, even if only through our silence and complacency. This is the work.

Articles/Resources, Commitment, Empathy, f*ckery, RacismLORI EBERLYJune 5, 2020racism, antiracism, social justice

Social Distancing Scenius

Great ideas are often birthed by a group of creative individuals—artists, curators, thinkers, theorists, and other tastemakers—who make up an ‘ecology of talent.’ ” That collective intelligence is known as ‘scenius’. It’s the wisdom of a group of folks who trigger our a-ha moments and connect us to our individual mastery in a new way, juxtaposed by their own. Simply put, scenius is the collective intelligence of community.

How to Not Be an Asshole in a Crisis

During times of crisis, businesses should continue to sell their goods and services is they can. We’ve all got to keep the lights on and food in our bellies. But messaging and marketing needs to be adjusted to reflect our shared reality. Communication needs to be thoughtful, authentic and lead with empathy—without expectation of gain. We don’t need more businesses selling us crap we don’t need and can’t afford. We need an infusion of humanity into our business dealings on a massive scale.