A little-known fact about me is that I am a HUGE R&B music fan, with a special love of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s variety. If you are as well, chances are you just finished this blog title with a tune in your head from Tony Toni Tone’s “It’s Your Anniversary”. To be sure, listening to this genre of music makes me smile, breathe a little easier, and sing along with joy.
Even if you’re not an R&B fan, this title probably served as a polite reminder that the world is still a chaotic place and you, too, may have forgotten what day it is. Or at least checked your calendar again to make sure you DID in fact know what day it was! Either way, you’re amongst good company. Research continues to show us that fatigue – particularly compassion fatigue – for leaders, service providers, and caregivers is only increasing. In other words, our meaningful work is tiring us out both physically and emotionally.
On a related note: I’m embarrassed to admit I recently forgot my anniversary. Like completely forgot until a week later. My 12th anniversary! Thankfully, it wasn’t my wedding anniversary – it was our company’s anniversary.
Twelve years ago Connect For More
At that time, Connectivity Community Consulting was birthed out of necessity. Three weeks after my first wedding and a year after the Great Recession the nonprofit I was working for at the time, had to reduce it’s overheard. Meet me, I’m overhead. I was grateful to colleagues who offered contract work – something I’d never before considered – mostly because I had a wedding to pay off. Thus began my story of accidentally becoming a consultant.
Fast forward, twelve years later…
Shortly after the inception of this business, I became a caregiver for my mother. A year later I became a mother. Two years later welcomed my daughter, and one year after that became a single, divorced parent. Six years after that, I’m a wife again and now parenting a blended family circus of four children (ages 7-19) with a bonus cat and dog. Oh, did I mention I spent last school year e-learning with my elementary-age kids?
Needless to say, it’s been a challenging 12 years! But the one thing that’s remained consistent for me is Connect For More and our commitment to serving as connectors for you and your leadership. I’m proud of this little business that could and what we’ve done with leaders in our communities. I’m also excited to share where we’re headed as we enter #Lucky13.
Have You Seen Her?
I had this great plan in 2020. I was going to grow the business. And the team. And make the work more than just me doing it. You’re already chuckling (or crying) aren’t you?! That’s okay, you’ve seen how this movie plays out.
Many of us had big plans for that year. But life had bigger realities for us to face.
We are not back to “normal” and we may never be back to whatever that used to be. At Connect For More we’re focusing on functional with a healthy side of self-care and empathy. I’m pleased to introduce you to some of our newest team members:
- Geraldine “GG” Grady – Business Development Manager. GG is one of the newest additions to the Connect For More team. At the time of this writing, she is on her seventh day! She’ll be focusing her efforts on expanding the collaborative relationships we’ve had with clients, colleagues and philanthropists over the past twelve years. Click here to send her a welcome email or set up a time to chat.
- Dr. Casey Gilbert – Consulting Partner. Casey is based on the east coast of Florida in Brevard County and is the Principle at PowerWith Consulting. She has a unique leadership journey, is an excellent facilitator with great energy who specializes in navigating conflict with groups. We were pleased to meet her originally through the Florida Consultant Connection, a joint effort with Florida Nonprofit Alliance.
- Laura Cline, Executive Assistant. Laura has been steadfastly serving our clients since 2019. She’s taken on the impossible task of serving double duty as the Client/Contracts Manager AND an Executive Assistant. If you’ve met or interacted with her, you know she’s kept the wheels on the CFM bus (and this CEO in her lane) for years now. We’re pleased to have her transition into her preferred hat of service to CFM and look forward to announcing the new Client & Contracts Manager soon! Feel free to drop her a line.
Who are the newbies on your team? How are you engaging them and getting them connected to your mission work?
What’s Going On?
Despite the tumultuous times we’re still in, we’re gearing up to serve our community in bigger and better ways. With summer months (and hopefully heat!) behind us we’re looking forward to the following to relaunching the following:
- Monthly Virtual Workshops: We’ll continue to bring you thought leaders and subject matter experts to share thoughts, tips and tools on courageous leadership, mental health & wellness, and effectively engaging staff, board and volunteers. Our schedule for the year goes live soon and all nonprofit leaders will be free thanks to the generosity of our supporters! Want to receive the workshop schedule? Sign up for the Resource Connection.
- Managing Courageously Books 2 & 3 are Coming! Margarita Sarmiento and I are working on the second and third installments of this practical, tactical tool/book for any manager looking to serve authentically while leading courageously. Click here to access Book 1.
- Consulting & Coaching Work Continues: We’ve learned more agile and technological ways of helping leaders resolve issues and engage their leadership –virtually and in-person, with masks or vaccinations. We’re excited to share these with you and the organizations you serve for greater impact. Contact us today to discuss how we can both meet you where you AND take your impact to the next level!
What new things is your organization looking forward to in the Fall? What is on your leadership horizon that gets you and your team excited about your work?
Wherever this September (and beyond) finds your or your organization, we wish you continued connection, humanity, grace and levity through it all. On behalf of the entire Connect For More team, we look forward to connecting with you and continue to Cherish you!
Are you a nonprofit looking to strategize with your leadership in the current and upcoming “new normal”?
Join us for our next Virtual Workshop on September 25 – Behind the Curtain: How Do We Plan in the Middle of THIS?! We’ll be showcasing strategic planning experts to share their thoughts on planning amidst extended crises, compassion fatigue and unexpected occurrences. Register here – First 25 registrants are FREE.
Questioning if this “leadership thing” is all it’s cracked up to be?
Brené Brown defines a leader as ‘anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential’. Contact us today at info@connectofmore.com to schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation to learn more about how we can help you become a more courageous & authentic leader through coaching, self-care, and leadership development.
Are you looking for a dynamic and engaging speaker for your next conference?
Book Liz today by contacting her at liz@ltspeaks.com. Keynote topics include: Courageous Leadership, Owning Your Entrepreneur, Somehow I Manage, & Shame(less): Surviving Self-Judgement & Maximizing Self-Care.
About the Author: Liz Wooten-Reschke is President/CEO of Connect For More. She engages leaders and empowers philanthropists by sharing resources to help them exceed their mission. Liz provides executive coaching, strategic facilitations and customized solutions for all sector leaders, philanthropists, consultants and rising stars interested in making a difference in their communities. She is a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, BoardSource Certified Governance Trainer and a professional member of the National Speakers Association. Liz is also a proud member of the University of South Florida Alumni Association Board, a fourth-generation Floridian and Key West Conch. She lives in Tampa, Florida with her husband, their blended family circus, their dog & cat. For more information about Liz or her work, please visit her company website, follow her on Twitter, or visit her Amazon author page.