The Space Between: Moving Out of the Swirl
I spent twenty years in the fast-paced world of biotech and corporate leadership. In that environment, the pressure to "do" is constant. We often equate movement with progress and speed with effectiveness.
But after two decades of watching high achievers, and experiencing it myself, I’ve realized that most of us are caught in what I call "the swirl."
The swirl is that place where your vision is clear, but your daily reality feels heavy and reactive. It’s the feeling of jumping from meeting to meeting, answering endless emails, and putting out fires, only to realize at 5:00 PM that you haven't touched your actual priorities. We aren't failing; we are just operating in a system that doesn't allow for a pause.
Why the Pause Matters
When we are in the swirl, we lead from a defensive position. We make decisions based on what is urgent rather than what is important. We react to the personalities around us instead of responding to the goals in front of us.
Moving out of this isn't about working harder. In fact, most of the leaders I work with are already working as hard as they possibly can. It’s about creating a "steady state," a way of working that allows you to find your footing before you take action.
What This Space Is For
I’m starting this blog, Reflections & Resources, to be a place where we can step out of the swirl together. This isn't a space for "hustle culture" or complicated leadership theories. It is a place for honest observations from the field and practical tools that actually work in a busy life.
I’ll be sharing:
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Observations: Realities from my work with teams and executives about what is actually holding us back.
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Tools: Simple ways to adjust your daily operating rhythms so you can breathe a little easier.
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Reflections: Lessons I’m learning as I navigate my own journey as a professional and a parent.
My hope is that these posts provide a small moment of thought or clarity for you. Not another item for your to-do list, but a resource to help you lead with a bit more intention and a lot more ease.
I’m glad you’re here.
