Leadership

Sharing

The essence of sharing is kindness. This type of kindness forms bonds and endless interactions.

Humanity’s interest in sharing has led to a connected society that invites everyone to do more with less. The idea of such generosity seems simple, yet, the focus on our own well-being leads to egocentric sharing that is more selfish in nature. Children fighting over a toy and adults showing off may seem unrelated, but the histrionic call for attention remains the same. How, then, can we lead without being selfish?

Perhaps harmony lies on a continuum of intent. If we leverage what we have by sharing without a need for recognition, attention is earned without hidden agendas. Although this form of selflessness is not philanthropy, there is less concern for how it is rewarded. When sharing returns to an altruistic act, generosity builds trust, engaged networks flourish, and kindness melds to accelerate those who need it.

Brewed From Within
#123 📖 Life & Happiness

By Ben McDougal, ago

Innovation in Iowa

Debi Durham is the Director and Anna Lensing is the Innovation Team Project Manager for the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority. This government organization provides remarkable programs brewed to support business and innovation throughout Iowa. Tune in to hear us talk about the state of innovation in Iowa, ecosystem mapping, EntreFEST, non-dilutive financial capital for business owners, creative business succession planning, the legacy of John Pappajohn, tech-focused policy work, and what’s next for students, entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and community builders statewide!

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By Ben McDougal, ago

Seasonality

Seasonal changes are revitalizing. The awakening of spring, the relaxation of summer, the release of fall, the refreshment of winter, and endless surprises keep us all bewildered. What if seasons apply to our work as well?

Agility awaits those who think of a job, specific roles, projects, experiments, side hustles, content creation, or entire business ventures more like creative seasons.

Quality takes time and consistency requires sacrifice, but seasons change. This reality makes decisions easier to make and action more accessible. Stress is typical when we care enough to ship something we’re proud of, and yet, every story ends. Embracing the seasonality of impermanence trims the fat of forever.

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Seasons change but never lack significance.

As we dance with new pieces of our own puzzle, milestones track progress and a beginner’s mindset keeps valiant optimism flowing. When a creative season begins to connect with the right audience at the right time, a nourishing sense of success emerges, which can extend that creative season. No matter how long a creative season lasts, prudent awareness along the way helps leaders remain harmonized with how time is invested, while the subtle lightness adds liberating vibes to keep an uncharted future interesting.

In the event energy begins to stall, as it often does, ensure you’ve done what’s needed to push through dips, gather feedback from diverse perspectives, avoid isolation, and be honest with if/how you want to continue navigating this quest. When these inevitable impasses arise, find your own version of unanimity, knowing that even if a creative season is held in abeyance, seasonality makes something you spent time with more natural to return to in the future.

If it’s time to leave one season behind, avoid potential regret by appreciating the progress made. Take time to reflect on learnings, put the old seasonal decorations away, and maintain relationships as you regenerate energy and lean into whatever season is next.

Brewed From Within
#62 📖 Leadership

By Ben McDougal, ago

Recursion

Recursion is a computer science term for the process of defining a problem in terms of itself, then dividing the problem into smaller parts of the same type.

After blogging every week for two years, it became clear how writing helps us think, translate, and index thoughts. This creative act was a commitment to contemplation and required discipline to be consistent.

Even with all the nourishing benefits, toward the end of the second year, was it time to take a break from this ambitious frequency? Indexing less would add ease, and the audience may not even notice.

Personal bandwidth and self-doubt aside, a proficiency in writing had developed, and a solid distribution system was in place. Publishing these ideas felt significant, each week’s topic guided conversations, and the timeless theme was growing a library for readers who may find lasting value long after a life well lived. It was still hard to know if this was time for a hiatus or time to double down.

By talking with mentors and considering different variables, a decision was made to double down. By continuing to write each week, a form of recursion set in and new ideas were unearthed. Each writing kept provoking more writings. The original problem was being divided into smaller parts, which made it easier to keep building without skepticism.

As more new writings shipped every week, an expanding web of thoughts fed an intrinsic motivation for perpetual learning. Along with personal growth, each piece was gratifying to share and thickened a library for leaders. After another full year of writing every week, new creative opportunities made the decision to push pause feel natural.

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It’s not a rainy day. It’s free water.

Sacrifices were made to stay consistent, but the beauty of this recursive exercise was that it strengthened my own understanding while also stretching the scaffolding that would continue to support even more vigorous art.

Action inspires action. What could you divide into smaller parts, then solve by doing more of the same?

Brewed From Within
#94 📖 Life & Happiness

By Ben McDougal, ago

Winterizing

As temperatures drop, those who live in seasonal climates prepare for winter. There are chores around the house and year-end tasks to wrap-up in business.

Transitional times can be uplifting, but the coming chill can also freeze progress. A temptation to coast makes it easy to push action into the future, but in doing so, a message that once united momentum can start to feel dispirited.

The team has earned a relaxing break, but what goals were not accomplished? Instead of putting progress on ice, reverse engineer past goals to determine whether a few final acts might move the needle. These sneaky achievements add closure and a positive boost for initiatives after the break.

Doing what’s easy delays hardship, but this resistance causes suffering. Winterize your world by attacking hardship. This demonstrates commitment, and the cold will feel more like an elegant refreshment that conditions invincible warmth.

Brewed From Within
#102 📖 Life & Happiness

By Ben McDougal, ago