Be a leader before you are one!

It's easy to forget that our leadership is omnipresent.  Sometimes you may not realize your capacity to lead, and it's an important skill to practice!

http://blogs.hbr.org/2013/05/act-like-a-leader-before-you-a/

Are you focused on the right things?

You find yourself constantly fighting fires, trying to keep things from escalating completely out of control- but are you remembering to stay focused on the right things?  Some great tips from Harvard Business:

http://blogs.hbr.org/2011/07/how-to-stay-focused-on-the-rig/

Positively Amazing

A common New Year's resolution is to be positive more often.  Here's an article giving some good advice, in taking baby steps to boost your positivity!

http://blogs.hbr.org/2011/07/learning-optimism-with-the-24x/

As we start 2014, it's important to remember not to be too hard on ourselves, especially as moms!  This short video is a great reminder... http://www.upworthy.com/these-kids-finally-say-what-they-really-think-about-mom-and-her-reaction-priceless-9?c=reccon1
Happy New Year!

See the beauty in yourself!

If you haven't already seen this short (3 1/2 minute) video, it's absolutely worth the watch.  Two different people describe the same person to a forensic artist-- see the results!
http://www.upworthy.com/2-people-described-the-same-person-to-a-forensic-artist-and-this-is-what-happene?c=reccon1

Say Hello to Diane Syrcle!

 In our continued series 'Meet our Members'
we present Diane Syrcle! 

What is your business or what leadership roles do you hold?
I am the Executive Vice President for Development at the Oregon Symphony, a role I have enjoyed for a year.  My role with the Symphony is to build relationship within the community to connect the heart and the imagination to the ears, inviting people to invest in the amazing gift of inspiration provided by the Oregon Symphony.

What do you personally get from The Link events and the community?

I was fortunate to participate in A Seat at the Table and developed life-long friendships with a group of women I respect and continue to learn from.  I learn and I connect with amazing women at each event. 

What separates The Link from other groups?

The Link is intentional - we come together to connect, to build bridges, to develop new skills and friendships.  The good old girls network at its very best.

What aspects of the Link have you engaged in?

A Seat at the Table and members only events.  The content is exceptional and feeds my need to learn.

Bio

Diane Syrcle joined the Oregon Symphony as Executive Vice President for Development July 2012. Prior to joining the Symphony, Ms. Syrcle was the Executive Director for Oregon Ballet Theater for two years and Executive Director of the Portland Youth Philharmonic from 2003 until 2012. She served as Director of Education at Portland Opera for seven years following a career as a professional opera singer. 

Syrcle holds an MBA in Organizational Development from Marylhurst University, a Master's of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor's of Music/Music Education from West Texas A&M University. She is a graduate of A Seat at the Table Leadership forum hosted by The Link and the first Executive Leadership Cohort supported by The League of American Orchestras. She chaired the Best Practices Task Force on the State of Oregon Leadership Council for K-12 Arts Education, as well as the Professional Development Committee of the Right Brain Initiative Arts Integration Program. She also served on the board of directors of both the Youth Orchestra Division of the League of American Orchestras and on the Business for Culture and the Arts Board. She received a Young Audiences Sunburst Award for Arts Education Advocacy in 2010.  Diane is an accomplished banjo player and is known to spontaneously burst into song.

Introducing Susan Clark!

Susan was the very first President of The Link For Women Ambassador Board...and a longtime friend and colleague! 

1.  What is your business or what leadership roles do you hold?

I’m the proud owner of Heartspark and the principle facilitator of the Ignition series where we teach you how to discover what you truly want and experience how easy it is to get it by tapping into your natural patterns of success.

 2.  What do you personally get from The Link events and community? 

A breath of fresh air. Even though I’m surrounded by clients I adore, being an entrepreneur can be isolating at times. The Link offers laughter, learning and connection – usually accompanied by a glass of wine. What’s not to love?

 3.  What separates The Link from other groups you belong to? 

Access to the stories behind the women. Cindy encourages speakers to share their personal stories – trials and triumphs – in addition to their planned “message.” That seems to open the door for the rest of us to do the same. The masks come off. I’m not big on small-talk, so this makes for genuine connections that are deeper than I’ve found elsewhere.

4.  What aspects of The Link have you engaged in and how have they been a benefit to you?
My involvement as a business partner, board member (and former chair,) occasional speaker, book club member and facilitator for A Seat at the Table and Using It has allowed me to develop friendships with other members who I would only have a passing acquaintance with otherwise. This has benefited me personally as well as resulted in tangible business results as well.