Thrive! Inc.

It is so critical these days to get outside of our own limited box/thinking. Today we're talking about how that box got created and wants to make room for getting beyond your own limited thinking. We'll talk about why compromise isn't really a great solution in conflcit. Tune in. #leadership #resonance

By releasing rigidity and embracing the energy that flows around and through us, we open ourselves to new possibilities. Expansion and contraction are natural rhythms of growth, offering moments of transformation if we remain open to them.  

Wouldn’t it be something—a pill to make us unafraid of ourselves? I know I’d take it. I relate so much to the idea of being scared of happiness. And I know I’m often the one standing in my own way. It’s easy to get wrapped up in fear, anger, worry, doubt—all the heavy things. Yet, what stands out to me is how some of the most joyful, grateful, loving people I know have lived through the hardest, darkest moments. Their past doesn’t define their joy or their ability to be present in the moment.

Curiosity alone isn’t enough to build trust or shift culture. To lead as a true learner, humility and vulnerability are essential. Too often, we invest in "know-it-alls"—our doctors, politicians, lawyers, teachers—but what we really want is connection. We crave leaders who meet us in the relational space: who are human, present, and real. This is why I believe relational intelligence is foundational for leadership.

I think we’re all ready for something different. As I look to the future, I want to meet it with curiosity. I don’t know what’s ahead, but I don’t want to let my old fears or stories decide for me. I want to believe in people, and when faced with anger, to pause instead of attacking back. I want to choose kindness over fear.

Did you know you have two voices in your head? I didn’t. For the longest time, I believed the critical voice that put me down or filled me with worst-case scenarios was my only voice. I thought it was helping me: keeping me prepared, pleasing, perfect, and successful. So, I embraced its strategies. But deep down, I envied those calm, relaxed, happy, and creative people. How did they do it? While I worked hard, hit deadlines, and made sure everything was perfect, I was also tense, sleep-deprived, in chronic pain—and miserable. Then, someone told me I have two voices in my head: - Fear of the ego (the small, separated self), and - Love of the heart (connected to the all). What? Sounds a little "woo-woo," right?

In our work with business leaders and teams, we emphasize the need to create spaces where conflict isn’t just okay—it’s welcomed. The secret is recognizing that differences are normal, and that the key to turning conflict into creative solutions is vulnerability and curiosity. When those two elements—vulnerability and curiosity—are missing, things spiral into a cycle of right and wrong, fear, and eventually violence. I read in the paper today that some states are requesting the National Guard to protect poll workers and election officials. It’s concerning, and makes me wonder if we've moved far beyond just needing "Bread and Butter."

We’re incredibly fortunate to live in this country, but we must rise above the hate and righteousness that can so easily divide us. This week, I’m experimenting. I’m going to keep asking, “What would love do?” to guide my choices.

REMINDER: Your Input Wanted 🤓 (Help Us, Help You! ) ---- Here at Thrive! we’re revitalizing our work with leaders and teams. We have a lot percolating, and it’s great time to get input from you. We’ve designed a short, five question (2 minute) survey that we would love your input on. Please visit https://lnkd.in/gvgiDzwN, answer the questions, and help us, help you! Thank you in advance for taking this survey - your input is greatly appreciated. - CrisMarie Campbell, MBA and Susan Clarke

Politics and personal beliefs often blur together, especially during an election cycle like this one. But some issues go beyond policy debates and strategies. For me, reproductive rights and the freedom of choice are exactly that—issues that stand above all the noise. What made the rally even more moving was a brief yet powerful moment with Senator Jon Tester. We didn’t expect to see him there. It wasn’t a Democratic rally, after all. Yet there he was, standing right behind us, just another person in the crowd. We snapped a photo with him, and I got a quick moment to tell him how much I appreciate that he brings a sense of humanity into politics for me. When he spoke, it wasn’t about his campaign. It was about women’s rights.