White Space

An article in The Wall Street Journal really spoke to me this week - These Professionals Aren’t Retired, They Just Have Zero To Prove (this is a free link, so you can read it yourself).  It describes a number of very successful people who are embracing  a “post achievement” lifestyle with family, health and passion projects taking priority over corporate ladder climbing.

The article quotes 44-year old Rachel Barak, co-founder of the marketing firm Said Differently as saying “A lot of serial entrepreneurs are scared of the white space in their lives, and I’m really excited by that white space.”  I share Rachel’s excitement.  Entrepreneurs might create such white space when they sell their businesses, or leave high-flying corporate positions - but it can be created by other life events. 

The kids leaving for college and the passing of my mom created such a space in my life, which I’ve been navigating for the past couple of years.  Embracing my creativity has been important.  Reading, writing and talking to lots of great people have been immensely helpful in figuring out how to realize the potential represented by the white space.  Volunteering has also been informative, and now occupies a dedicated position in my weekly routine.

Late last year I decided what I am going to focus on during this next phase of life.  In addition to maintaining my media buying practice for key long-term clients, I am adding the role of Entrepreneur Coach to my repertoire.  Actually, the term used by the organization I am affiliated with is called Professional EOS Implementer.

EOS stands for Entrepreneurial Operating System, and was developed by a great fellow named Gino Wickman.  A long-time entrepreneur, Gino saw the need to simplify the complexity that many entrepreneurs are surrounded by, and assembled a comprehensive set of simple tools to help them and their leadership teams achieve more of their goals.

After talking with both my inner circle of close friends, and interviewing numerous EOS Implementers across North America, I determined that this would be an excellent way for me to contribute to the world and leverage my twenty-five years’ experience as an entrepreneur.  I self-implemented EOS in Maamos Kitchen, and know numerous people who have done the same in their businesses, to great effect.

One of the keys to EOS’ success is that it requires entrepreneurs and their leadership teams to create white space for themselves - going offsite about five days each year to reaffirm their vision for the future, getting on the same page regarding how they are going to create that future via a series of 90-day sprints.  If you consider that there are 52 weeks each year, a business that operates Monday - Friday has 260 days to get things done.  Taking 5 of them to work on the business (instead of in it), heavily focuses the way they use their precious time and energy during the other 255.  Basically a 2% time investment into planning and goal-setting amplifies the impact of the other 98%.

When all is said and done, achieving different outcomes requires different behaviors - whether it’s personal or organizational.  EOS is all about breaking down those goals into clear action steps that carry us in the right direction.  I’ve seen the compounding effects of steady, modest change - and I’m looking forward to helping entrepreneurs and their leadership teams create this momentum in their lives.

There’s nothing magical about it - we all can become more intentional about what we’re doing, and why.  Stepping out of the day-to-day current of life, creating some white space to think and dream is a great way to ensure that you make the most of this precious time we have here on Earth.

Sunday Supper
This being St. Patrick’s Day weekend, I must suggest this Oven-Braised Guiness Beef Stew w/ Horseradish Cream.  These Grasshopper Brownies would be a good finish, in the style of McDonalds’ Shamrock Shakes.

Sunday Music
Aoife O’Donovan’s name is so darned Irish.  So I have to share this recent beautiful performance of her song All My Friends.  And for a longer Sunday listen, here is the group Carrtoons’ recent live performance at NPR’s Tiny Desk.  Enjoy!

If you know anyone who might like this essay, please send it to them. 

Have a great week ahead!  Offer support to others.  Make good use of this day.  And let me know how I can help.

Peace & Love,