Launching a newsletter was supposed to be a 2020 project. And then... 2020. And, let's face it, 2021 so far.

The last months have been hard. So why would anyone take on a big new project? Well, in a complicated end to a complicated year, I found myself with time to reflect. This is what I learned:

• I am incredibly fortunate. In a year that took so much away from so many of us, I had a constant: work that I love, a sense of purpose, and self-knowledge that allows me to leverage my strengths.
• I am at my best when I am learning new things, and at my happiest when I am synthesizing that knowledge to teach, coach, and guide others. I lead with curiosity and I'm wired to help.
• I have the privilege of hearing many stories and perspectives. My job allows me to look across companies and to talk with many different people, discerning trends and information clusters.

And so the idea for the newsletter was re-kindled. Every couple of weeks I'll be sharing resources, providing food for thought, and bringing you some of the content that I've found most impactful. If you know me "in real life" you know I tend to speak candidly and that I have a strong point of view. I'll be keeping it fairly short and encouraging you to reach out if there are topics where you'd like to know more. There will be bonuses for subscribers, and special opportunities for consulting, coaching and training. My goal is to give each reader something useful in each edition.

I've loved connecting with so many of you as I kicked off this project - let's talk soon.

Best wishes,

Joanna Hoffschneider

Founder, Resolute Consulting LLC

What did YOU learn from 2020? I bet you're stronger for it.

We've all been through a lot in the last twelve months. If we don't take time to reflect, it's easy to miss what we've learned, where we've grown, and what we've achieved. It's also important to acknowledge what we've lost and when we've been frustrated or disappointed.

Have you taken time to reflect on your year? I did and it helped me to shape my plans for this year - what I'm focusing on, where I'm putting my energy, and what I need to do to succeed. We often get caught up in moving forward and forget to look back. If you're finding that you're hurtling into 2021 without consolidating what you learned in 2020, we have two resources for you.

If you want to go it alone: A workbook to guide your reflective practice. If you're not sure where to start, download this resource. It gives you brief instructions and re-usable worksheets.

If you would like some help: A live workshop to take you through the process. While we'll be specifically reflecting on 2020, you'll learn techniques that you can apply to any timeframe. We'll cover the hows and whys of reflection, the power of emotional specificity, and the importance of capturing what you learn.

Friday, January 29th, 3-5pm EST. $50, with special pricing of $25 for newsletter subscribers.

What are you reading? Some alternatives to doomscrolling.

I've always been an avid reader and tend to read more than one book at once. My current stash is typically eclectic and I offer you food for thought as you choose your 2021 reads:

• What's helping you? Like many of us, I got to the end of the year depleted. Burnout - The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, By Emily and Amelia Nagoski, explains why we get stuck in burnout and gives practical advice on how to overcome it. Note: the book specifically addresses women, but has a lot of information that is universally useful.
• What's challenging you? A light writing style accompanies heavy-hitting content in So you want to talk about race, by Ijeoma Oluo. Oluo provokes thought and encourages action, sharing personal stories that move and challenge. I read this as part of CREW DC's Leading With Learning programming, for which I am a facilitator.
• What's teaching you? While spending time with my mother, she observed, "Everything you read is for work!" Her comment surprised me, and I reframe it: I'm fortunate to do work where I can apply my natural interests. The Art of Gathering, by Priya Parker, exemplifies this. I love to entertain at home, and I bring people together in a professional setting. This book is teaching me so much about both contexts!
• What's bringing you joy? I grew up primarily in the Far East and stories of Asia bring me great pleasure. The Gift of Rain, by Tan Twan Eng is lyrical, tragic, and evokes the humidity and flavor of my early years.
• When did you last read poetry? Poetry frees the brain, allows us to process the world around us, and can be a balm for the soul in times of trouble. It's also a great "dip" when you don't have a lot of time to read. Devotions, The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver is a wonderful place to start.

What are you most excited to read - or what have you loved that you recently read? Drop me a line and let me know. I'll share the most popular recommendations.

Upcoming programming

• 1/15: ULI Next - Leadership and professional development in the time of uncertainty
• 1/29: Look Back to Move Forward. Live workshop. 3-5pm EST. $50, with special pricing of $25 for newsletter subscribers. Learn more and register here. ​
• 2/25 - 3/3: Make Your Network Work. Our first live online course. Learn more and get on the waitlist here.​

In the era of virtual training, we know there's a lot of free programming out there. So why do we charge?

• We provide training not a sales pitch. When there's no fee, you're paying with your time.
• We stand behind the value we provide. Our trainings include implementable information, worksheets, and actionable advice. You will reap significant returns on your investment.
• We want you to show up and be committed. Studies show people don't commit to free training, and don't do the work to get results. We're committed to giving you tools - and supporting you in using them.

See you in a couple of weeks. And, please, share your feedback.

©2021 Resolute Consulting LLC | www.resoluteconsulting.co I 301 873 9481