Victoria Labalme is a FOG (Friend of Gapingvoid) and a very bright soul indeed. She has a business where she coaches CEOs and other high-profile folks to make world-class speeches, pitches, keynotes, and presentations. In a world where so many fortunes are made and destinies fulfilled simply by having the right “pitch” i.e. saying the right thing at the right time to the right people (No pressure!), we thought sharing her world with our people would be very beneficial for all concerned. Exactly.
When we’re moving forward on a project but not as effectively or productively as we’d like, it’s worth reconsidering our environment.
Years ago, when I found myself stumped on a project and frustrated by my slow pace of progress, I went to visit Michael Moschen — a world-class juggler who happened to live nearby.
Not only is Michael known for creating utterly original work that defies the category of juggling; he also has an uncanny ability to focus. I was hoping he might be able to offer some insight on how best to approach my project.
Standing in his barn with its double high ceiling, I told Michael the details of what I was trying to work out and asked if he had any suggestions for how best to move forward.
Squatting in front of bags of props, wrapping a few crystal balls in felt, he peered up at me with marble-sized eyes and responded to my question with one of his own.
“Under what circumstances do you do your best work?”
His question arrived in the air like a blast of brightness — as if someone had opened the barn doors, flooding the space with light. It was such a profoundly simple and illuminating question that it made me blink.
I knew the answers instantly. And so do you…for you.
Under what circumstances do you do your best work? What do you need?
- Accountability
- Deadlines
- Time late at night
- A partner in the project with me
- Thinking through ideas on my own
- Time along
- Long Periods uninterrupted
- Early mornings
- Talking through my ideas out loud
- Long walk to think
- Complete silence
- A community
- A coach
- Short work sprints
- Time in nature
- Standing
- Sitting
- Moving
- Music
- A mentor
- Collaborators
- Activity in the background
We know the answers and yet we so rarely set ourselves up for success. What combination works for you?
Risk Forward. Rock On!
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| Victoria Labalme is the author of the new book, Risk Forward, and the founder of Rock The Room® — two comprehensive learning experiences designed to help people uncover and express their original ideas at work, on stage, on camera, and in life.
Her unconventional approach taps into two decades of performing arts experience: her one-woman shows, appearances at comedy clubs and Caroline’s on Broadway, on HBO, in dozens of television commercials, and in a documentary film with Academy Award-winning director D.A. Pennebaker. Her creative projects have been recognized by The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, BBC, Los Angeles Times, and Good Morning America. As a performing artist and member of the Speaker Hall of Fame, Victoria has delivered keynotes and workshops around the world. Her proprietary systems and strategies have been embraced by more than 700 organizations. |
From the bonus chapters of Risk Forward: Embrace the Unknown & Unlock Your Hidden Genius It’s not a book; it’s an experience and available for pre-order! Order your copy ASAP as they expect to sell out: In the US? Go here: Outside the US? Go here: Pre-Order info here: |
