What Do I Actually Do?

Time to read: 24.6 seconds

Made this charm bracelet for my daughter's friend who loves Saturn

It's Thursday again!

When people ask me what I do, the obvious answer is, “I’m a coach.” Then, because the memes online about coaches are copious and hilarious, I clarify, “Not a life coach. I’m an Executive Coach,” as if that title makes one bit of difference.

The less obvious and more accurate answer is, “I do humans.” I work in many technical organizations filled with engineers, scientists, and financial analysts. My job is to help people build relationships, manage conflict, engage in difficult conversations, and design the way they want to work together. (In a week or two, I'll tell you my main motivation for doing what I do every day.)

I’m the how and why. Other people tend to the what.

Here at the Corporate Rebel, relationships are #1. I’m super social, and people are my favorite. That’s why, when you reply to one of these emails, you will get a real response. No auto responders, no assistant or proxy answering emails.

That’s how I like it.

I'm Going to Camp. Let's Write!

Time to read: A little over 30 seconds.

Do you remember? This is what a personal letter looks like.

All through elementary school, high-school, college, and Peace Corps, I was an avid letter writer. If I was running this business 20 years ago, I would be cutting and pasting this newsletter together, licking stamps and snail-mailing it to you.

I love corresponding by letter. It's private and connected and in today's world, really special. When was the last time you received a personal letter, like hand-written, real stamp, with more than "happy birthday" written inside?

I have an invitation for you. I'm spending 3 weeks working at my children's summer camp, and while I'm there, letters are the name of the game. I can't carry my phone, and there's no internet in my room so I'm back to old-school pen and paper. (For those of you who are thinking, "Wait! I want my weekly newsletter." Never fear, you'll still receive it every Thursday like clockwork thanks to the wonders of technology.)

If you'd like to write, I'd love it. And I promise to write back. Send photos of your dog. Tell me about what you had for dinner or your summer vacation. Tell me about work. Or just scrawl a sentence that says, "you're the best" (or something to that effect).

Here's the address:

Christina Boyd-Smith
Gwynn Valley
301 Gwynn Valley Trail
Brevard, NC 28712

Last year, I invited people in my Facebook community to write. (You can join using the link.) Corresponding with Corporate Rebels was so fun, I'm opening it to all of you!

I look forward to hearing from you.

With Rebel Love,

Christina

P.S. Do you have friends who would love our quirky antics here at the Corporate Rebel? Forward this email to them and they can sign up to receive the Corporate Rebel Unplugged Podcast and Newsletter right here.