C-Suite… Red Lips

I sashayed into the private board room where 6 C-suite executives sat and I asked them this one question… Who are you?

I wasn’t surprised by the answers…

6 months ago I was hired to do a one-day leadership and personal development intensive for the C-suite executive group of a multi-billion dollar company.

When I walked into the private boardroom, I could tell by the looks on their faces that I wasn’t what they were expecting.

It’s ok. I’m used to it and I like to keep people on their toes.

They had put their laptops and notebooks and pens all set and ready in front of them on the table.

Ready for the typical workshop experience.

But little did they know, I am far from typical.

As I sat down at the head of the table, they all began greeting me with hi’s and hellos.

With my red lipstick perfectly intact as always and my 120mm So Kate’s , I made eye contact and smiled but I did not say a word.

Once again I like to keep people on their toes.

In front of me on the table was my phone for recording, my notebook, and my pen.

The room was silent and all eyes were on me.

“I’d like to start off this session by asking one question. It will be the foundation of the work we do together today. And that question is… Who Are You?”

I looked to my left and caught the eye gaze of a blue-eyed executive with Cartier cufflinks.

“ Let’s have you begin and then we will continue around the table. “

As they went around the table telling me who they were, a common theme came up.

They shared their work title, something about their schooling, their professional accolades and awards, and something that would indirectly indicate their financial status.

Some even shared their marital status and a little about their families.

…But that’s not what I asked for.

As the last executive shared who they were, I thanked them for answering my question.

And then I said, “ I’d like to try this again. So if we took away your title, your degrees or Collegiate affiliations, your awards and accolades, and your money… who are you now?”

Looking around the room all I could see looking back at me were eyebrow furrows, death stares, and radio silence.

THIS is where our work together started for the day.

———

It’s easy to think the that the cause of your unhappiness is not getting or having what you want- only to get all that you desire… the accolades…the money…the title and realize that it’s not enough.

So what’s next?

Society makes the mistake of assuming that because you have what money CAN buy, that it shelters you from uncomfortable feelings and the realities of life.

Not true.

When reaching the impossible goals tends to only allow for a fleeting moment of happiness….Now what?

Without all the glitz and glam of accomplishments and titles and money, are you confident in who you are on a very grounded, stripped down raw and soul-based level?

Our world, our society is increasingly affected by the exponential increase in choices and opportunities available for those who have amassed massive wealth and status.

It is therefore imperative to understand your relationship with money and success and the impact that it has on your state of mind, your overall well-being, your way of life, and how you see yourself.

Because beyond money, title and status are where true happiness and full acceptance are created. But you won’t know that until you get there and you realize it.

Doing the intangible work is what will create massive shifts in tangible results.

And that’s exactly what happened for all six of the Csuite executives that I had the honor of coaching and spending the day with.

Since you took the time to read this entire message, you should get something out of it.

Let me ask you-

If you took away your title, your degrees or Collegiate affiliations, your awards and accolades, and your money… who are you now?