Tuesday Takeaways | My Most Interesting Weekly Thoughts 06.02.20

During this epidemic, I've been doing more reading, listening, and introspective thinking. In an effort to remember and share some of what I learned, I'm going to start posting my most interesting weekly thoughts, coupled with the best of my listening and reading list, and occasional MergeLane portfolio news. If you’d like to follow these Takeaway Tuesdays and our occasional blog posts, you can subscribe to our blog or follow me on twitter.

Question I’m Pondering: I’m deeply saddened about the state of our country this week. After some reflection, I’ve realized that my fear of how my participation may be received given my white privilege has largely kept me on the sidelines of this issue. It’s made me wonder how many others have stayed on the sidelines because of similar fears and whether shedding my fear could encourage others to step up. I’ve taken some of these recommendations for immediate action. I’m listening, reading and thinking about the best way to authentically extend support.

‍Writing: I made the commitment to stop concocting excuses and to give truthful responses to requests for my time (at least 90% of the time) in Do We Really Need an Excuse to Say No?

‍Learnings and Realizations: My colleague Leah Pearlman badly cut her finger and has been in sheer awe of the body’s ability to heal itself. This made her wonder if and how the mind might also be able to heal itself. I saw this in action this week. My husband Derek and I spent a few days apart for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown. We had a heated pandemic-induced fight before he left. After only two days apart, the content of our argument seemed almost insignificant. This has me thinking about how I might apply “time to heal” to solve other issues in my life.

I realized that I often interview other people because I think they will have more profound thoughts than I do. While interviewing broadens my perspective and shapes my thinking, I can also stifle my own voice and even undermine my credibility in the process.

‍Listen of the Week: Jim Dethmer — How to Shift from Victim Consciousness, Reduce Drama, Practice Candor, Be Fully Alive, and More - The Tim Ferriss Show. Many of you have heard me talk about how Conscious Leadership has improved every aspect of my life. This episode is an excellent primer/refresher on the subject. 

‍Portfolio Quick Hit: Tinyhood launched its baby care video series. April sales were up 62% over March. Ask: Tinyhood is looking for connections to HR benefit leaders and small business owners in order to extend Tinyhood services as a corporate perk.

‍Upcoming Fund81 VC Forum Events
Spring Fund81 Startup Spotlight (June 16)
We’re sourcing five startups from our Fund81 VC Forum members to pitch at our June forum. Apply to join our VC forum here. 

‍Upcoming Leadership Camp Events
Sue Heilbronner launched a Lightning Coaching Marco Polo Channel to deliver near-real-time, direct coaching. 
‍Mini-Camp (Virtual) (July 14)
‍Leadership Camp (September 25-26)