June.

Feedback or advice? The wonder of AI. A shark's anniversary. And magical Gander.

Hello, Miss June. Not to be confused with my lovely niece June, turning 13 in a few short days. How this is possible, I do not know. Time is hurtling on by.

As predicted and occurring on an almost annual basis, we are going from a cold spring to beyond hot summer temps next week. I think I saw 99F?? 🔥

In other news, as some of you know, I’ve pivoted my business to a subcontractor model as I’ve made the decision to rejoin the corporate world in a great L&D role. And while that is bringing me a new kind of joy, this newsletter also makes me happy, and so I’ll continue to offer my latest reads, views and advice. 🗞️

Stay cool and enjoy this true start to summer.

Here we go.

Reading for Growth.

Words from Adam Grant, https://www.linkedin.com/posts/adammgrant_instead-of-seeking-feedback-on-how-you-did-activity-7322612421112520704-rVf9/

I recently stumbled across this interesting concept from one of my favorites, Adam Grant. His proposal is that we should stop having feedback conversations and start having advice conversations. Negative feedback can make us feel demotivated, and positive feedback can make us complacent. Research shows that people are more willing to give advice, and they’ll reach to the future to help you vs. only looking back. Give it a try in your next one on one meeting, or with a mentor or manager. I like the spin it puts on the concept, and I’m betting we can all get some valuable advice to learn from. 🗣️

Listening for Growth.

Top 10 Ai Podcasts, https://hatchworks.com/blog/gen-ai/top-10-ai-podcasts/

One of the goals in my new role is to ensure employees all have a baseline understanding of how to best use AI in business, so I’ve been exploring articles, books and podcasts. I thought I’d share a good list of the latest and greatest to check out.

In addition, I’m finding this podcast, One Useful Thing

interesting. Recommended by a coworker, the author Professor Ethan Mollick, Wharton Business School, works to help us all understand a research-based view on the implications of AI in work and life. Easy to digest and really informative. It is really fascinating to better understand this tool. 🤖

Reading to Escape.

Jaws, by Peter Benchley.

This may cause jaws to drop (see what I did there), but it’s the 50^th anniversary of the movie Jaws. In my youth this film made me afraid to swim… in the pool.😨 Martha’s Vineyard, where the movie was filmed, is crowded with fans and there are all sorts of activities for the weekend. The original Benchley novel from 1974 is great. It’s a much deeper and darker story with interconnected, complex characters. I highly recommend giving it a read and even watching the film again.🦈 Da-dum. Da-dum. Da-dum da-dum da-dum da-dum…

Watching for Fun.

Come from Away, the musical.

A bit of a different thing to “watch”, my husband and I saw Come From Away recently at the Ogunquit Theatre in Maine. The musical recalls how almost 7,000 airline passengers descended on the small town of Gander in Newfoundland, Canada on September 11, 2001, due to diversions and airspace shutdowns. They stayed for five days, and the people of Gander were incredible, welcoming them in, doing all they could to take care of them in one of the most painful times in our American history. As I looked at the state of the world today, I was reminded of all the good that still remains. I laughed, I cried – it all felt wonderful to remember what we are capable of. 🕊️

*The run is over, but you can find the Broadway version on streaming services.

The Quote.

🎵“You are here at the start of a moment, on the edge of the world, where the river meets the sea.” 🎵

Welcome to the Rock, Come From Away

To new beginnings, new connections, and a reminder of the possibilities to make even the toughest experiences memorable.

For Fun.

A sweet chocolate lab, who essentially followed in my lab’s footsteps. Ok, my footsteps. Ok, my fault. 🐾

Your Turn

Ok – what are you up to for the rest of June? Ice cream, beach/pool time and lobster rolls seem appropriate. Enjoy! ⛱️

Ellen