Christie Solomon 11/9/24 Christie Solomon 11/9/24

The Mighty Matilda

Remembering heroes from our childhood stories can provide a sense of continuity in uncertain times and remind us that we have the power to overcome challenges and achieve our goals. One such character is Roald Dahl’s Matilda, whose determination and resilience remind us that it’s critically important to believe in yourself.

Christie Solomon 10/13/24 Christie Solomon 10/13/24

Push-To-Talk

On a liveaboard scuba diving trip to the Bahamas, Captain Tim explained the standard two-way radio protocols he encouraged his crew to utilize. Radio communication etiquette has application in any professional land- or sea-based setting.

Christie Solomon 8/27/24 Christie Solomon 8/27/24

Grow Like a Lobster

Sub-par performance chasing spiny lobster for dinner in the Florida Keys prompted further introspection on growth and strategy. Lobsters are a salient reminder that growth happens when you leave your comfort zone.

Christie Solomon 5/28/24 Christie Solomon 5/28/24

Keep Your Mind in the Boat

Inspired by Daniel James Brown’s true story about “The Boys in the Boat” and the leadership traits required for a team to exceed all expectations, I interviewed a former competitive crew coxswain, Briana Gallo, to compare her experience with that of the Olympic team in 1936.

Christie Solomon 1/26/24 Christie Solomon 1/26/24

Failure is an Opportunity

Making reversible, "two-way" door decisions with quick outcomes increases the likelihood of any failure providing opportunities for personal growth, creativity, and innovation.

Christie Solomon 11/16/23 Christie Solomon 11/16/23

Get SMARTER

We’re approaching that often daunting time of year for setting annual goals. Whether it’s a financial forecast or a New Year’s resolution, it is important to set achievable, yet challenging, goals and milestones. Get SMARTER in your goal-setting process by anticipating roadblocks and detours on your path to achievement.

Christie Solomon 3/7/23 Christie Solomon 3/7/23

Failure Builds Resilience and Antifragility

True resilience means being able to persevere, despite experiencing failure, volatility, or periods of uncertainty. Demonstrating flexibility, optimism, emotional agility, and strong problem-solving skills, truly resilient individuals survive and learn from their setbacks. The antifragile, however, not only survive but thrive because of failure and adversity.

Daisy Waithereo Wambua 10/31/22 Daisy Waithereo Wambua 10/31/22

Becoming a Digital Nomad

Live a life of travel and excitement by becoming a digital nomad. According to Statista, almost half of digital nomads are millennials, but this way of life is desirable to workers of all ages. Guest contributor, Daisy Waithereo Wambua, provides planning recommendations and tips to consider before you quit your desk job and start traveling.

Christie Solomon 10/18/22 Christie Solomon 10/18/22

A Message for Dawdlers

Don’t fall into the procrastination paralysis cycle. Learn four strategies you can implement to eliminate the mental roadblock to project completion.

Christie Solomon 9/6/22 Christie Solomon 9/6/22

The Merits of Monotasking

When you receive a phone call and continue working on your current project, you’re probably not doing either activity very well. Successful monotasking, or focusing on one task at a time, requires you to ignore the myriad of distractions around you.

Christie Solomon 8/7/22 Christie Solomon 8/7/22

Finding Your Ikigai

Ikigai is the Japanese word that means your purpose for living - or the reason to get up in the morning. According to the Japanese, everyone has an ikigai - you just need to be patient enough to find it. To do this, the authors of Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life recommend several simple practices that can be employed by anyone at any stage in their career.

Christie Solomon 6/8/22 Christie Solomon 6/8/22

When Your Authentic Self at Work is Inappropriate

Contrary to popular thought, the Economist recently argued that "no one should actually bring their whole selves to work. People are a melange of traits, [many of which] should be kept well away from the workplace." A recent Below Deck Sailing episode provides a humorous reminder why our colleagues don’t need to know about our authentic Friday night selves.

Christie Solomon 5/18/22 Christie Solomon 5/18/22

The Women of the Suri Tribe Demonstrate 5 Leadership Traits

The Suri are a self-sufficient, agro-pastoral people rich in land and traditions. The land, which is part of the diverse Omo Valley in Ethiopia, is located in the southwest along the border with South Sudan. My impression, after a recent trek in the Suri land, is that the women are the hardest-working members of the tribe - and they represent a subtle example of strong leadership.

Christie Solomon 3/27/22 Christie Solomon 3/27/22

Sled Dogs Exemplify Leadership

I recently returned from a new experience: Dogsledding and camping in Ely, Minnesota with the Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge family. It was an amazing adventure augmented by the presence of five incredible Canadian Inuit dogs pulling my sled. These working dogs were friendly, loving, and docile, but when pulling the sled down the trail they became determined machines focused on one thing: Pulling. This display of teamwork made me think about leadership, and what an example they provided!

Christie Solomon 2/17/22 Christie Solomon 2/17/22

Proactive Crisis Management in 10 Steps

Although predicting a true crisis is nearly impossible, you can mitigate the consequences of one with a proactive, forward-looking crisis management plan. Consider these 10 steps as a checklist in your crisis management plan, which includes planning for: crisis communications, business continuity, and disaster recovery for IT systems.

Christie Solomon 12/27/21 Christie Solomon 12/27/21

Battle the Burnout Blues in 5 Steps

Have you been hit by the professional burnout bus? Learn to identify the causes and symptoms of burnout and take action with five practical steps to bring your creative side back to life.

Christie Solomon 11/13/21 Christie Solomon 11/13/21

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Enhance Organizational Resilience

Companies that intentionally pursue a more diverse, equitable and inclusive (DEI) culture are more prone to be resilient in times of crisis. In fact, these companies tend to be more proactive in responding to change, often minimizing or avoiding a crisis altogether.

Christie Solomon 9/28/21 Christie Solomon 9/28/21

The Origins of ELEVATE NEXT

Recently, I came across a business card I saved from my very first, real career job out of college at the International Institute of St. Louis. The colleagues, volunteers, refugees, and immigrants with whom I worked at the International Institute more than a decade ago are the ones that inspired me to take a plunge and start ELEVATE NEXT.