65 Years Old - Love of the Game

In this newsletter, read an amazing report on the state of women in Corporate America, a great article on parenting and disconnecting from the phone, and a song that will have you dreaming of swimming in the ocean.

65 Years Old - Love of the Game
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

I was at the gym this week, enjoying my workout, when I walked past the basketball court and saw an older gentleman shooting baskets from the free throw line. I stopped. He made the first basket. I continued watching. Tom proceeded to make 12 baskets in a row! I was shocked - but afraid to actually go into the gym and say something. Then, at about 6am two days later, I saw him again. I walked in and Tom tells me how much he loves the game of basketball. Tom is 65 years old, and was on his high school team, but never got much playing time. When he comes to the gym he shoots hundreds of shots, and doesn't leave until he has achieved 80% accuracy!

Tom isn't doing this to play in an arena one day, but simply for his love for the game. He shared when he goes to the gym by himself to shoot, he still lights up like he did when he was a kid.

He and I joked because I was simply amazed at how accurate his shot was; he couldn’t get any of his family or friends to come watch or to believe that he’s a decent shooter!

My middle child plays basketball, and through him I am learning the sport. I didn't realize until this moment that love for basketball can last a lifetime. Thank you, Tom - I am watching!

Good Quote

Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.
Augustine Og Mandino

Life

I listened to The Knowledge Project podcast featuring Kat Cole. I heard many nuggets of wisdom, but what I found unique is how Kat approaches conversations about marriage with her husband. They treat it similarly to business, discussing what went well and what can improve. Taking a different angle on the dialogue over marriage allows them to constantly learn about each other, and also to strengthen their connection. Listen to the 2-minute podcast clip below to hear Kat on marriage dialouge.

Corporate Ecology

“Women in the Workplace” is the largest report on women in corporate America. This yearly report is in its 7th publication and it does not disappoint. It has great insights on the state of women, our obstacles and challenges, and a fabulous headline picture of a black women with her natural hair (see below). Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the read - this should be required reading for every corporate leader.

Women in the Workplace 2021
Corporate America is at a crossroads. The choices companies make today will impact women in the workplace for decades to come.

On Family

Corporate moms, I hope you have some time to relax and enjoy loved ones this season. I found a few great ideas in this article on how you can spend quality time with your family.

11 Ideas for Fun Family Activities Everyone (Yes, Everyone) Will Enjoy
From the serious to the seriously silly, there are plenty of fun family activities you can get up to any time of year. Some family activities might be constrained by the weather, but when you’re with your clan, you can get up to anything—and these family activities will give you a little inspi…

Disconnect

The article below explains why parents should consider disconnecting from the phone - from the child's perspective. Today's Parent magazine did a great job drawing on research, expert advice, and actual family examples. Towards the end of the article there are tips for parents on how to connect with your children away from your phone. The advice is not only simple, but easy. For example, if you’re looking at your phone and your child starts talking, then look them in the eyes. Simple, right? Yet I too often find myself locked into my phone, which makes the child feel ignored.

Yes, your smartphone habit is affecting your kid—here’s how
We’ve all spent countless hours lost in emails or Instagram, but experts are worried that when we’re connecting online, we’re connecting less with our kids.

Can I Leave You with a Song?

Ok. Seriously - Black Pumas will have you dreaming of floating in an ocean with his amazing rendition of “Sittin on the Dock of the Bay”.