FOR NEXT WAVE DESIGN LEADERS

Hi Reader,

The coach in me will say that chaos is a part of life and that it goes hand-in-hand with transformation. That chaos shows up in our relationships in the form of conflict, conflict is an opportunity for growth, and conflict arises from unmet needs, limited resources and differing social values. I know this comes as zero shock to you, but there's been a shit ton of chaos and conflict these last two years. At this pace, it can be difficult to see and feel any growth.

I know it's bad form to have a newsletter and be inconsistent with it. I fully admit it's been hard to follow my own guidance these last two years, but the important thing is not letting these inconsistencies lead me to shame myself. It's my goal everyday to help others know they've done a good job even when it doesn't go according to plan and I'd be a liar if I didn't apply that goal to myself as well.

Instead, the patient in me is thinking a lot about rest, boundaries, deep breaths, and finding any moments of fun. It's all so serious right now (which, yup, is totally understandable) and yet the need to be silly has to be a priority for me right now.

So, rather than look at all the challenges, today I'm measuring the moments of boundaries held, silliness had, deep breaths taken, and rest we've claimed inside the SWD community in 2021. I look at these numbers and they tell a positive story in light of all the challenges we're facing day-by-day.

These numbers are healthy:

• 163: The number of people who signed up to learn with us this year. 🤯 I can't tell you how humbling it it is to know that 163 humans placed their time and trust both in us and their peers.
• 12: The number of full ride scholarships to Strategic Business Thinking we've handed out. 😍 Are you looking to practice new skills and identify as BIPOC/women/nonbinary? Please get in touch to hear more about our scholarships.
• 121: We launched The Dive Club to our students and alumni this summer. 🤿 Inside, we've run 121 different live events, office hours, AMAs, panels, and workshops. Whether chatting about comp packages with Brandy Porter from WW and Kelsey Hayenga from Lady Bird Talent, implementing the POKR framework and Desirability Scorecards at DocuSign with Sai, Jake, and Anindya at DocuSign, or moving fast and slow with John Cutler.
• 18: Promotions or new gigs for SWD alumni this year. These are just the ones that I know of. Y'all are bad ass and fully deserve to go out and get your due. For those who are still on the look out or cool staying where you are, you are beyond bad ass.
• 48: My eldest child is now working part-time for the dairy farm our neighbors run. She helps take care of 48 cows 4 days a week and this is how she's soothing her soul. I can't tell you how proud I am.

It's quitting time for the SWD team. We'll be offline until January 4, 2022. As a reminder, we've got all new courses in 2022 and we'd love to learn with you. Until then, I hope you find some rest, set your boundaries, take many deep breaths, and let me know all the ways you're being silly.

I'm proud of you.
Ryan