Before home offices and side gigs became staples in our world of work — long before women in STEM became a movement — there have always been remarkable individuals who pondered life’s greatest challenges, nurtured ideas and became inventors. Many of their inventions remain relatively unknown, even as we benefit from their brilliance each and every day.
In fact, many of the inventors are better known for their “day jobs”.
One such individual, is the enduring silver screen actress Hedy Lamarr. Discovered in Paris by MGM mogul Louis B. Mayer, she made her American film debut in 1938. (Her luminous co-stars included Clark Gable, James Stewart, Spencer Tracey and Judy Garland.) However, a collaboration with composer George Antheil, proved equally as enduring as her incredible stage presence.
Their invention — a radio guidance system for torpedoes, focused on rapid frequency hopping — and was designed to thwart jamming by Axis powers during World War II. With a knowledge base of munitions gained from an early marriage, she and Antheil successfully utilized patterns of radio signals (only known to the transmitter and receiver) to improve guidance systems. Remarkably, the principles of their work are now incorporated in current day WiFi and Bluetooth technology.
The pair received a patent in 1942. However, its elements were not widely applied until the 1960s. A play Frequency Hopping told their engaging story, which explains how the fluidity of music and ka nowledge of munitions combined to change the world.
Its always seems that the intersection of two worlds can lead to astounding creations.
Their invention was a game-changer.
Your collaboration could be the the next big thing.
Thanks Hedy.
Your side hustle is one for the history books.
Read more:
Live.Work.Think.Play shares observations concerning a wide array of topics from running a company — to the perfect fragrance. It is designed to share lessons learned from a variety of perspectives.
I’ve often wondered why building resilience isn’t a key “life imperative. Primarily because being human is often at odds with our daily struggles. Work can routinely bring stress, negativity and outright failures. Family responsibilities and stress can add to the equation. Most of us feel unprepared to combat the cumulative effects.
We often frame conversations about resilience with stories of extreme hardship or extenuating circumstances. However, built resilience could serve as an ever-present, daily mentor, helping us to rebound from the everyday pressures of our lives. Most of us forge on, taking little note of the increasing toll. Building resilience isn’t considered. This can be a serious mistake.
We don’t need to climb Everest, to reap the benefits of resilience.
Through all of our trials and tribulation, we rarely notice that our psychological resources are waning.We muddle on. We develop idiosyncratic mechanisms to bolster our mood. However, the damage accumulates and we become less able to bounce back. Months later, we may realize that we still lament the project that has been cut or the argument that may have cost us a friendship. Our energy levels are affected.
When the next event unfolds — we find ourselves bankrupt. Devoid of the necessary resources to meet the challenge.
There have been a number of discussions on this topic, including protecting ourselves from overload, banking positive currency and practicing self-compassion. However, what if we could take resilience one step further? Could we effectively build our skills (and our team’s skills) in this area — just as we challenge our muscles in the gym?
Can we learn to think and act more “resiliently”?
Well — yes. There is evidence that resilience can be learned. The work of Dr. Fred Luthans (who explores the construct of Psychological Capital) has completed research examining this area. Supporting research completed completed by Ann Masten also provides important foundational elements. This includes addressing 1) asset factors (elements that enhance our resilience, such as a stable home life or a healthy way to examine failure), 2) lowering risk factors (for example, a lack of a mentor) and 3) altering our perceptions concerning the potential to influence work life circumstances.
Here are a just few ways to apply this knowledge to our daily lives:
Facilitate network building. Building long-term asset factors, provides a stable foundation to help us deal with stressful work situations when they do arise. Consider losing a job for example; stronger networks can help employees move on more effectively by providing access to critical information concerning roles and growth needs.
Clarify strategy and goals. Reducing risk factors — elements which weaken our psychological safety net, is also vital. For example, knowing “why” we are completing a task and how our role contributes to outcomes is critical. If we fail to believe that our actions have meaning, we are less likely to forge on.
Utilize the “staunch reality” viewpoint. One scenario that quickly depletes psychological resources, is sticking to a game plan that is simply not working. Understanding that we have the ability to influence outcomes by embracing realistic assessments of workplace situations — can help us to prepare. This honest view is necessary to review history, properly identify setbacks, evaluate potential impact and brainstorm possible responses before they occur.
Aggressively focus on strengths as a “vaccine”. We can mitigate the negative after effects of stressful events, with a focus on positive elements. This includes the identification and utilization of an individual’s stronger vs. weaker skill sets. A focus on the latter, can quickly deplete our psychological reserves.
Explore the sources of “drain”. The elements that drain our psychological reserves can be varied (and often surprising). Consider the sources that affect you and meet with your team (or family members) to determine where the leaks are occurring. Brainstorm actions to stem the tide.
How do you build resilience for yourself? Share your strategies here.
Live.Work.Think.Play shares observations concerning a wide array of topics from running a company — to the perfect fragrance. It is designed to share lessons learned from a variety of perspectives.
This axiom applies even when we are discussing fashion accessories.
I’ve spent most of my working life searching for the handbag which does not reduce me to a puddle, when searching for something. (Daily life can become so much more challenging when your essential items are in disarray at the bottom of a pit. Travel only emphasizes the problem.) I can only imagine what the person behind me in line must be plotting, as I sift through the ocean that is the interior of my handbag.
Know this — I am cursing my handbag misfortune.
Personal complaints aside, designer handbag sales have dropped precipitously over the years. It is deserved. One reason may be all too obvious — the bags being made just don’t meet the needs of the of those who actually choose to carry them. Pretty handbags simply need to have more substance than being emblazoned with a chic designer’s name.
I’m long over it. They need to do their share of the work. They need to earn their keep. They need to earn our trust.
I have loved and lost quite a few great bags to prolonged wear and tear, which always leaves me with another search for my next “holy grail” bag. This one — which I owned in black, will live in my heart forever — as you could view everything that lived inside at one time. (No digging required.) The straps had ample drop to allow me to sling the bag over my shoulder. (So many of you clicked on the photo, that I’ve identified an updated version here.)
A lost love.
Sigh.
Feeling organized, professional and in control definitely extends to my accessories. Handbags need to really work for their owners. I had a friend who described her handbag search as a grueling “interview process”. I get that. I really do. It’s real.
I posed the “perfect handbag” question to YouTube lifestyle vlogger, Marnie Goldberg. (Find her down-to-earth advice here.) She shared this, “I think the key is a few pockets — a somewhat structured shape but not too many pockets or you’ll forget where you put everything. It’s hard to say there’s one perfect bag. Everyone has individual preferences.”
Structure, yes! You hit the nail right on the head! I also agree, that each of us has a handbag “soul mate” out there. But like any soul mate, they are not hanging out on the corner for you to discover them. Searching is necessary.
Below you’ll find a few handbags worth considering. They all have what it takes:
Proper handle drop for shoulder or back slinging.
A light or bright lining to avoid “cavernous pit” digging.
Compartments/pockets for small items. (A divided interior works best, if you can find it.)
Enough structure (so the purse isn’t too slouchy) for easy “browsing”.
BTW, you should consider a Purse Organizer, if you already have a handbag you love. Find a highly recommended organizer here.
Here are a few suggestions.
What I currently carry: No regrets with Tory Burch’s , McGraw Triple Compartment Tote in black pebbled leather, shown below, now discontinued (so sorry).
Big plus: All about the compartments that truly function like file drawers. Another big plus: The leather is thick & tough, so no babying this one. Minor complaint: The lining is black, so small essential items could hide if not a bright color or in a pocket. (I’ve actually come to hate this over time.) Another complaint: A bit pricey, although it will last years. I never hesitate buying a good bag second-hand. So, take a look around.
Backpack lovers: If you love sleek city style, consider this convertable style from Kate Spade .
Love a cross body? This cross body bag from Everlane has a bit of moxie (and yes, compartments galore): The Mini Studio Bag. Find it here:
Everlane’s Italian Mini Studio Bag
Here’s hoping you find the handbag of your dreams.
Do you own a handbag that really works for you? Please share what you love in comments.
The Tilbury Edit shares observations concerning a wide array of topics from running a company — to the perfect gift. It is designed to share lessons learned from a variety of perspectives.
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated – Confucius
I’ve just spent the last 3 days researching the annoying horizontal lines that have appeared on my computer monitor. I completed searches, visited a number of tech sites and read many, many suggestion on forums. I installed the updates that were recommended — and I cursed — a lot.
Finally, as a last ditch effort, I decided to tighten all of the connections to the computer screen. (Interestingly, this was the very first suggestion I came across, however I immediately dismissed it.)
So — to my complete surprise, no more lines.
Wow.
Really?
Why do we make our lives more difficult by complicating things? Life could be much simpler if we would restrain ourselves from over-analyzing nearly every step of our path.
Think about this for a moment. We might take great advice without debate. We could say “I’m sorry” to a client or customer or a family member, when things run amuck. We could listen more and talk less. We could say “thank you” more often to our co-workers or spouse. We could make decisions without a committee or meeting (Read about satisficers vs. maximizers here). We could pick up the phone instead of writing yet another email.
We might then have more time for the simple beauty that is everywhere.
I’d say there are at least one hundred ways we might uncomplicate our lives — and improve it as well.
Let’s go for it.
What will you do first?
Read more about it, by clicking on the photo.
Live.Work.Think.Play shares observations concerning a wide array of topics from running a company — to the perfect fragrance. It is designed to share lessons learned from a variety of perspectives.
Throughout much of my career I’ve opted to carry a notebook. I suppose it is my own form of “idea GPS”. I believe that moments of clarity are precious & deserve to be recorded. I hate when something crosses my mind and then disappears.
Notebooks have so much to offer — including a dose of balance to our ever-growing online lives. They are easy companions. A notebook can accompany you on business trips, vacations and moments of solitude. I’ll concede, that other methods might prove to be superior in certain situations. However, there is nothing like putting pen to paper. (The physical process of writing helps us commit information to long-term memory and can aid in idea development.)
Da Vinci utilized notebooks and that alone is good reason to employ one. He often used mirror-writing — but don’t let that deter you. (Mirror writing is definitely optional.)
In the past, I’ve carried standard spiral notebooks (I enjoy college logos). However, today there are so many interesting choices that I splurge on notebooks that simply catch my eye. They are a little like a “statement” piece. I consider the purchase an everyday luxury, much like a really great cup of coffee.
My notebook habit may seem old-fashioned. However, it’s a habit I don’t intend to break. I have some quirky habits that are captured. For example, glancing at my notebook “system”, there are project notes and “to do” lists at the front and client interview notes toward the back (dated with contact phone numbers). I’m sure your system is equally as quirky. However, notebooks are so very forgiving.
Want to try a notebook? Below you’ll find a few interesting options. Click on the item photo or link to learn more, read the reviews or purchase.
I hope you find a notebook that can help your great ideas come to life.
Live.Work.Think.Play shares observations concerning a wide array of topics from running a company — to the perfect fragrance. It is designed to share lessons learned from a variety of perspectives.
It’s a sticky problem to tackle. Primarily because it requires being brutally honest with ourselves to get a grip on the issue.
Yes, we all go through periods when work (and life) feel “out of control”. However, there are strategies that might have prevented the lion’s share of that stress. We have to be aware of the sources. And that’s on us.
Where time management is concerned — it seems that we can turn out to be our own worst enemies.
Here are a few points to consider.
1. It’s Your Problem The bottom line? No one else is going to value your time if you do not. You have to teach others (and yourself) through words and actions, that your time is valuable. That may sound as if I’m characterizing all your of coworkers and clients (or room mates or family members) as disrespectful. It’s not that. They simply have their own lives to worry about and you need to worry about yours. If you feel someone is taking advantage — be honest and let them know you’ve spent as much time as you possibly can to help them. Point them in the right direction for more guidance. Be polite but firm. You’ll find that after you go through this once or twice, the process will become easier.
2. You Have to Cut the Cord Here’s the thing — a time-management problem is usually not a time issue – it is a task issue. Specifically, you are not sorting through your work life (family life, student life) and deciding which tasks really matter. This is like keeping old shoes in your closet that you really don’t wear, but continue to take up valuable space. Sometimes you have to give useless tasks the old “heave-ho.” Do you compile a report that nobody utilizes? Attend a weekly meeting that isn’t beneficial or necessary? Write the eulogy and cut the cord. It’s up to you. Choose or lose.
3. Playing Favorites is a Must You hate prioritizing. Of course you do! Everyone does. But, the number one priority to learn to have respect for your own calendar. Just remember that multitasking doesn’t work. Focusing on a single task, without interruption is critical. If you need a release valve in your schedule for tasks that pop up, set up time each Friday (or any plan that works) to connect the dots and tie up loose ends that develop during the week. Tell people politely, “My schedule is tight at the moment, but I’ll have time to explore that on Friday.” During this designated “catch-up time” you can consider requests and communicate responses.
4. Admit It — You’re a Control Freak I know this excuse: “I don’t like to delegate.” But if you are a manager (or a supervisor or a Mom), the fact is that if you don’t learn how to delegate confidently, you will have trouble moving forward. Why? Because you won’t have the time to become a real leader. Chances are, you don’t trust other people to do the job as you would do it. I know. I’ve heard that excuse as well. But a surefire way to build resentment is to show your staff that you don’t trust them. You have to give up a little control and “mine” some time for the bigger picture.
5. Excuses Won’t Work If you have a scheduling snafu, remember to ‘fess up as soon as you realize there is a problem. Recently I waited for a scheduled appointment with a specialist. After an hour, a nurse came out to ask if anyone was waiting for Dr “X.” After identifying myself, she let me know it would be at least another hour to see the doctor and asked if I would like to reschedule. They explained that the reason for the delay was that there were late additions to the schedule, but apparently they were on the books before I walked in the door. They didn’t bother to call or text me to offer an option not to wait. If you are running behind or forget a commitment, take ownership as soon as you realize there is a problem. You’ll have a better chance of salvaging the relationship.
Time is a valuable commodity.
Use it wisely.
Read more about it:
Marla Gottschalk is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist. She is a charter member of the LinkedIn Influencer Program. Live.Work.Think.Play shares observations concerning a wide array of topics from . It is designed to share lessons learned from a variety of perspectives.
Harold Feinstein, Reaching for the Brass Ring, Coney Island, 1958
I was smart enough to go through any door that opened. – Joan Rivers
We all have misconceptions about what our next great opportunity might look like. We imagine that single phone call — or email — that will somehow change our lives. However, I’m not convinced that these “big breaks” are always movie worthy. I would argue, they may arrive without a validating signal announcing their significance.
Successful people are often asked how they became successful. Many talk about repeated failures and perseverance. (I think we’ve come to expect this). However, if you listen closely there was a moment — an opportunity that was presented — that was not glamour filled, yet helped lay the groundwork. Rachel Ray drove 9 hours (through a snowstorm with her Mom) to reach the Today Show set with Al Roker. However, this was long after she had developed her idea for 30 minute meals. She first taught her concept at chain of local grocery stores.
That effort comprised her “big break”.
Big breaks may not arrive perfectly packaged with accompanying bows. They are often a single step that may not stand out as “the one”. (Trust me, I have nothing against dreaming — but opportunities are often not what we imagine them to be.) In reality, they are neither clear or concrete.
Like jazz music that may not have clear “edges”. But, with further exploration they may possess “flow”. By nature — opportunities require us to explore, invest our time and take measured risks. Career-wise they often offer experiences that round out our skills. (Pursuing side paths, for example allows us to explore opportunities without entirely leaving our current lane. You might even pursue multiple paths.)
Opportunities hold potential — not promise. They lie in experiences, built connections and perfected ideas.
The problem is that we often fail to see them for what they are.
Opportunities come in many packages.
Be sure you open all of them.
Have you ever said no, only to realize it was a missed opportunity?
Read more (click on the photo):
Marla Gottschalk is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist. She is a charter member of the LinkedIn Influencer Program. Her thoughts on work life have appeared in various outlets including Talent Zoo, Forbes, Quartz and The Huffington Post.
Jewelry can take any wardrobe from ordinary to amazing — and an inspired jewelry designer can bring more to your wardrobe than just outward beauty. One such maker is Mirabelle, a British based Fair Trade* company with pieces are created with “love and soul”. (We can all use a bit of that on a daily basis).
Founded by Veronique Henry, the daughter of a Parisian silver maker, Mirabelle Jewellery Ltd exudes a quality of understated elegance. Worn by many, including the Duchess of Cambridge (she chose the Lolita Earrings,) the brand has been seen on numerous editorial pages.
As described at Mirabelle’s site, pieces are created:
“With a strong belief in the power of jewellery to uplift the spirits, collections are imbued with symbolism and meaning, from crystal stones to ancient talismans.”
The brand includes a number of curated collections, including a British made charm collection, a fair trade collection and a natural pearl collection. All include wonderful, easy to wear pieces.
Here are the links to our favorite picks. (BTW, these items are affordable.)
Our Earring Picks: (Quite difficult to narrow the choices! See the entire collection here.)
*From Mirabelle’s website: Fair Trade is a tool for reducing poverty in developing nations. It’s a form of Trade that builds equitable and long-term partnerships between producers in developing regions of the world and consumers in the north.
Fair Trade Guarantees many things including the following :
“…producers “receive a minimum set price for their goods, financial and technical support, healthy and safe working conditions, economic development of their communities, and educational opportunities for their children.”
Live.Work.Think.Play shares observations concerning a wide array of topics from running a company — to the perfect fragrance. It is designed to share lessons learned from a variety of perspectives.
As human beings we are destined to evolve — and as we morph into the people we are about to become — other areas of our lives often require adjustment. Yet, most of are hell-bent in thinking that our days of change are long behind us. (We couldn’t be more wrong.)
As luck would have it, our lack of ability to predict when and how we might change, has become the subject of study. Longitudinal research completed by Harvard psychologist Daniel Gilbert has aptly named our lack of foresight concerning how we change, “The End of History Illusion”. It is the belief that the end of our history is today — when in fact we will continue to change with the passage of time. (You can watch Dr. Gilbert’s TED Talk, “The Psychology of Your Future Self” below. I guarantee it will rock your world.)
In a series of studies, Gilbert explored the process of how we view personal change over time and its impact upon our lives. Their research revealed that we tend to underestimate changes in both our core personality traits (represented by the “Big 5”: conscientiousness, agreeableness, emotional stability, openness to experience and extroversion) and our core values (measured by the Schwartz Value Inventory) over the decades of our lives. While, the magnitude of the illusion seems to decrease as we age, it remains present. We continue perceive ourselves as “complete” — which couldn’t be further from the truth.
Meanwhile here is a bit of sage advice related to this finding:
Try not to view your career path as inflexible. Just as we see our own persona as unchanging, we can feel stuck or stalled because we see only one career path — and that path likely travels in one direction. If we can step back, (down or even sideways) to learn something new, interesting doors present themselves. Yes, it is challenging to be a “rookie” once again. However that same challenge can be the key to a more fulfilling future. Whitney Johnson, author of Disrupt Yourself: Putting the Power of Disruptive Innovation to Workoffers this advice:
“Be willing to step back. Backward could be your slingshot.” – Whitney Johnson
Let your personal brand evolve.
Acknowledging how we have changed over time — and aligning this with our communicated personal brand is also something to consider. Has what you truly desire to accomplish career-wise changed? Do others understand that shift? Cynthia Johnson, co-founder of Ipseity Inc, a firm that helps others develop their brand voice, encourages individuals to differentiate their personal brand in a way that is authentic. (See more of her tips here.) Utilizing digital avenues to craft and communicate your evolving personal brand, may also help align career goals with the new you. She advises you take this in steps:
“It is important to include short-term and clearly defined goals while mapping out your brand strategy. If you try to do everything at once you will become overwhelmed and do nothing at all.” – Cynthia Johnson
Bring on the new.
Aspects of work and life, that may have thrilled you in the past — may no longer motivate you. What could you bring into your world that would “meet you” where you are now? I love the advice of Gretchen Rubin (author of The Happiness Project) concerning work and those painful feelings of “envy”. She advises that feeling envy when considering another individual’s role, may signal elements that you might incorporate.
Marla Gottschalk is an avid blogger and Industrial/Organizational Psychologist. You can follow her at LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. Live.Work.Think.Play shares observations concerning a wide array of topics — it is designed to share lessons learned, from a variety of perspectives.
In the Unites States, less than 15% hold corporate board seats within global companies. (In some sectors, the percentages are even slimmer). The numbers are sobering. Organizations that include women at the highest of management levels, can enjoy a number of potential advantages, including financial performance and problem solving capabilities. Why the discrepancy?
How do we begin to shift the mindset?
Hence — “Fearless Girl”. (Read more about it here.) A direct response to the lop-sided makeup of the highest ranks of many organizations.
That the statue stands in defiance of the icon “Charging Bull” — in the midst of New York’s financial district holds tremendous significance. (She’ll be there for one year, although many are fighting to keep her. Some are unhappy with her presence). The statue was surprisingly commissioned by State Street Global Advisers. Its message is to inspire the many companies in which they invest (more than 3500) to advocate for more women at their highest ranks.
Before home offices and side gigs became staples in our world of work — long before women in STEM became a movement — there have always been remarkable individuals who pondered life’s greatest challenges, nurtured ideas and became inventors. Many of their inventions remain relatively unknown, even as we benefit from their brilliance each and every day.
The Tilbury Edit 