KERSTIN ANDLAW

Connect In

1/12/2024

Connect In

For all of us who see life as an opportunity to contribute, to serve, and in so doing to become our most accomplished, fulfilled and impactful selves, Myrna Jelman and I have an Invitation for you to Connect In.

If you are receiving this email, then you are either one of our personal connections, or someone you know has thought you would like to receive our invitation. We hope you will in turn send this on to anyone you think might enjoy knowing about this initiative.
We will run six free, drop-in, monthly 1h30 Zoom sessions where like-minded people can join us. You might be looking for the next stage in your career, for who you want to be, for what might be your unique contribution to the world.

How we will work together
You will be invited to settle down, connect inward and listen to what your own life is trying to tell you. We will create an atmosphere that allows you to be more wholly yourself, in the company of others who are doing the same. We will also share an insight, a story, a thought at each session and give you space to explore anything that comes up for you that day that you want to take back into your life.
We want to create a space where we can all go deeper than the superficial thoughts and feelings of our every day (moving down the U of Theory U for those who are familiar with the model and who might enjoy a theoretical reference point). It will be reflective, but it will also be about moving your insights out into the world so you can act more intentionally and more purposefully in your day-to-day life. And of course, it may also be about being stuck, confused, frustrated, not knowing who you are becoming or where you are going, but doing so in the company of others who understand what that can be like.
We think that living an intentional life is a wondrous and mysterious journey and that far too often, we live the journey alone. Come and join us, there is no big commitment to make. We only ask that, if you decide to join us, you stay for a whole session and you arrive on time (Because of the way we will work, we will not allow latecomers after the first 5 minutes). You can join just one session, some sessions, or all the sessions.

We look forward to welcoming like-minded people to what we hope will be a special experience. Kerstin and I will decide after the first 6 months if we want to continue with this offering, and what format it might take: a paid subscription, a pay-as-you go experience, or something else altogether shaped by your feedback.

When?

All sessions will take place on Zoom at 10.30-12.00 UK/11.30 -13.00 CET on the 3rd Monday of the month, 19 February, 18 March, 15 April, 20 May and 17 June.
If you are interested
Click the button below and you will be taken to the Zoom registration page where you can enter your name and email address allowing you to receive the Zoom link for the first session on 22nd January.

To receive the Connect In Registration Links please click on the link below.
You can opt out of our reminders at any point in time.

Connect In Newsletter

Who we are

Myrna Jelman has worked in Leadership Development, Executive Coaching and Organisational Consulting for over 25 years in international organisations spanning the private and public sectors as well as NGOs and government. She is energised by humanising leadership and work cultures. She creates and facilitates enriching learning environments through one-to-one coaching, small group work, leadership programmes or consulting assignments. She is committed to helping organisations and their leaders to find meaningful responses to today’s problems. For years, she has been interested in the notion of living purposefully and in 2001, she led a cooperative inquiry on the Journey Towards Purpose.

Kerstin Andlaw brings a distinct blend of skills and experience to transformational coaching, consulting and teaching. With a career spanning over a decade in learning and development, she has seamlessly collaborated with diverse organizations across industry sectors. At the core of her professional ethos is a commitment to fostering presence and openness, creating an environment conducive to growth. Guided by a profound journey of intentional and conscious living, Kerstin is dedicated to enabling both individuals and systems to not merely function, but to thrive. Her authentic approach resonates with a genuine passion for empowering others to unlock their full potential.

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Riding the waves of change

8/1/2020

3 Comments

What is required to navigate the rapidly changing world we are living in?
Our world is changing constantly, now more than ever, and with the increased levels of connectivity the speed of change in our personal lives, our work and the world we live in is more apparent to all of us.
From the direct effects of COVID-19, the knock-on effects to the economy, to the rapidly approaching future effects of bio engineering and bio technology plus the changes to our climate and environment; we cannot rely on history to tell us how best to navigate all of this.
Fear and worry are affecting many, from governments and business’s to individuals.
Not knowing what the future will look like, but knowing that significant change is occurring, we need to focus on how best to adapt and actively direct this change.
Whether on a business level, personal level, government or global level, the skills required to utilise this change as an opportunity for a greater future lay present in each of us.
The skills to navigate change first come from acknowledging our own ignorance and allowing ourselves to be comfortable with not knowing - this is the foundation to experience change positively.
Becoming aware to what we pay attention to and take responsibility for how we experience is second.
Critical thinking, Communication, Collaboration and Creativity are skills that are fundamental to navigate change even more than knowledge and experience.
Critical thinking
Is the ability to thinking outside our current model of the world, and outside our conditioned and current ways of working and living, the status quo. For this we need to put aside our preconceived ideas and bring curiosity to every aspect of life and work.
Whilst being broad in our view, looking at the bigger picture, and looking for positives and solutions within everything we encounter, we can stay aligned with ourselves and be open for new possibilities and ideas to arise.
Communication
Communication is 90% listening and 10% speaking. How often do we think of the answer whilst listening, or even before a conversation has even taken place?!
Perpetuating our own limited and ignorant view, instead of truly listening for something new, something useful, a different perspective or asking a question that focuses our attention on new possibilities is merely a habit that can be changed. When we listen beyond words we allow the expression of another to reverberate within us before responding, and allow space for new and greater understanding.
Understanding that each and everyone has their own limited view of the world, based on experiences, bias’s, conditioning, varying perceptions and perspectives, enables us to more fully connect and collaborate. And the same is true for being self-aware of our own limited views, bias’s, conditioning, perceptions and perspectives
Collaboration
The evolution of humanity was not an individuals feat, but through collaboration and collective change has humanity evolved and progressed. Human beings do not succeed in isolation, we are interconnected and are at our best when working together.
Cave men eventually realise that it was more effective to operate as a tribe to provide sustained safety, food and shelter. From there, humanity developed into what is now a complex system of interdependencies and connections that has enabled humanity to progress and live at a higher level.
Creativity
Creativity requires space and action. Playfulness, asking questions and being open to not knowing and trying again and again creates a space for new ways to solving problems, implement solutions and develop new strategies.
An environment conducive to creativity is one of trust, focused on possibilities and taking action without attachment to the outcome.
Cultivating critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity increases our ability to learn new things and maintain our mental balance, I call this stepping up and leading from within.
Through awareness we can take responsibility of how we show up in the world and understand our deep drivers, our purpose and values. This enables us to make better choices that are less influenced by conditioning, beliefs and stories to navigate change effectively.
We can then stay connected to who we are, our core values and a future with all its possibilities, at which point innovating and re-inventing ourselves, business’s and society becomes effortless.

3 Comments

Creating New Futures

7/1/2020

2 Comments

Change and uncertainty is nothing new and is the constant which perhaps for the first time in over a decade we are fully aware of collectively.
Some see COVID-19 as a tragedy that we are all victims to and some see it as a catalyst for change; and opportunity to think outside the box, step up as people, managers, leaders and employees and create a new normal.
One cannot exist without the other and tragic as it is an opportunity we do have.
The world has changed rapidly and people have adapted in lightning speed and with this has come an awareness of what is important, and what is valuable and desired.
Note, that if you are one of the people or business’s that are not clear on what you want or desire, considering what you don’t desire can provide information about what you do want, as long as you are willing to look to the opposite of what you don’t want.
Whether this is with regards to your company or business, or related to your work or personal life it works exactly the same way.
For example, if your business is struggling to create new leads and business relationships in these remote and digital working environments because ‘its just not the way it's done or doesn’t work as well’ you are stuck focusing on what you don’t want.
Versus focusing on the opposite to create new leads through new digital engagement to remove pre-conceived limitations, which replaces it with innovation, creativity and possibilities.
I am convinced that one of the most helpful things we can do for people is to refuse to buy into their inappropriately restrictive
views of their limitations. - Nathaniel Brandon
The possibility to purposefully create and re-invent the way we work and life only exists if we are willing to focus on what we want, instead of focusing on what you don’t want.
Instead of focusing on the increase in COVID-19 cases that we don’t want, the collapse of the economy which we don’t want, the difficulty in finding new business that we wish was easier; pay attention to what you would like to create as a business and the services/products you offer, for your people and your personal life.
Start by answering the following questions;

What is working well in your business right now? What is working well for your people and yourself right now?
What do you appreciate, look forward to or want more of for your business, your people and yourself?
What value does your business create for your clients and customers and how could you create more value?
What do you value most? What do your people value?
What could you create that is better than before COVID-19?
Now this is nothing radically new, but it steers our focus towards change and transformation that is effortless as we are looking in the direction of potential and possibility.
It is equally important to realise that we could attribute the opportunity for radical positive change to COVID-19.
Which seems a nice way to shift the perspective to view it as a positive without dismissing the tragedy it also is.
However, that would mean that we are missing the point.

The opportunity for radical and positive change is not new with the arrival of a pandemic and has always existed and continues to exist.
It would be a disservice to humanities potential if we would believe this illusion.
We didn’t need COVID-19 to change, to think outside the box, to transform the way we work over night and to step up as people, as managers and as leaders. However, it has been a catalyst for change on a collective level.
The potential for radical and effortless change exists constantly and only depends on where we place our focus and attention to create what we want.
Therefore the only question is; what are you going to choose?
Will you continue to focus on what you don’t want and are afraid of, or are you going to purposefully re-invent and create a new future for your business, your people and yourself?
If this has sparked something positive in you, I will be delivering a webinar ‘Creating new Futures’ in June. Please get in contact to reserve your place.

2 Comments

Leading through Change

5/1/2020

2 Comments

For the first time in many years we have lost the illusion of certainty on a global level.

Uncertainty is nothing new and has always been the constant, but planning the future and filling our calendars leads us to believe that we have control and certainty.
Therefore when the unexpected happens we attempt to gain control by controlling our circumstances, situation and the people around us.

This is helpful to an extent in adapting to change and creating a new normal, but if we are to create new possibilities and lead through change powerfully we need to understand the internal process of adapting to change, which involves; acceptance, taking ownership, serving people and being present.

Acceptance, which doesn’t mean agreeing or burying our heads in the sand, is to be ok with ‘what is’ which is more powerful than being and thinking ‘what-if’. ‘What-if’ increases uncertainty as it is focused on the future in a passive way which increases overthinking and our minds tend to be busy enough already.

The more you resist ‘what-is’ the more we suffer; or the way Werner Erhardt would express it; ‘Whatever you are pushing against you are stuck to.’

Instead focusing on ‘What-is’ resides in the present moment where we can take action and have a level of control over.

Beyond accepting ‘what-is’ there are two ways of being in this world, one is being an owner, the other is being a victim.
Someone in a victim state of mind will view life as happening to them, unfair, a burden and something to get through.

Counter that to someone with an owner state of mind that takes full responsibility for their experience of life, uses it is an energy source, to create, learn and grow from.

To better understand and if required shift your way of being, examen the language you use, not only when you communicate with others but most importantly the language you use in your internal dialog.

To lead powerfully through change we also need to understand the difference between serving and pleasing people.
When you please people, be it the people you lead at the office or in your personal life; you tend to take the path of least resistance. Keeping everyone happy and being part of the gang and being liked is a way of pleasing people.

When you serve people, you consider what would be most beneficial for that person which will also serve you and the company or community you are part of.
This isn’t necessarily the easiest path to take, but if you communicate clearly without leaving room for assumptions you enable people to step up, grow, develop and progress.
This may mean; asking for more, saying no, backing off, or challenging people to do better, and take responsibility and ownership of their lives. Whatever it is, doing it in the most loving way possible means you get people onboard and lead powerfully through change.

One of the key qualities that enables you to take ownership, serve people and accept what is, is being present.
Being fully present and engaged in the here and now, enables you to be ok with ‘what-is, know when you fall into pleasing instead of serving people, and know when you loose sight of your ability to create new possibilities.

Most importantly, adapting and leading through change starts with you, with who you are and with what works and makes sense to you.
Your response to change will always be unique to you and your perspective of the world. Having the ability to shift your perspective to different points of view, to engage, be present and play full out with a fearless heart makes you a powerful leader.
Paying attention to these three attitudes described in this article creates the foundation from which to act and move forward more powerfully.
You can do this internal work by becoming more aware of how you do what you do or by engaging with a professional coach to shed light onto your blind spots.
Either way, if you take this on board, the only question left to ask is - what do you want to create now?

2 Comments

Gender Equality - are we missing something?

4/1/2020

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We all know of women in leading positions, some in sectors that may be male dominated and we
know of women that feel that they have limited prospects because of their gender.
The question that arises out of this is, why is that the case and what is the differentiating factor?
Is it luck, is it to do with what colleagues, peers and leaders someone is working with, is it company culture, unconscious bias, is it capacity and capabilities?
Asking this questions, leads us to uncover a variable that receives little consideration. But to start, let me ask you this;
Have you ever encountered someone being incredibly rude or obnoxious to you and instead of feeling offended you perhaps found it funny or felt compassion for that person?
OR
Have you ever felt something to be unfair, unjust or wrong and the next person has the complete opposite view?
From my experience, your answer will most likely be yes, as we all know that our perception has a play in how we experience the world around us.
Spiritual teachings have always been pointed in this direction for centuries and science, more specifically quantum physics, is proofing this variable that our experience of the world is created internally through the process of thought.
We do not have a direct experience of people, situations, circumstances, or anything else. What we actually experience is our very own, individual, thought created reality.
Yet it seems to us that what we experience is objective and we very innocently fall for it.
‘Thought creates the world and then say’s, I didn’t do it.’ - David Bohm, Quantum Physicist
This is a constant variable that unless we truly consider this fact of life, we are ill equipped to solve some of the biggest issues our world is facing. (but ore on that another time)
With regards to gender equality; being consciously aware of this variable provides access to approach the topic from another angle.
When we speak about gender equality we tend to focus on the external appearance of things (situations, circumstances, people).
Therefore, we look for solutions (out) there; by trying to change peoples behaviours, peoples unconscious bias, company structures and culture.
I am not saying that there isn’t some work to be done in terms of those external factors, but we are missing a very important piece if we are exclusively looking for solutions and change externally.
Our circumstances, situation and people could be perfect and yet we would still find different people having different experiences about it.
By taking into account that each and everyone creates their own separate reality we are creating change at the source.
Educating and supporting people to become aware and truly understanding this variable enables people to create change from the inside out and take ownership of their experience.
What I mean by that is, that as longs we belief that external circumstances, situations and people have the power to create our experience, we have limited scope and power to create change. In other words we are a victim.
By understanding that our experience is created form the inside out, we are empowered to access the full spectrum of solutions and possibilities, are able to step into our own potential and therefore take ownership of our experience.
What is more powerful and effective; trying to change circumstances, situations and other people or understanding how our experience is created and therefore creating change from within in how you show up?
How empowering would it be to enable anyone feeling at the mercy of inequality to create a new experience from the source?
I have witnessed incredible results in people’s success and wellbeing across all aspects of life by shifting their focus away from the external and to the internal workings of the mind.
Next time you are faced with a difficult situation or person, be curious about where your experience is really coming from and the possibility of experiencing this exact situation or person differently.

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