“I can do anything I set my mind to.
Watch me.”

― Pippi Longstocking

• Is there a message from a childhood book that is seared into your brain?

While reading a colleague’s post about leadership, what danced into my head was the very memorable phrase from the children’s book, ‘The Little Engine That Could’. I can’t tell you how often the chant of “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” helped me to ‘chug’ through any project, lengthy day, or hardship.

• Are there any memorable phrases from books, poems, songs, or movies that inspire you?

• Any that you repeat to others?

I have many favorite childhood books that influence me in positive ways. I especially related to ‘Curious George’ because I was a very busy little girl who always managed to get myself into things that I shouldn’t. My very tired mother enrolled me in kindergarten a year early to keep the busy little bee occupied. I still carry this great energy and have found meaningful ways to channel it. I also prize the quality of curiosity as a valuable way to approach relationships, work, and life.

Another role model was “Pippi Longstocking” from the Swedish children’s series. She was a tomboy who loved animals and adventure. I think my middle name should be Pippi. I am so grateful that these books found their way to the United States when I was a child. I discovered the magic of Sweden later in life, and now it feels like a second home. I always knew I was related to Pippi somehow.

• Who do you have as role models?

• How do they inspire you?

• What other influences or formative experiences contribute to who you are today?

I am grateful for the influence of Girl Scouts and the summers spent at camp. Sometimes, when I am designing a learning experience for my adult clients, I draw inspiration from my years as a camper and counselor. A great adult learning experience should include time in a circle, movement, adventure, food, fellowship, fun, and learning. Any of which is greatly enhanced when done in nature. I would include time around a fire and singing as well if everyone were game. You might hear me humming, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,” as I make my way through the day.

Each of us is a collage of all our life experiences.

• Which part of your past shows up regularly?

• I am curious. With whom do you have conversations about the areas of your life and work into which you want to grow?

• How in this world that is constantly changing and greatly altered by the effects of the pandemic, are you learning, growing, adapting, and developing yourself and those who look to you for leadership?

• What life experience, lesson, or inspiration would you like to share?

You might notice that I did not mention any of the less-than-positive experiences or influences of my past. They have had an imprint on me as well. I have taken the lessons they were meant to teach and shed the negative energy attached to them. This work of shedding one’s triggers, biases, and patterns is as important as carrying the positive influences forward and learning new ways of being.

I embrace this work of ‘Gardening my inner landscape.’

Leslie

“Life is a grand adventure with endless possibilities;
embrace the curious spirit within you.”

— Curious George