The Season of Summer – Riding the Wave with Debbie and Susan

Learn from Seasons Leadership Founders and Co-Hosts Debbie Collard and Susan Ireland as they explore the seasonal metaphor of summer – freedom, being in the flow, high energy and taking breaks to enjoy the season.
 
 Show notes

(0:43) The show starts with Susan and Debbie introducing the metaphor of the seasons and why we call ourselves Seasons Leadership. (3:20) Susan talks about the influence of the book “Time Between Dreams” by Carol A. Vecchio, and shares Carol’s vision of thriving in summer, “means that we have a clear vision, dream or direction and the energy to launch, build and create it.” Both leaders share nostalgic stories about transitions to summer. Debbie’s is about middle school transitioning to summer (1:39) and Susan’s is metaphorical about the summer of her corporate career (3:44). 

The leaders review questions (5:00) that we should ask ourselves during this season in our life and they encourage listeners to commit or make a decision (6:56) and encourage feelings of connection (7:51). The conversation turns to leadership (9:20) and Debbie talks about how coaching clients are grappling with work/life blending – especially during the summer. Susan encourages listeners to pursuing coaching (10:55).

During the show break (11:25) learn more about coaching through Seasons Leadership.

(12:34) The discussion continues about coaching in “summer” and the challenge of managing the energy of the season (13:30). Debbie and Susan share the importance of intentionally taking breaks (14:08) and how this relates to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The leaders reflect on how the “western world” views taking breaks (16:47). 

Susan shares an idea she got from the Gretchen Rubin Happier Podcast episode 379 – to pick a summer song (18:09) and Debbie and Susan share their summer songs. Next (22:55), they move on to book recommendations (see resources below) and explore the idea of a book report as a future podcast feature (27:38). Debbie and Susan wrap up the episode (28:36) reviewing their advice for the season.

Resources:
Happier - Ep. 379: Summer Songs, Family Traditions, and Trouble with a Full Cup of Coffee - Happier with Gretchen Rubin (getpodcast.com)

https://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_my_stroke_of_insight?language=en

What we are reading this summer and other books referenced:
Time Between Dreams by Carol A. Vecchio

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Colors of the West by Molly Hashimoto

Whole Brain Living the Anatomy of Choice and the Four Characters that Drive Our Life by Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph. D

The Earned Life by Marshall Goldsmith

Go and Tell the Bees that I am Gone by Diana Gabaldon.