Becky’s Blog
Transparency
In a recent business meeting we were asked to reflect on lessons we learned early in our careers, but with a bit of a twist: What did you learn to do more of and what did you learn to avoid or do less of? A memory I had not thought of in years came flooding back. It...
Time in Nature
Thanks to a couple of team member’s ideas, we recently held a “yoga in the park” event and met for a volunteer activity at a local lake to haul and spread mulch on the paths. During our yoga session, we got a unique perspective, laying on our backs and seeing the...
The Line
At a recent board meeting of a not-for-profit, we discussed privilege, luck and fortune. I was reminded of a video I’ve seen where the players on a high school football team were lined up on the goal line when their coach prompted: “Move to the 10-yard line if you...
A Word on Words
Today we had a company meeting – a virtual one via Microsoft Teams since we ‘went remote’ two years ago. It’s National Poetry Month and we shared some favorites that I’d like to take up space in this month’s blog. While each poem was being read, I was not in our...
The ISTS Core Value of Respect Everyone
Are you a “definitely dog” person but cats are not allowed? Beef YES but beets NO? At ISTS, one of our Core Values is Respect Everyone. That means that if you are a dog person and a coworker is very feline-friendly, we expect interest, support and curiosity, never...
It’s The Little Things
Today I woke up in hotel room and immediately started my morning routine. Before bed, I had closed the blinds, so the room was only lit by lamp light. As I packed my things and prepared to leave, I noticed a bit of color on the wall peeking out from behind the...
The Benefits of Volunteering
Yesterday a group of ISTS staff met at Nashville Diaper Connection to spend time supporting their mission. Until we started volunteering there, I had no idea that 1 in 3 families in Nashville, TN struggle to afford diapers or that you can buy candy with food stamps...
The Perils of Overscheduling
Ah, technology. I love it, then I feel controlled by it and at times addicted - where’s my phone? We walk and talk, and drive and talk, and many of us sit with our friends and families while we continue to interact with people miles (and even continents) away from us,...
Impound Lot
A friend asked me to help her get her belongings out of her car, which was in an impound lot after being stolen and subsequently recovered. Ok. I have not spent much time thinking about where cars go when they are recovered or wrecked and towed. As we walked to her...
Feed and Water the Diversity, It’ll Grow Up Strong
One of my co-workers is expecting a baby in the fall. She is a good 25+ years younger than I am. I still remember the work and baby stuff and want to do all that I can so that she enjoys everything that comes with a new one without any of the stress that non-aware...
Heat Wave
It’s summer in Nashville, big time. June is normally hot, but this mid-June day we are also experiencing a heatwave. In a 20-minute drive from a meeting, I could not get my a/c to come close to cooling the small interior of my 1996 Toyota Tacoma. With the heat index,...
Clarity Breaks
Driving back from a business trip to Chattanooga in May, I was surrounded by lush green. The rolling forests along Interstate 24 are stunningly beautiful and made my heart slow as I watched them go by. At times I got a glimpse of a stream ending in a waterfall and I...