Thought Leadership Archives - Catriona Pollard

The importance of showing your appreciation

After I taught a creativity course recently, one of the students invited me to her property on the South Coast of NSW to collect material for my art as a way of saying thank you because the course was transformational for her.

I can’t even tell you how much that meant to me as I only use foraged material, so finding places to collect is hard. (Coincidentally, every single one of the works I made from this collecting session sold in my recent exhibition.)

I have this thing about saying thank you and showing appreciation. In business and life, we want acknowledgement for the things we do. We have an innate desire to feel appreciated and valued by others. And I believe our workplaces function much better with a praise culture.

So how do we make sure we say thank you more, and acknowledge the people around us?

Saying thank you

When we pitch a story to a journalist, and the story gets a run, the journalist is just doing their job right? They got a great story because we came up with the idea and sent it to them. In my Agency, we have a policy of thanking the journalist. We acknowledge their effort and time, by emailing a simple thank you. You should to.

Give when no one is expecting it

I’ve spent every weekend for the past three weeks at a gallery where my solo exhibition was being held. In between visitors, I sat on the floor and wove sculptures, which gave me some thinking time in that space.

I thought, I have expertise that all of the other artists involved in the gallery could benefit from. So on the last day of my exhibition, I put enough copies of my book From Unknown To Expert for everyone on the shelf in the storeroom. So simple.

Don’t take people for granted

I’m sure we all have people in our lives we take for granted. Colleagues, best friends or even the person that makes our coffee in the morning. I know I do. So from time to time, take stock of those people and acknowledge them. Let them know what their action’s personally mean to you.

Run a gratitude exercise with your team/friends/family

With my team, we sit in a circle with one person in the centre and tell them why we are grateful for them, being specific about moments, lessons and impacts. We talk about how we have changed because of their impact on our lives.

The power of thank you has the power to change a workplace culture, start a beautiful friendship or make someone’s day. It can also change your life.

Tweetable: The power of saying ‘thank you’ @CatrionaPollard http://bit.ly/2A1wm53

Why you should say YES to sharing your opinion

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Think about something you feel passionate about. It could be a political issue, an art form or flying to Mars. It could be anything.

Imagine if you shared your passion or opinion beyond your family and friends. How would that make you feel? What impact would that make?

The other night one of my staff messaged me and said he had written an article over a glass of red about why to vote yes to marriage equality and could I have a look at it.

Not only did I look at it, I edited it and the next day, during work time, we strategised which journalist and publication to pitch it to. (And of course, it was picked up. Read it here).

Now that is a scary thing to do. I know that personally. Being prepared to share your voice with the world puts you in a really vulnerable position, particularly on a divisive issue such as marriage equality.

If not you, who?

But here’s the thing. If not you, who?

I believe we all have stories to tell that will help others in some way. We have experienced situations through our lives that should be shared because others will benefit from it. Or if we feel strongly enough about the issue, it’s our responsibility to express that, to affect the change we want to see.

The world needs to hear what you have to say. If you don’t, you miss out on sharing your beauty with the world. You miss your purpose.

Be brave

Having the courage to be honest and exposed when you tell your stories through the media and social media will make them so much more impactful. They will start resonating with people.

When you start telling your stories and sharing your expertise because it is helping the people who are listening or reading it, you will be amazed with the emotional connection that you start building with people and the relationships you start developing – because you’re positively impacting their lives.

We live in a world where we are encouraged to compare ourselves to others. As soon as we do this, we start living smaller lives. We start thinking our stories are not as important as theirs.

We need to have the confidence to know our stories are valid, not matter how big or small.

So it’s about saying YES to your voice, to equality and to love.

Tweetable: Why you should say yes to sharing your opinions @catrionapollard http://bit.ly/2xgfvfX

How to get motivated to do the things you don’t want to do

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I’m coming to the end of my office lease and I’m considering my options about staying or finding a new office. When I even think about starting to look for a new office I want to well…do something else. Anything else. Run a marathon. Skydive. Make a cup of tea. Look at the yoga class timetable online. Check my Instagram feed. Sing live on TV naked.

You know, anything else.

So my desire to move is clouded by my motivation to look for a new office. Like anyone I can be highly motivated to do the stuff I like, but golly gosh, when it comes to the stuff I dislike, my motivation evaporates.

So how do we motivate ourselves to do the stuff we don’t want to do?

I just don’t feel like doing it

You can’t wait until you feel like doing something. Sometimes we never feel like doing a task, but you just have to show up. When I was writing my book or when I had my solo exhibition, I created a routine and just showed up. Sometimes what I produced was crap, but other times it was gold.

Just start

When I’m teaching fibre art workshops and I hear a million excuses about why they can’t dedicate time to their art practice, I get them to write down every reason so they see it in black and white. Then I ask them to spend time questioning it. Is it an excuse or a legitimate reason? How would it make you feel if you had more art in your life? Usually it just boils down to one thing. Just start. Even if it’s for one minute a day. Just start.

Willpower sucks sometimes, so trick yourself

I’ve spent a career on deadline. In PR and running a business I walk into the office and know I have multiple deadlines that day. So when I’m faced with a task I don’t want to do I attempt to trick myself by placing a deadline on it. (Attempt is a key word, as sometimes it doesn’t work as well as I’d like). So plan it out – decide what you’re going to do, and when and where you’re going to do it so there is no umming and ahing.

Ebbs and flow

There are times when it’s OK that you’re not motivated to get to the gym or to get stuff done. I’m not saying create a bunch of excuses to opt out. But there are ebbs and flows in our lives and we should listen and be aware of them.

So I’m going to trick myself into a deadline for looking at offices – even though I have a real deadline! What are you going to do today?

Tweetable: How we can get motivated to do the things we don’t want to do @CatrionaPollard bit.ly/2ioyIFU

Why unhooking ourselves from convention allows us to flourish

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I was in Rome recently and it was 43 degrees with the asphalt melting underfoot, so I went to my favourite (airconditioned) gallery – The Borghese – to hang out with Bernini’s Apollo & Daphne marble sculpture.

Still not wanting to deal with the heat, I walked across the park to the La Galleria Nazionale – The Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art. I found myself in this extraordinary gallery virtually on my own. It seems that everyone wants only traditional art when in Rome.

When I was at La Galleria Nazionale, I realised that we have a certain way of seeing art, or more specifically art is presented to us in a conventional way. I have never questioned that.

Seeing in a different way

Take for example marble sculptures. They are on a plinth so you look up at them. They are facing you, so often you can’t see the back or the whole work. There is a rope around them so you can’t get too close.

At La Galleria Nazionale, they mix old with new and I walked into a room with a stunning Dante sculpture of Diana. It was facing the wall, and wasn’t on a plinth or with a rope around it. It was extraordinary. I had a completely different experience with it.

It kind of blew my mind actually.

Unhooking from convention

It made me think about convention or specifically what would happen if we if we started to see objects, problems, things in our lives in different ways.

What would change if we unhooked ourselves from convention? What we think is…right, wrong, good, bad, predetermined, front, back…or “it’s just the way we do things”.

Often we only see what we want to see: visions that match our fixed beliefs and perspectives. I believe that anything that is defined in a limited way is open to transformation. When we lift that limitation, we have the opportunity to flourish in ways we never even imagined.

Opening yourself to change

When we dream a different reality, all its many dimensions flourish in a way so far removed from convention. We open the space toward what can be and will be more vibrant worlds to come.

So what in your life or business would benefit from flipping from front to back, or questioning the conventional approach? What would happen if you saw your life in different ways?

It doesn’t mean anything has to change. But my gosh…what if it did and it brought new wonderful experiences you never even dreamed of.

Tweetable: What would change if we unhooked ourselves from convention? @CatrionaPollard bit.ly/2x37Bmg

Get bored over the holidays

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I was interviewed by AAP this week asking if we can survive without technology. I said no. I want the traffic lights to work on my way home, and computer to work so I can write.

But having said that, I do think this time of year it’s worth having a check in about how we are feeling about digital overload. (And overload in general.)

I feel like I’ve had two years in one. Now I’m at the end of the year, I’ve notice that I’m posting less and less, having fewer online chats, and not going on a few apps I was on all the time. I’m also not doing big Christmas events, just catching up with people individually.

I’m craving low key, which is lucky as I’m about to spend a few weeks at one of the quietest places in Australia (my parent’s place up the coast), and I’m starting to think about how I can recalibrate the best.

Digital chill pill

At the moment I check my email first thing and last thing in the day – as I do the Facebook, Twitter and Instagram twirl. Like most professionals, I spend up to 10 hours a day online.

I really think it’s worth asking the question…would I find it difficult to not take my phone with me down to the beach, to grab a coffee, to go for a walk, to go to bed?

Over the holidays, it might be good to challenge ourselves to a digital detox. See what life is like off the grid.

Do nothing. Be bored.

Can you remember the last time you were bored? An amazing thing happens when you are not constantly stimulated. Your mind quietens down.

I don’t do bored very well, but when I am, I come up with the best ideas and new concepts. (I was told by one of my staff not to come back from holidays with the idea to write a new book or launch another business…which happens each time I have a low-key holiday. I couldn’t promise it!)

Chillax

I’ve found this awesome app called Insight Timer. There are thousands of free meditations and my favourite is Yoga Nidra which is a progressive muscle relaxation. It’s so relaxing.

What I’m most excited about over the holidays is to sit under my tree at the very end of the beach and just gaze at the water and listen to the waves. The jury is out if I can resist taking my phone with me!

I hope you have a wonderful time over holidays – with or without digital. See you in the New Year.

Tweetable: Get bored over the holidays @CatrionaPollard http://bit.ly/2oZnMlA

5 ways to handle rejection

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We all have experienced rejection in our lives. It’s a part of life.

It could be missing out on winning a new client you really wanted, being passed up for a promotion or not getting a second date with that cute guy/girl you went out to dinner with last weekend.

I’m not sure there is a right or wrong way to deal with rejection, but I do know what we choose to do with it makes all the difference. Here are my tips on what to do if you’re faced with a rejection.

Move forward
Don’t allow the rejection to stop you moving forward and trying again. Although it can be hard, see it as a way to make you stronger and more focused. And don’t allow it to define you.

Don’t take it personally
Well this can be hard, but sit with how the rejection makes you feel and face it. It’s OK to feel sad or disappointed. Try not to respond with negative self-talk, but with true compassion for yourself and the situation.

Look for new opportunities
A rejection may mean it’s an opportunity to do something different. You are surrounded by new opportunities every day, but it’s possible you’re not seeing them. Take a moment to reflect and consider what else is possible for you right now.

Get support
I know I have certain friends that are on speed dial when I’m dealing with a rejection. When you are challenging the status quo or reaching for that goal, reach out for support when you’re pushing through a ‘no’ to help you get to the next level.

Take action
Learn from the situation and then with new growth and wisdom, take action. When it comes down to it, you have to take action to achieve success. Sometimes you have to face the fear and do it anyway.

I believe rejection means that you’re living outside your comfort zone. It means you are brave enough to take risks and have new experiences. And that is a good thing because you are experiencing life completely.

Tweetable: How to handle rejection in business and life @catrionapollard http://bit.ly/2lw1fXs

Overcoming self-limiting beliefs – TEDx

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It’s so wonderful to reflect on experiences. Two years ago I did a TEDx talk on a topic close to my heart – overcoming self-limiting beliefs and finding our spotlight moments.

No matter if you are an introvert, extrovert or something in between, many of us struggle to move from the shadows into the spotlight.

Being open to ‘Yes’ enables us to redefine the spotlight, understand we all deserve to be there and share our voice with the world.

From my own personal experience and also from working with people making the transition from unknown to recognised expert, this is what I’ve learnt.

Connect with your why
It takes courage to be truly seen and heard. While we might want to have a desire to move into the spotlight, I believe it needs to have purpose.

It’s about letting our self-limiting beliefs collapse around us and ask the larger question of why? I believe it’s not about literary being in the spotlight, it’s about the synergy and connections you create when you are there.

Be of service
I believe we all have stories to tell that will help others in some way.

We have experience and expertise we have developed in our lives that should be shared because others will benefit from it. The world needs to hear what you have to say.

As soon as I realised that stepping into the spotlight wasn’t as me, it was about you, and what you take away from hearing my voice, it really helped me because I realised I was being of service.

Be yourself
Moving into the spotlight is not about being someone you’re not. Neither is it about changing your personality. It’s about allowing your true self to emerge from the shadows and being illuminated.

And it’s not necessarily about striving and seeking. It can be about standing still and feeling the ground beneath your feet and allowing people to come towards you.

It’s also about being brave enough to be vulnerable. When you are vulnerable you create connections with people because you are speaking your truth, and quite often it’s their truth as well.

Believe in your stories
We live in a world where we are encouraged to compare ourselves to others. As soon as we do this, we start living smaller lives. We start thinking our stories are not as important as theirs.

We need to have the confidence to know our stories are valid, not matter how big or small.

And finally, it’s about being open to yes
Who are you not to shine your light? Who are you not to have a voice? Who are you not to make the world a better place?

It’s not about becoming louder, it’s about becoming bolder. It’s about being open to yes.

Yes is magic. Yes is illuminating. Yes can open up opportunities you never even dreamed of.

So I’ll leave you with a question.

What are you going to say yes to today?

Tweetable: Overcoming self-limiting beliefs and finding our spotlight moments @CatrionaPollard @TEDx http://bit.ly/2d2sfeD

My favourite podcast interviews

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I love doing podcasts. Not my own…but being interviewed on other people’s podcasts. I find them super easy to do. I don’t need to do too much prep, put on makeup, or even leave my office. That’s a win, win, win!

And do you know what is fantastic about podcasters? They need content, all the time. If their show is weekly, they have to find somebody to interview every single week. And you can be that person.

The trick is you need a hook. Just like pitching to the media you have to show them you are an expert, that you have an interesting story to tell and you have great content to share.

I’ve loved every interview, but here are some of my favourite podcast interviews so far:

Inspiring Greatness with Shelley Rodgers – I tell my entrepreneur story, share thoughts on business and how to aspire to live a great life.

Business Addicts with Loren Bartley and Fiona Redding – I loved that they researched me and watched my TEDx talk before the interview. It resulted in a deep discussion about moving from unknown to expert.

Introvert Entrepreneur with Beth Buelow – I love how niche this podcast is – it knows what it’s about! I talk about the challenges I face as an introvert, how I realised that I was the only one holding myself back and that I was completely capable of introducing others to my vision.

Unclassified Woman with Michelle McGrath – So this gets pretty personal, but it’s such an important topic I was willing to share honestly about my life without children and how you are responsible for finding joy and beauty in your own life.

There are so many more great podcast interviews which you can listen to here. Learn how to find and pitch to podcasters here

Tweetable: Why @catrionapollard loves being interviewed on podcasts http://bit.ly/2b5Qje8

Signs, jetlag and celebrating 15 years in business

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Sometimes you get signs. You know what I mean. You’re thinking of someone and they call, or decide to catch the train to work to find out later you missed massive traffic jams.

This happens to me too. I was thinking about treating myself to a safari to celebrate 15 years in business. (Yes. 15 years. Crazy. What a ride it’s been).

I got caught up with life and I didn’t organise anything. I was thinking it’s all too hard…and then I got an invitation to the DELL Women’s Entrepreneur Summit in…wait for it…Cape Town, South Africa.

Crazy hey? So of course I went to the Summit and it was incredible, and then I went on my safari which was a dream come true.

Coincidence? I’m not sure. But I do know it’s about making the most of opportunities. As my Dad says, “You just make it happen and reap the rewards of being one of those free spirits.”

And that’s what I think about with my last 15 years. Being in business can be hard. You don’t make the 15 year mark by cruising along, you’ve got to make it happen.

And you get signs too.

It’s been two years since I released my book, From Unknown To Expert, and launched the online business associated with the book. While I was away I was wondering what my next move will be. Does anyone even read my emails I spend so much time thinking about and writing? Do people still find my book useful?

Then when I got back home I went shopping with my sister (actually we went to the playground with my nephew, and accidentally went clothes shopping on the way. Oops!).

We were trying things on, chatting away and Jo said “Catriona, do you like this dress?”. The shop assistant said “You’re not Catriona Pollard are you?”…. “Um yes”…. “I didn’t recognise you, but I recognised your voice and name.”
(Didn’t recognise me? Unwashed hair in messy bun, no makeup, no sleep for a week from insane jetlag…and dressed for the playground. Not really my best look!).

We had a wonderful conversation. She shared with me how often she has used my book, shares it with people, loves my emails, watches my videos and interviews. So thank you Anna Franklin. You were my sign to keep telling my stories and sharing my expertise.

So here’s to wonderful people, beautiful experiences, spotlight moments and listening to signs. I’ve learnt so much about myself over the last 15 years, and of course, about running a business. The future is so bright.

Tweetable: Signs, jetlag and celebrating 15 years in business @CatrionaPollard http://bit.ly/2avI7ol

Be in the moment and turn off autopilot

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My parents visited me the other day. Often we go for lunch or coffee, but it was a beautiful Sunday afternoon so we went for a stroll. As we walked my parents remarked on houses, and fences, and trees…a running commentary on our walk.

I have walked past these houses, fences and trees many times but no longer notice them. Through my parents’ eyes, I looked at them and saw them in a different way.

It made me think. How much in our lives do we no longer notice? I decided to test this idea.

Walking backwards
On the bush track I walk most days I decided to do my circuit in the opposite direction. Do you know what happened? I got lost twice. Seriously! I couldn’t believe it. I missed the start of one section and had to double back.

At one point I was standing looking at the entrances of two tracks and simply couldn’t figure out which one was my track. In fact, I never even knew there were two tracks in that section. Astounding!

I realised that often I’m lost in my thoughts while walking – which is not a bad thing as it’s my time to problem solve and come up with new ideas – but clearly I’m not taking notice of my surroundings either.

Turning off autopilot
How often are we on autopilot?

Have you ever driven to work and got to the car park and completely not remembered the drive?
Do you constantly check your emails on your phone, even though it states, “Last updated 2 minutes ago”?
Are you just so in your routine you rarely do anything spontaneous?

It’s really interesting to consider these questions. Even though I don’t consider that I’m living a life on autopilot, clearly at times I am. Now I’m trying to notice if I’m simply following a routine, and if possible, to snap out of autopilot and be in the moment instead.

What about you? Maybe it’s time to ditch your personal sat nav and think about achieving some new goals…such as stepping into the spotlight.

Tweetable: It’s time to stop running on autopilot and achieve new goals @CatrionaPollard bit.ly/1TaaU1i