Dear reader,
The What
As I shared briefly in last month’s newsletter, I will be interviewing leaders and sharing their leadership journeys in a mini-newsletter. As a subscriber to this (Deploy Yourself) newsletter, you will get the best-curated insights from these interviews in a mini-email like this one. I will send it in the gap week between two regular newsletters. You can also read this mini-issue online.
The Why
We all have a lot to learn from the stories of our leaders – of how they came to be where they are today. These are stories peers and friends don’t usually know, and my attempt is to give you an opportunity to learn from those who have already tasted success and made an impact.
Find out about the events from their lives that shaped them to be the person and leader they are. In the interview, they also share about the people who have influenced them the most in their leadership.
The Who(s)
Jay Richards – “I’m learning to rest and that I do not need to try and control everything!”
Jay Richards is the CEO and Co-Founder at Imagen Insights, which has build a community of 10,000 Gen Z from 57 countries. He shares his person story of always getting into trouble at school. Today he is providing young people with opportunities to shape their futures – that he finds so fulfilling.
He finds switching off the most challenging. He says he is learning to rest and that he does not need to try and control everything. He knows the importance of enjoying his evenings and weekends so he can stay healthy and at the top of his game. He also adds, “I keep my mind clear and healthy by regularly hitting the gym. I love Jiu-Jitsu as it gives me the headspace.”
Noah Miller – “One plays how they practice!“
Noah Miller is the Co-Founder & Chief Strategist at Rho Impact and he says about himself, “I consider myself a player-coach. Nothing gets me more fired up than joining a team of good people with even greater goals and stepping onto the field together. The world needs more teamwork. I am dedicated to making that happen.”
In the interview, he shares how he moved to Israel to start a social venture for improving Israeli and Palestinian relations. However, he found himself drafted into the Israel Defense Forces after the 2014 Gaza war. These two events had a significant impact on who he is today and the work he does.
He shares the one piece of leadership wisdom which he has not forgotten – “leadership isn’t about what you say and do. Leadership is about how you make people feel.” He shares more of his wisdom by saying, “one plays how they practice. I manage pressure by being prepared, confident in my team, and not sweating the small stuff (as most things in life are small).”
Read the full interview with Noah here.
How can you contribute?
Each one of us is on a leadership journey. Our journeys might not look alike. They might resemble more of a roller-coaster ride than a race track, and that is what makes each one of us special and unique in our own ways. I am deeply touched when someone takes the time to share their story with me. The leaders I work with are also left inspired when we listen to each other’s leadership journeys.
If you think that your leadership journey is worth sharing and would be valuable to others, reach out and allow me the privilege to interview you. If you would like to recommend someone else who I should interview, feel free to write to me. You can send me a message on LinkedIn or send me an email at sumit@deployyourself.com.
That’s all for this week! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate. Just hit reply.
See you next week with the regular newsletter.
With gratitude,
Sumit