Today, we’re diving into a subject that’s close to my heart: understanding and managing our emotions.

We live in a world where we’re encouraged to avoid negative emotions, as if we could achieve uninterrupted happiness by pushing anger, anxiety, and sadness aside. But the truth is, we need to embrace the full range of emotions—good or bad—because they are part of our human experience.

For a long time, I ignored my emotions, only relying on willpower to get through difficult times. It wasn’t until I reached my 50s that I realized emotions need to be understood and named in order to manage them. As Lisa Feldman Barrett, a neuroscientist, points out, emotions are influenced by past experiences, body state, and current circumstances.

The more I explored this, the more I realized that if we don’t take care of our emotions, they’ll take care of us—and not in a good way. When we name our emotions and recognize what we’re feeling, we gain more control over them. It's not easy, but it's worth it.

It takes time and patience to learn how to identify and manage emotions, but it can drastically improve your life. Had I known this earlier, I would have had a more peaceful relationship with my emotions, and maybe even with myself.

In this episode, I’ll share strategies for managing emotions and living a more balanced life. Let’s learn how to negotiate with our feelings instead of letting them control us.

Talk to you soon!
Malou

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Today, let’s talk about the Pareto principle, also known as the 80-20 rule, which is a powerful tool not only in business but also in personal life.

The idea is simple: 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. It’s fascinating how much of an impact this can have on everyday happiness. I’ve applied this rule in various areas of my life. For example, my wardrobe was once a source of stress, with too many options but nothing that made me feel good. So, I got rid of 80% of my clothes and focused on the 20% that truly make me happy. The result? I feel more comfortable and confident every day.

I’ve also applied the 80-20 rule to my relationships. I spend more time with the 20% of people who bring me 80% of my joy, and it has truly improved my quality of life.

So, here’s my advice: take a look at your daily activities and see where you can apply the 80-20 rule. Get rid of the 80% that doesn’t serve you, and focus on the 20% that makes you happy.

Talk to you soon!
Malou

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Today, let’s talk about leading during a crisis.

Leading during a crisis is challenging. Whether it’s the fallout from the COVID pandemic or other global events, our role is to guide while managing our own fears.

Staying composed is key. Your team needs your calm presence, especially when things feel chaotic. As a leader, you must have a clear vision, even when the path is uncertain.

In crises, information is often limited. It’s essential to gather facts and communicate them clearly. Governor Cuomo’s daily updates during COVID provided much-needed direction and hope.

As a leader, you must also educate. People need to understand what’s happening and why. Keep them informed, even if the news isn’t always good. Transparency builds trust.

Lastly, don’t forget your own well-being. Managing your stress is vital to leading effectively. Staying calm and clear helps your team stay focused and gives them hope.

In this episode, we’ll explore how to lead through a crisis with clarity and compassion.

Talk to you soon!

Malou

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Today, let's talk about how to get the most out of your workday.

I'm not very good at organizing my workdays. I find it hard to get up in the morning, which is why I'm not a plastic surgeon! But the first thing I do when I get up is neatly organize my workspace – it helps me concentrate.

The quote from Peter Drucker is always on my mind: "There's nothing as useless as doing efficiently what should not be done at all." So, I set my priorities for the day. If I can delegate a task, I do. I focus on the urgent, time-sensitive duties and defer the rest. Sometimes, all it takes is a little time for problems to sort themselves out.

For example, Winston Churchill, used to work in bed. I may not smoke cigars like he did but I have also discovered the art of comfortably working in my own space, keeping my priorities in mind. This way, I stay productive even when the tasks seem overwhelming.

In this episode, I will share more tips about how to prioritize your workday and get the most out of it.

Talk to you soon!
Malou

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Hi everyone,

Welcome to another episode of the Elevation Grid.
Today, we're diving into a crucial topic for the modern workplace: cognitive budgeting.

Throughout my journey, I've come to realize that managing our mental energy is just as essential as managing our time or our finances. We know from neuroscience that our cognitive resources are limited on a daily basis, much like a financial budget.

In today's remote and hybrid work environments, the need to manage our mental energy is becoming even more important. Without the spontaneous social interactions at the office, we can find ourselves stuck in cycles of rumination that drain our mental energy.

So, what can leaders do to help their teams channel their cognitive energy more effectively?

Cognitive budgeting is a very powerful tool. It involves identifying the unique strengths and weaknesses of each team member and assigning them tasks that match those strengths. Imagine a team where one member excels in creativity, another in strategy and the third in more hands-on tasks like managing deadlines and budgets. By allowing everyone to focus on what they do best, the time spent on rumination can be reduced and overall productivity increased.

This approach not only boosts individual performance, but also strengthen team spirit and cohesiveness. The result is an environment where everyone can thrive in their comfort zones, thereby reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction. Experimentation, learning from failure and constant adaptation are key.

In this episode, we'll explore practical strategies for implementing cognitive budgeting that will help you create a workplace that is both fulfilling and highly productive.

Talk to you in two weeks,
Malou

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Join us as we explore this crucial, yet all too often overlooked, aspect of the post-COVID work environment.

Throughout my career, I've discovered that true flexibility in our work can significantly boost productivity and job satisfaction.

Flexibility isn't just about being able to work from home or from the office. It implies a corporate culture in which employees have a degree of freedom in choosing their working hours, workloads and collaboration methods. Such a holistic approach benefits both employers and employees, as it aligns their goals for mutual success.

True flexibility requires both management and employees working together. Companies must provide the necessary tools, resources and performance metrics, while empowering employees to control their working environment. Although this can be challenging initially, striking the right balance is crucial for long-term organizational agility and employee well-being.

Experimenting with different set-ups and learning from experience is part of the path to finding what works best. In this new era, leadership is about more than just staying in control; it's about inspiring teams to thrive in flexible environments while delivering maximum customer satisfaction.

Join us in this episode to discover how these principles can transform workplace dynamics and improve overall company performance.

Talk soon on LinkedIn,

Malou

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Join us as we delve deeper into a fundamental aspect often overlooked by young leaders.

In my experience, I've come to realize that knowing our unique strengths, how we perform best and what our core values are is essential to our professional success.

Identifying your strengths, how you perform best, and your values throughout your career will greatly improve your job satisfaction and your power to influence, even if it means changing roles or industries to find the right fit. Although it may be difficult at first, this alignment is crucial to long-term fulfillment and meaningful impact.

Exploring new roles and experiencing setbacks are all part of the adventure of discovering where you really stand out. But leadership isn't just about acquiring skills; it's also about inspiring others to take on new challenges while staying true to your values.

Tune in to this episode as we explore how these principles can transform your career trajectory and enrich your personal life.

Talk to you in two weeks,

Malou

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Join us as we explore the essential practice of setting healthy boundaries — a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of self-care.

Navigating the intersections of career, science, and well-being, I've found that clear boundaries are vital for managing our time, energy, and relationships effectively. They help us communicate how we want others to treat us and what they can expect from us.

In a professional setting, establishing boundaries can improve performance and well-being, despite initial challenges with bosses or colleagues. In personal relationships, boundaries prevent misunderstandings and guilt, fostering a balanced and fulfilling dynamic.

Join this episode as we dive into practical strategies for setting and enforcing boundaries, ensuring they are respected, and enhancing your career and personal life.

Malou

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