Hi everyone, 

We hope you’re healthy and staying cozy at home! 

The team and I wanted to pop in and share a quote we’ve been thinking a lot about recently: 

 THE LANGUAGE OF LEADERSHIP

 “If I can name it, I can manage it.” – David Kessler 

Real talk: I recently caught myself not paying attention to my feelings and worries—the uncertainty and fear that stem from this pandemic. And I realized this thanks to an unlikely source: 

 A brigade of bright red Ferraris.

Back in early March, my boyfriend and I decided to leave my Brooklyn home and create a temporary base in Connecticut. We took an Uber there, rather than a train, for added precaution. We were on the road when I heard a loud engine—a bright red Ferrari pulled up beside us. 

At first, I rolled my eyes. How obnoxious! But then the noise outside got louder. Suddenly, there were more and more red Ferraris zooming by, dodging in and out of lanes...in the middle of regular highway traffic. 

We were surrounded. 

My heart started racing, and tears started falling. I was inconsolable. 

“What’s wrong?” my boyfriend asked. 

“I feel so unsafe. Why is this happening? Is this ever going to end? We’re not even driving! This is so out of control,” I heard myself say out loud. 

I was “chandeliering,” a term I learned during my Dare to Lead training, which is when a ton of repressed anxiety is triggered by something small and seemingly unrelated. 

Instead of allowing myself to process all that I was experiencing about the looming crisis, I pushed all my feelings down with one big “I’m fine.” 

Maybe you can relate? 

I suddenly realized everything I was saying about the Ferraris could be used to describe how I was feeling about the pandemic as well. 

I feel unsafe. Is this ever going to end? This is so out of control. It’s all so uncertain. 

Here’s what I learned in that moment, which has been incredibly valuable in guiding me throughout this time, and I hope will be a source of comfort for you, too.

“If I can name it, I can manage it.” 

There are a lot of strategies that will help us navigate crises as leaders, whether in our personal or professional lives. But first, we have to name our experience.

In order to solve it, we have to acknowledge it exists, rather than ignore or bury it.

But how? 

THE WEEKLY FLOURISH

I recently had the pleasure of sharing three powerful techniques on how to name and manage emotions with Entrepreneur magazine. 

In this article, I describe what I’m doing right now to help myself and my clients give themselves permission to be more human, from an easy meditation you can incorporate into your morning walk to best practices on choosing your inner empathy circle. 

 GREATNESS TAKES GUIDANCE

If you’re interested in learning more techniques for re-energizing yourself and your team during this time, every Thursday in May I’ll be hosting Coffee with Carrie as a way for us all to connect and have honest and inspiring conversations on what courageous leadership looks like right now.

We’ll talk about whatever’s up for you, but topics I’ll be touching on include: 

• How to dial up trust as a leader 

• 3 major communication roadblocks that happen during times of change 

• Tips to reignite motivation on your team 

• How to advocate for yourself and your needs during crisis 

The first Coffee with Carrie will be this Thursday, May 7th from 3:00pm-4:00pm. The event is free— space is limited and will fill up fast. 

Whether you have specific questions, or simply want to show up and listen - don’t miss it! The team and I would love to see you there. 

Here’s to your health, courage, and continued success. 

- Carrie and Team Leadology