Serving by Example: Why Volunteering Can Change How You Lead
When I worked at Georgian Court University, we had four “floating holidays” where the university was open, and it allowed for staff to stagger time off. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day happened to be one of those days. Except in my position. Each year, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., we would coordinate a […]
Using Slack to Build a Culture of Connection Within Your Team
By now, you probably know that the “quotes board” is a beloved Swift Kick tradition. In fact, we love it so much, we started using the hashtag #SKQuotesBoard to share these quotes with you on social media. Working in a coworking space, however, means that there is no physical master list of these team quotes. […]
The Essential Sameness of Camino de Santiago and Free Hugs
This post was written by Martine De Matteo, a graduate from Fordham University. Martine is the sister of Sabina, Swift Kick’s Community Manager. We are thrilled to share her beautifully written experience with our readers. Imagine waking up every morning at 6am for Free Hugs Day. That’s essentially what walking the Camino de Santiago is […]
Engaging “Neutrals” on Social Media
If you’re reading this, you may also be a member of the Student Organization Leaders Facebook Group. (If you aren’t, do me a favor and request to join.) Our goal with this group is to create a place for people who have seen our Dance Floor Theory program or follow our work to continue the conversation […]
Work is More Than Your Next Deadline: How to Create High Quality Connections in the Workplace
Fun fact: I knew Sam before she came to work at Swift Kick. She and I are cast members of an on-demand online workout show called Daily Burn 365. We would wake up early to have a trainer beat us up. On camera. In full makeup. Along with another friend Jen, these early mornings led […]
The Failed Promise of Open Office Spaces
Innocently enough, a co-worker of mine recently asked me about a meal replacement shake I was having for lunch. While I was explaining the finer points of the ingredients, another co-worker overheard our conversation from her desk in our open office space and chimed in. Moments later, another co-worker made a sarcastic comment about my […]
That’s a Wrap on #FreeHugs18
Free Hugs Day has become quite the event at many schools around the US. From University of Delaware, to Johns Hopkins University, to Bossier Parish Community College we witnessed hugs at every corner of our country, at institutions of all kinds for #FreeHugs18 Last year, we talked about how Free Hugs Day has become a […]
The Camino Way: Finding Leadership in a 500 mile walk across Spain
“Regardless of a pilgrim’s background, though, it is a deeply spiritual experience as you learn to connect on a new level with yourself, with others, with nature, and with whatever higher powers may be. Most importantly, though, it is a deeply HUMAN experience.” -Martine De Matteo, Swift Kick family member & El Camino pilgrim Whenever […]
Swift Kick’s 3 Steps To Creating A Culture Of Connection
A core value of Facebook is “Move Fast.” “Moving fast enables us to build more things and learn faster. We’re less afraid of making mistakes than we are of losing opportunities by moving too slowly. We are a culture of builders, the power is in your hands.” A core value of Apple is “Saying No.” […]
Under Pressure: Staying Cool When It All Seems to Go Wrong
Incorrect audio supplies…check. Main point of contact not in the office…check. Audience is less than a third of what was expected…check. Clicker sensor is too far to reach my position at the front of the room…check. Are you sensing a theme here? Sometimes, (all of the) things go wrong. As a leader of the team, […]