The Importance of Creating Your Secondary Family
When I was 11, Mom got the call that Gram was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. In that moment, Mom promised that she would never put Gram in a nursing home. Two weeks later, Gram moved in. For the next seven years until she died, we spent our days dressing her, feeding her and chasing after her […]
Weak Ties Get You the Job
In 1973, Mark Granovetter, a sociological researcher made a simple claim, that “….when it comes to finding out about new jobs – or, for that matter, new information, or new ideas – “weak ties” are always more important than strong ties.” When using the phrase “social network” now, we tend to think about the folks […]
Better than a Raise: Connections are the Key to Employee Happiness
“From now on, we’ll use this white board to track every interaction you have had with a client. If you don’t meet your quota, not only will everyone see, but there will be repercussions.” “The funeral is in the morning, so you’ll be back in office in the afternoon, right?” “I heard you did poorly […]
Your Graphic T-Shirt is Begging for Connection
My brother and I were visiting a relative in the hospital. When it was time for me to go home, my brother offered to walk me to my car. As we walked down the shiny corridors, we passed a room that had the door open. We noticed a younger man straight up staring at us […]
Apply Two Hat Theory for Better Customer Service
I don’t usually show annoyance in my face, but the flight attendant on a recent flight was so oblivious to how she was treating me, that I couldn’t help myself. It all started on a six-hour flight from Seattle to NYC. Within an hour of taking off, I finished the water in my canteen. I […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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, […]
Asking TO Help Instead of Only Asking FOR Help (and Why It Matters)
Recently, a friend told me a story about the unexpected joy she received one day while she was out running errands. She wanted to stay anonymous, so we will call her Charity. One afternoon at work, Charity left the office to take care of some shopping for work. It was a lovely day, and she […]