Hi Reader,

For some of you reading, this week may be business as usual.

For the rest of us, this week in American politics marks a significant shift in the landscape we operate in. You may be reeling with fear or uncertainty about the implications for your life and work.

Frankly, I'm in the second camp.

To be prepared for any outcome, I'd architected two different business plans for the last several months:

• One based on business as usual,
• And another based on the potential for significant disruption, a reduction in budget availability among my purpose-driven clients, and a necessary shift to a survival focus for many in my community.

Starting next week, you'll hear more about the journey we'll take together down that second path.

Many of you reading this are the people who dig in and make change happen from wherever you sit. Your work of building better systems, more equitable workplaces, and more meaningful and fulfilling careers matters now more than ever. I see you, and you are not alone.

In times like these my instincts to make my world smaller and more closely-held kick in, big time. That means:

Less time with algorithms making decisions about what I see and hear, less exposure to the 24-hour news cycle, less focus on strangers on the internet.

More time reading books and consuming "slow news." I still read print news magazines -- my high school social studies teacher Mr. Roberts would be so proud. And more time in closer connection with people 1:1 and in small communities.

Over the next few weeks, I'm setting aside time to connect 1:1 with leaders and strategic operators like you who are:

• Developing resilient strategies and contingency plans for your team or organization given disruption in your operating environment
• Seeking ways to maintain momentum on important initiatives despite external pressures and fewer resources to work with
• Making quick pivots in your strategic plans or goals
• Wanting to connect with other purpose-driven professionals who share your values

and who may want or need a little bit of support as we wrap our collective heads around the election outcome.

This is not a sales pitch or sales meeting.

I truly want to connect with people who this invitation inspires, to hear more about what you're facing and to develop an even greater empathy for the environment you anticipate operating in, in the months and years to come.

If you'd like to have a 1:1 conversation with me to connect, commune, and share a bit of what you're wrestling with, reply to this email with "Thinkydoer chat," or you can self-schedule via this link.

Remember: Your ability to think differently, to see systems clearly, and to envision better ways of working is a much-needed superpower. Your strategic mindset is a powerful tool for positive change. We are stronger together.

Wishing you clarity and courage,

P.S. This week's Goal Fridays session on why not to cascade OKRs to individuals (and what to do instead) is still on. It will be less formal than usual since I have to be honest -- my sleeplessness earlier this week, and two weeks in a row of travel have left me discombobulated and weary. Join me at 9am Pacific tomorrow morning (Friday) via either LinkedIn or YouTube (YouTube is more reliable... LinkedIn Lives have been very glitchy lately).