Renia (pronounced R-EE-n-a) Carsillo hates business silos and marketing hacks. So, she spends her days working with mid-size and small companies to integrate their business strategy with their impact strategy, design sustainable marketing frameworks, and find a growth cadence that works for their team and their lives. Renia believes founders are uniquely positioned to create a kinder, more equitable world. She is passionate about bringing C-level strategic support to the small and mid-size companies shaping their communities every day. Renia says, "Sustainable marketing is built on a solid business strategy. A solid business strategy is built on values-driven habits. Values-driven habits are built on healed/healing leaders. We can’t do these things separately. They’re all interconnected. ”
2 Thoughts on Finding Power in Stillness [Two on Tuesdays]
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Happy Tuesday, Reader! Our remote team is spread all over the world, so winter looks a little different for each of us. But whether we’re dealing with snow and ice or just cooler temperatures, we’ve all embraced the wisdom of the winter season. This week, I’m sharing two quotes that explore the importance of honoring this time. Quote #1 discusses the necessity of winter for growth and new life.
“Winter is not the death of the life cycle, but its crucible.” - Katherine May Florida has had a record-breaking winter, with Central Florida’s temperatures hitting a low we haven’t seen in almost 50 years, and north Florida getting on-the-ground snow like residents haven’t experienced since 1954.
The pull to go dark, stay indoors, and withdraw from the world is strong. It has me thinking about Katherine May’s brilliant memoir on the wintering stage of life. I'm beginning to emerge from a wintering phase—of parenting, of a business cycle, of womanhood. In so many ways and so many areas of life, winter has claimed me for a while. (But with so many changes on the horizon, spring is certainly on its way!) Consider this a reminder that wintering is an essential part of any cycle. Winter might require more grit than spring, but it is no less necessary for growth. This is where we shore up our strength for what is to come. We don't talk much about the need to turn inward for a bit, especially at work. If winter is currently your season, not just outdoors but in life’s general tone, I see you. Quote #2 discusses the power stillness has to inspire creativity and innovation.
“In Silence there is eloquence. Stop weaving and see how the pattern improves.” - Rumi Winter is the perfect time for quiet contemplation, to stop and be still. That’s true in both our lives and our businesses. Over the years, I’ve noticed this pattern in our own work time and again. January and February are quiet months for many small businesses. Things pick up again in March. I used to try to override this natural cycle with campaigns and sales pushes to overcome what the industry calls a post-holiday hangover. But in the past couple of years, we’ve done things differently. We still focus on our core work—staged with clients at the end of last year—but we’re not pushing for more work, revenue growth, or exposure right now. Instead, individually and collectively, our team is honoring the silence. We’re stopping for a moment to notice the patterns and see what cannot be seen when we’re moving too fast. This way, we are better positioned to meet what the coming year will bring. What would it look like for you to be still and honor the silence right now? Until next time, Renia C. P.S. - Strategy Retreats create intentional micro-moments to stop running long enough to notice what’s happening in the work. And sometimes, when big shifts are coming, it’s necessary to have even longer spaces to step out of the flow and observe. I’m beginning to believe that it’s a superpower to notice these called-for moments of quiet as they are needed instead of waiting for life to level us and force the issue. Does your business need you to press pause on the busyness and plan with intention right now? |
Renia Carsillo
Renia (pronounced R-EE-n-a) Carsillo hates business silos and marketing hacks. So, she spends her days working with mid-size and small companies to integrate their business strategy with their impact strategy, design sustainable marketing frameworks, and find a growth cadence that works for their team and their lives. Renia believes founders are uniquely positioned to create a kinder, more equitable world. She is passionate about bringing C-level strategic support to the small and mid-size companies shaping their communities every day. Renia says, "Sustainable marketing is built on a solid business strategy. A solid business strategy is built on values-driven habits. Values-driven habits are built on healed/healing leaders. We can’t do these things separately. They’re all interconnected. ”
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