James Parkes’ Post

Profound insight on how AI will replace humans in producing great content.

I've been called "soft" as if it were a weakness. In fact, speaking as a woman who developed extensive adhesions, or hard fibrous bands of scar tissue, after a 3rd #pelvic #surgery, I can tell you that softening that tissue via months of #pelvicfloortherapy, with weak muscles shaking and shivering as I pushed through the desire to give up to achieve the goal...no "soft" is not at all "weak." It is that which is "hard" and "rigid" - that that results in loss of function, flexibility, or form - that is weak and a liability, as any #physicaltherapist will tell you on rigid joints and falls or injury. Anyone who has had to undergo any kind of rehab will tell you that it takes grit and pain and perseverance to get to the therapy endpoints. A year ago I tried to return to my #MBA only to be unable to sit in a chair without writhing and frankly, almost passing out (the hormonal imbalance did not help). Now, I am back to doing #yoga and can sit comfortably. I know this is as much about the system that supports me to regain #health as it is my own commitment to achieve goals, even hard ones. Too many others, without options or supports, have no other choice but to go on #disability because of lack of resources to regain function. I think about all those who are displaced, homeless, orphaned, country-less, who may be amputees or burn victims needing rehab - without any systems of support. We need both better prevention of disability in the first place and better #disabilityinclusion when accommodation is needed. We need to not create so much harm to others in the first place. For me, I was able to extend my leave, continue working on HER Heard, and do everything at my own pace, in my own way, and prioritize my #qualityoflife. While my needing 6 blood transfusions, three pelvic surgeries, and needing to spend down savings to self-fund my own leave and my #physicaltherapy, to rather than go on disability was not "privilege", my ability to be get the results I did are a form a privilege. It has put me in a position of trying to understand what I can reasonably afford to continue to do after graduation as a #femalefouder of #FemTech when #VC funding is down and I'll need to support myself and have good health benefits to maintain this health I have regained. This softness, whether flexible post-surgical adhesions after therapy or whether to keep a compassionate heart in a painful, often cruel, world, is strength. It also was pretty darn expensive to invest in the pelvis I need for the rest of my life. I am proud of my body's ability to adapt and respond to therapy. Adaptability is a good thing, to an extent. When you lose your own #ethics or values is when "they" win. And I'm all about being the winner myself. ;-) Am a "hardliner" on staying compassionate and leading with "rational compassion", that I draw from my faith.

Time starts from here.

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Take the first step today

Begin Today!!

Don't let others define who you are. Unfortunately, there will always be people who will judge you based on their own biases and expectations. It's important to avoid these individuals if you can. But the real challenge is making sure you don't become your own harshest critic. Be kind to yourself and remember that you are more than just a snapshot. #selflove #selfcare #mindfulness

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Being adaptive is super important, but it doesn't mean an adaptive employee will be able to show his/her full potential. Just like a flower, which may survive, but barely bloom. Although changing the "environment" doesn't guarantee success in every case, we should be attentive to this factor when dealing with mature, experienced, talented staff. When there's a "match" (be it a position, team, scope, culture, company, and so on) those employees will be just like a flower that blooms at its finest.

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