Ken Lautsch’s Post

Today marks my official 10th anniversary with the Hemisfair Conservancy and also the conclusion of my sabbatical. South America has been my favorite travel destination since I was 16, and this was my first time to visit Patagonia--everything I hoped it would be and more. How wonderful it was to recharge my batteries for a few weeks and to knock the rust off my Spanish! I'm very grateful to all who inspired, encouraged, and supported my break. Special thanks to my supportive board for approving my request, to my teammates for faithfully delivering on our mission, and to my husband for being my champion. My final reflections that I hope will inspire or resonate with my esteemed network: 1. Getting a break from day-to-day operations, planning, schedule-juggling, and deadlines opened up a whole new side of thinking. Sharing pieces of our travel journal created a tangible artifact that can help me remember the experience. It's up to me to tap into that calm and perspective now that I'm back. 2. There are many terrific tools available to help us identify our team and individual strengths. Thinking about my CliftonStrengths®, Enneagram type, Myers Briggs type, and areas of Working Genius reinforced awareness of what happens when I default to areas of competency vs. excellence out of operational necessity. One of my challenges is to delegate these tasks to a better-suited teammate or third party so I can spend more time in my "sweet spot," which will be more fulfilling, lead to greater success, and prevent burnout. 3. Some suggest cutting off all communication with work when going on sabbatical while others suggest staying in loose touch to continue to build and maintain relationships. The latter suited my team and me better. They honored my desire to unplug, but they also knew I would respond in a reasonable amount of time if there were an urgent concern. (When I reached out, it was to share videos of penguins!) I think the choice to communicate will make my transition back to the office more seamless. 4. My hope is to return to the office as an improved version of myself, more attuned to identifying and embracing opportunities for grace vs. grind. I welcome your thoughts and questions! #gratitude #sabbatical #reflection #wellness #burnoutprevention #grace #workanniversary

From fears to benefits, here is what embracing change and life abroad can look like! 💚🌎 We interviewed Jessica. She, her husband, and their two kids decided to spend 2 years in Italy. 👉 We asked her about her biggest fears before taking her family sabbatical abroad and they all turned out to be great opportunities! Would you want to take a sabbatical with your family? Read her full interview: https://lnkd.in/eed3iRUm #familysabbatical #careerbreak #sabbatical #financialplanning

Today as many of us approach the summer holidays in Spain (including many #abogados), we should all remember that every day is an opportunity to grow, to learn how to become the best version of ourselves. This is not about what you have or carry in your pocket, it is all about your aspiration to excel, and above all, the seed that you plant in the heart of the people around you. Wishing everyone the best possible holidays this summer 2023 🙂 #aspirations #helpingyouhelpothers #holidays #yourstory #yourstorymatters #recruitment #legalcareers #legalrecruitment #careergrowth #careerdevelopment #peopleandculture #peoplemanagement #yourcareer #newlife #summer2023 #happylife #loveforlearning SSQ

Experiencing the world and having our own adventures beyond the realms of project work and agency life is important for our overall health and well-being, but it can be difficult to get the time and space needed to make this happen. At INDUSTRY of Us, we give everyone on the team the opportunity to take a sabbatical each calendar year to do just that. Whether it’s to restore your creative health, experience new cultures, spend time with family, explore a passion project, or even sail the seas—the world is our oyster! For our design researcher, Sophie E., the pandemic thwarted her travel plans before she joined the team and, a six-week sabbatical has been the perfect opportunity to see more of the world and bring some of those plans to life. Sophie reports back: “My solo travels took me on breathtaking treks through the snow in Peru, to Machu Picchu (which is as impressive and majestic as you would think), to exploring the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador, and to the vibrant cities of Northern Colombia which only 15 years ago was one of the most dangerous places on earth. Being immersed in these countries has opened my eyes to different cultures and their customs; it has inspired me and enriched my understanding of the world. As I reflect on my sabbatical, it reminds me how powerful having our Creative Cultural Guide network as “eyes and ears” but also “boots on the ground”, truly is. I’ve come back to INDUSTRY of Us, rested and re-energised to continue working with our global clients, embracing fresh perspectives and immersing myself in insight from all our interesting partners and people we get to know from around the world!” #HereForInnovators #Insight #Innovation #Creativity #DesignResearch #DesignThinking #CreativeFacilitation #HealthAndWellbeing #WaysOfWorking #Sabbatical #INDUSTRYofUs

One week until I leave for my sabbatical! My calendar for the next four months is practically full. A combination of welcoming friends and colleagues from the US for enriching dialogs and cultural experiences and connecting with my European friends and colleagues to continue where we left off. It will be a tapestry of cultural encounters! 🇪🇺🇺🇸 I know that exploring cultures isn't just sightseeing; it's embracing shared narratives, overcoming communication hurdles with laughter, and warming to unfamiliar customs. Every interaction leaves a mark, shaping our understanding of the world. ✨ I'm eager to share insights and experiences with those navigating cross-cultural landscapes. Seeking tips, stories, or a travel buddy on this path of understanding? Reach out! Let's build bridges of knowledge and connections across borders. #culturalcompetence #globalcollaboration #lifelonglearning**

Embarking on solo adventures has been a game-changer for me. Stepping outside familiar territories and embracing the unknown has been a transformative journey that significantly bolstered my self-assurance. 🛣️ Navigating the Unpredictable Solo travel forced me to rely on my instincts, navigate unfamiliar landscapes, and make split-second decisions. This constant adaptation sharpened my problem-solving skills, fostering a newfound confidence in tackling challenges head-on. 🛣️ Cultural Immersion & Self-Discovery Engaging with diverse cultures during solo trips provided me with invaluable insights. Embracing unfamiliar customs and connecting with people from various walks of life not only broadened my perspective but also reinforced a profound sense of self-awareness. 🛣️ Conquering Fears & Embracing Independence Facing fears, whether it's navigating foreign transit systems or trying out a new language, has been pivotal. Conquering these challenges instilled a deep sense of independence, amplifying my belief in my capabilities. 🛣️ Resilience in Solitude Solo travel often meant solitude, pushing me to confront my thoughts and emotions. Embracing solitude fostered resilience, teaching me to find strength within myself, ultimately boosting my confidence. In essence, solo travel isn't just about exploring new places; it's a powerful catalyst for personal growth and empowerment. Here's to the journeys that shape us and the confidence gained along the way! #workday #zeneesha #workdayhcm #workdayfinancials #hrcommunity

10.5 months after announcing my sabbatical, we’ve officially moved countries… We’re used to it by now. Belgium is our 4th country as a family. Though we’re still living in boxes, unpacking has been a breeze without the constraints of a full-time job and business travel. I’m enjoying the small wins: - finding new walks with our dog - showing the kids the way to school - morning hunting for fresh pain au chocolat Last Saturday, my wife and I dined out in Copenhagen and spoke with an American head chef. As we shared our plans, he told us about moving multiple times as a child and how those experiences led him to chase his dream and move to Denmark. This resonated with me deeply. I often tell my wife we shouldn't be surprised if our kids move to Australia or another remote place after graduation. They’ve learned you can always find a new home, new friends, and new contexts wherever you go. Change can be disruptive but it also opens new doors. Here’s what I’ve learned from our moves that might be useful if you’re on the fence about relocating: 1. Career rebirth Moving boosted my career and allowed my wife to pursue her passion in HR, free from past expectations. 2. Cultural enrichment Every move offers a chance to immerse in a new culture, broadening your perspectives and enriching your personal and professional life. 3. Constant adaptability The significance of living in another country becomes clear the moment you get the keys to your new house. Relocating teaches you to be flexible and adaptable. Moving to a new country is more than a physical transition. It's an ongoing journey of discovery, growth, and adaptation. Each move is a testament to embracing new opportunities and staying agile in both career and life. What was your last move and what did it bring you closer to? PS. We highly recommend Jacobs Verhuizingen B.V. if you’re looking for moving help between countries. They’ve now emptied four of our houses, and we’ve been super happy every time!

Navigating Life Abroad with Family: 10 Insights from Our Year-Long Journey A year ago, my family and I moved from The Netherlands to Spain. It has been quite a journey. With lots of beautiful moments. But not every day has been as joyful as the moment on this picture. I've had previous experiences living abroad, and I enjoyed it a lot. However, this time, juggling the responsibilities of parenthood (kids 2 and 4 years old) together with the demands of growing a company has presented some challenges. Here are 10 invaluable lessons I've learned: ----- ▪️Choose Your Neighbors Wisely: Don't lease an apartment with a downstairs neighbor who doesn't appreciate your 2-year-old's 5am wake-up calls. ▪️Prioritize Support: A solid support system is essential for young families. We were fortunate to have a reliable daycare, but four months without a proper date night did strain our relationship. ▪️Remote Team Dynamics: Working remotely with our Awake Origins team went rather smoothly. However, the joy of meeting in person occasionally does truly add to the quality of life. ▪️Embracing Sunshine: Exchanging 170 days of sunshine (The Netherlands) for more than 300 days of sunshine (Costa Blanca, Spain) has been a sheer delight. ▪️Lifestyle Alignment: New environments can magnify differences in lifestyle preferences. We already knew Jantine values building a social life more than I do. This became even more clear the moment that there is no social life yet. ▪️The Importance of Grounding: Finding a place that truly feels like home takes time in an unfamiliar region. Searching for a long-term residence while in transition can make you feel unanchored (this is a hard one to admit to myself as I love movement). ▪️Personal Growth: New surroundings can reflect aspects of yourself more clearly, accelerating personal growth. I feel this is true for us individually but also as a couple. ▪️Connection to my Mountain: The mountain we live next to I have really connected with in a way I did not know was possible. It is 'only' 1408 meters high, but I love it more than mountains like Mont Blanc, Kilimanjaro or the mountains in Nepal that I have climbed (the energy of this mountain is one of the reasons we are doing part of our Awake Origins retreats here). ▪️The Experience of Time: The past year has been incredibly rich with experiences. To the extent that it feels like it could have spanned over three years due to the sheer depth and diversity of what we've encountered. Each week brought new adventures and lessons, making time seem to stretch and condense simultaneously. ▪️The Self Remains Constant: Regardless of where you go, you always carry yourself. Even though we have switched environments the core experience of my life, its beauty and its challenges have remained unchanged. ------ This journey hasn't ended. I don't know how things are going to unfold, but it seems like we are not going to leave Spain anytime soon!

Considering taking a sabbatical from work? A work sabbatical offers you time to explore, learn, and think more about what you want from life. It’s an extended and unstructured time-off to focus on what matters: family, health, personal interests and aspirations, and professional goals. For many, a sabbatical involves traveling to exciting destinations, from Asia and Europe to Africa and South America. To help you choose a sabbatical destination, we’ve compiled a list of the 8 best locations.

Read how two of our Travel Counsellors found setting up their own travel businesses a fantastic way to be able to have the career they wanted and the flexibility they needed to be a mum! #travelentrepreneurs #withusitspersonal #careerwomen #internationalwomensday2024