I've always hated conformity. I find it painful to see people in their lives or at work living in a closet.
In my own career I've had roles that lifted me up and helped me be my best and some that were soul crushing and made me hate life. Nobody should have their soul crushed at work. Maybe it would be ok if it led to better business outcomes. But it doesn't. It stifles creativity, causes people to play it safe, and leads to boring products, undifferentiated brands, and soulless organizations with disengaged employees. Not to mention the negative impact it has on their families, communities, and the world.
Imagine an alternate reality. What happens when people feel comfortable being fully themselves? When they are engaged in meaningful, purposeful work? When they feel a sense of belonging to a team? When they are challenged in ways that develop their skills and deepen their expertise? When they are cared about and cared for? When they are supported in their efforts to integrate work and life in healthy ways?
These people bring more energy, more passion, more creativity to their work—which enables their companies to thrive. And they bring more joy into their homes—which leads to healthier families, more stable communities, and a better world.
I started Rule No. 1 because we all have a choice. To let work suck or to fill it with authenticity, meaning, joy, and fulfillment. The choice sounds simple in theory but is incredibly challenging in practice.
And I can help.