Michaela: Kinda. Depends on your definition of "break"! I bopped down to NYC and Boston for some Spkwell client work: facilitated an alignment for a team of four, and returned for a third stint as faculty for a leadership intensive. So much work-joy shared with folks from across the US, Latin America, and Europe.

Then came a milestone: my first houseguests since moving to Maine! A beloved former colleague arrived from the UK with her family, followed by two grade-school besties from Texas. We frolicked in cold water, cracked some lobsters, gobbled up oysters, raided farmstands, and ate pie and ice cream on the daily. Now the autumn colors have arrived right on cue. I'm ready for the crisp air, early dark, and cozy, quiet evenings.

Anastazia: My August was busy in the best non-work way. I made the most of a completely flexible calendar by maximizing all NYC summer has to offer. I trekked out to Rockaway Beach, caught Chance the Rapper at Summer Stage in Central Park, and saw a nail-biting doubles match at the US Open during Fan Week. I headed out of town for just one weekend when I and eleven of my cousins took over Chicago for our annual girls trip. We danced in the rain on the Riverwalk, took pictures with the former First Couple at the new Obama Presidential Library, and ate as many Chicago classics as we could find: deep dish pizza, hot dogs, Harold’s Chicken, and my new favorite thing, fried catfish and spaghetti. I certainly could’ve used one more week of summer, but I say that every year! 

Taking a step back – whether to travel, connect with family, or recharge after a high-impact engagement – is crucial. A fresh set of eyes can go a long way in helping you gain perspective. And as coaches and strategic advisors…

…that is exactly what we're here for.

1) Speaking of breaks… For the last quarter of the year, we’re taking a quarter off of our 2026 pricing! There will be a new prospectus (with new pricing) in January, so take advantage of this EOY deal: 25% off packages purchased between October 1 - December 15, 2026 and used by June 30, 2027.

2) The Buzz 🐝 is back and RSVPs are rolling in! Don’t miss out on our illuminating, cross-industry Zoom gatherings. Our next topic is how to make the most of performance review conversations, just in time to prep for yours. RSVP on Calendly to join us on Wednesday, October 21st at 4:30pm ET.

Did you come to The Buzz in June? Leave a testimonial here.

What does it take to work well, human >< human? Perspective. And perspective implies distance.

It's why so many of us take time off in summer. Jokes about needing a vacation from your vacation aside, we do it because we enjoy it and because we need it. Away from the hustle and grind, the food tastes better and the book is more engrossing. We notice the air on our skin, laugh more often and easily, stay up later, and sleep deeper and longer (hopefully).

Then we come back, and the revelations arrive. Sometimes it's Wow, I really love this work, or, This team is awesome. Sometimes it's This role isn't for me anymore. Often it's Wait, I know a faster, smarter way to do this. We connect more authentically with colleagues. Problems that felt intractable in February suddenly have levers.

The catch? The glow fades. A 2013 study by de Bloom et al.¹ found that the vacation boost to health and well-being returns to baseline within the first week back at work. Distance is eye-opening, but like a summer tan, perspective fades. This is the case for baking distance into how you work, not just how you rest.

That's where we come in. As coaches and strategic advisors, our job is to offer perspectives that are difficult to maintain from the inside. Not everyone can take a life-changing month away. Not every organization has a Google-sized people budget or its own visionary HR team.

As trusted external partners, we love bringing fresh perspective. We work like insiders, because we take the time to understand your people, your culture, your needs, and your goals. External eyes, internal context: a view from the balcony, with seats at the table. 

Sitting on a year-end surplus? We're knocking a quarter off this quarter, October 1 through December 15. Let's talk.

¹de Bloom, J., Geurts, S. A., Taris, T. W., Sonnentag, S., de Weerth, C., & Kompier, M. A. (2013). Vacation (after-) effects on employee health and well-being, and the role of vacation activities, experiences and sleep. Journal of Happiness Studies, 14(2), 613–633. Link

Talk soon, 

A + M 

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