Finding Joy in Social Change
Hali Lee | Coffee #1 | Virtually
Hali Lee, is a vibrant and multifaceted individual, colleague, and most importantly, a dear friend.
As we settled into our conversation, it became clear that Hali's approach to life is as diverse as her interests. She introduced herself as a mom, dog lover, and rooftop beekeeper with a passion for reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her family. Her commitment to caring for her elderly parents, aged 92 and 87, shone through as she spoke about dividing her time between Brooklyn, New York and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The conversation focused around three key areas: work-life philosophy, leadership and organizational experiences, and personal growth and goal setting.
Work-Life Philosophy
Hali's perspective on work and life is refreshingly holistic. She emphasizes the importance of finding joy in everyday moments and thinking expansively rather than restrictively. "I'm truly one of those people that stop to smell the flowers," she shared, illustrating her point with a charming anecdote about her mother's delight in a new dried squid snack. This approach extends to her professional life, where she strives to work on projects aligned with her values and vision for a better world.
Leadership and Organizational Experiences
Our discussion touched on Hali's experiences in the nonprofit sector, including a challenging period that led to significant personal growth. She candidly shared her decision to never again work as an executive director of a nonprofit, citing the complexities of board dynamics. This experience has shaped her current approach to business, as she explores innovative models like feminist cooperatives with her company, Radiant Strategies.
Personal Growth and Goal Setting
Hali's approach to personal growth and goal setting is unconventional yet inspiring. Rather than focusing on rigid, short-term goals, she emphasizes the importance of overall frames and approaches to life. "I've not been good about goal setting," she admitted, "but I think more about what are the sort of frames." This flexible mindset has allowed her to pursue long-term aspirations, like writing a book – which is in production! – without the pressure of strict timelines.
Lessons Learned
Joy can be an act of revolution, especially in challenging or dire situations.
Thinking expansively opens up opportunities and makes life more interesting.
It's crucial to work with people who have both "a good head and a good heart."
Key Takeaways
Embrace diversity and inclusion in both personal and professional settings
Take risks and "just do it" – perfection isn't necessary for progress
Look for joy and fun in your endeavors to make them more engaging and sustainable
Personal Reflection
Interviewing Hali was an inspiring start to my 50 Coffees project. As a dear friend, I was admittedly a little apprehensive to have Hali be my first. Since I know her, I wasn’t sure if there would be much for us to talk about within this frame. Boy, was I wrong. Starting with Hali proved to be the best decision. Her approach to life and work, characterized by openness, curiosity, and a commitment to positive change, resonates deeply with my own aspirations. Hali's emphasis on finding joy and thinking expansively has challenged me to reconsider my own approaches to goal-setting and personal growth. Her insights into leadership and organizational dynamics provide valuable food for thought as I navigate my own career path in the social impact sector.
As we concluded our conversation, I was struck by Hali's unique perspective on inspiration. While I tend to gravitate towards quotes, Hali finds motivation in colors and visual elements. This reminder of the diverse ways people find inspiration has encouraged me to broaden my own sources of motivation and creativity.
Hali's journey, from nonprofit leadership to exploring innovative business models, exemplifies the kind of thoughtful, purpose-driven career I hope to build. Her story reinforces the idea that it's possible to create meaningful change while also prioritizing personal joy and growth – a balance I aim to strike in my own life and work.
