How Andy Hagerman leads from awareness

"I have a number of practices that are all meant to help me with 'grounding—' being present in the moment, getting out of my head, and bringing awareness to where I'm at mentally and emotionally before trying to show up for anyone else."

Meet Andy Hagerman, entrepreneur, innovator, and someone I'm lucky to call a friend.

I met Andy more than 10 years ago.

Back then, he and his team were growing their company, a strategy consultancy with the coolest name ever, The Design Gym.

Also back then, I may have known about culture, design thinking, and innovation. Yet, The Design Gym taught me how to decode the language of it all. To give you an example, it's because of them that I always describe customer needs with verbs, and solutions with nouns. I tell you, Andy influenced the way I consult, teach, coach, and approach creativity to this very day.

For that, I'm deeply grateful. And I'm also excited, because today, you'll have an unprecedented peek into Andy's world.

Alberto C. Blanco (A.B.): Tell me one regular practice very unique to you that helps you stay true to yourself when you show up for others as a leader?

Andy Hagerman (A.H.): Starting my day with a long hot shower and meditation is critical for me. No matter how I wake up, this helps me check-in and bring awareness. I have a variety of palo santo incense that I light before diving into work which gives me just 2-3 minutes of transitioning and sensorial awareness. Then, I'm very firm about work boundaries to prioritize time with my 2-year old daughter. I prioritize taking her to school everyday and also cooking dinner and playing at night. I know it's important for her, but it's just as important for my mental balance and levity. 

(A.B.): How did you arrive to such practice?

(A.H.): I've gone through a few moments of deep burnout in my career, and those have been accompanied by depression and fear. One of the first times that happened in my mid-twenties, these practices started coming up really organically—my body and mind knew it needed those moments of awareness. Eventually, I started to learn more about what I was doing and why it was helpful, and have been able to refine my practices more intentionally. A few books have also helped along the way, including Reboot by Jerry Colonna (also his podcast by the same title). Having a child recently was also a forcing factor in all the right ways—it was an instant perspective shift.

(A.B.): What might Leadsticks readers do to overcome the pressure to fit in a certain leadership way—one that doesn't resonate with them, but is regarded as "the norm?"

"...if you're always paying attention, you'll be moving in the right direction..."

(A.H.): Awareness is critical—even just being able to acknowledge 'this culture doesn't reflect who I am at my best or how I work at my best.' A lot of people feel like they need lots of data or time to really validate those instincts—but I think people know pretty quickly whether a leadership culture is a fit for them or not.

If not, you have to ask the question whether it's a change you can influence and whether that's something you have motivation to do. If not, then find a place that is a better fit.

Accept that it usually happens slower than you'd wish, but that awareness piece is most important—if you're always paying attention, you'll be moving in the right direction.

(A.B.): Is there anything else you'll like to say to our Leadsticks readers?

(A.H.): It's a complex and ambiguous moment in the world of work. It can feel really heavy. Be kind to yourself and pay attention to your mental health. 

(A.B.): Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.

(A.H.): My pleasure! It served as a wonderful reflection.

There you go dear reader. May this conversation bring you a fresh perspective for your leadership growth.

To connect with Andy:

• Check out how The Design Gym helps companies grow.
• Also, feel free to join him on LinkedIN.

To connect with me:

• Hit reply to share what you appreciated the most about Andy's conversation.
• Likewise, feel free to connect with me via LinkedIN.

All best,

Alberto

PS: if you liked this collab, you can check out previous editions here.