Kathleen Joy

CEO, founder

lumiereworks.com

@lumierework

#empowerment #lumierework

North Bay Area, California

Where is your favorite place to visit in the world and why?

California, during the pandemic we did multiple weekend trips to see different parts of this state. It’s fabulous.

Who do you want to meet? 

The perfect stranger. I love that you could meet someone by chance and have a momentary and beautiful connection. Then they move on…

Who did you want to meet and why?

Joseph Campbell. Would love to hear him speak on archetypes and his general insights on life.

How does your work fulfill you, your purpose in life?

I am a deep and creative thinker and the human evolution, how we grow, learn, develop, our transformative capability, is endlessly fascinating. 

What are you reading right now?

The Seven Basic Plots by Christopher Booker - on why and the type of stories we tell.

What are you watching? (for work or for fun)

Just started Yellowstone.

What do you do to relax and de-stress?

I live in a canyon. I walk out my door and head back into the hills with some deep house music in my ears.

When are you most in flow, productive and energized?

Morning hours.

Do you meditate or practice mindfulness? If so, how?

Yes. I have several practices: sitting meditation, 5 rhythms dance, sound baths

Who taught you how to hustle?

When I was 14 I wanted to new pair of jeans and my folks told me I’d need to buy them on my own. I started babysitting right away!

What keeps you up at night?
If someone I love is in distress.

Do you exercise? If so, how?
Mostly hiking or dancing.

What communities inspire you? (online and/ or in-person)
Entrepreneurial, artistic or creative groups. 

Are you more Hustle or more Zen, lately?
I need a combo! I can drive myself pretty relentlessly if I’m deep into a project, like writing and publishing my first book. I have to force little breaks to refresh and refuel. 

What would you do if you did not do your existing work/business?
I’d run a transformative, madly creative festival for leaders.

How do you define a good work / life balance, and how important do you think it is?
I don’t think of it as work/life balance. I measure my wellness on several scales: mental, emotional, social, physical, financial, spiritual, energetic, etc.. If I’m starting to feel out of balance, then I need to look at what is out of sorts and address that piece. It’s more about a sense of wellbeing no matter what the activity.

Are you married, in partnership, have kids? How have relationships impacted your balance?

Recently remarried have two daughters in their early 20’s. These relationships are critical to my sense of balance as I naturally want them to be thriving or at least steady. If they need me, I’ll drop everything.

What’s some advice you would give to new or struggling entrepreneurs/hustlers that seem out of balance?
I use a process called “The 1 thing” - it’s usually a more demanding task that will impact my work/day and I make sure to address that first thing in the day when I’m fresh.

What advice would you tell your younger self?
Worry less, enjoy more!

What is one issue you are out to change in the world?
Leadership wellness and well-being. I think leaders who are self-aware and understand their strengths and vulnerabilities are less likely to act unconsciously out on their teams or organizations. Make better decisions.

What is your favorite quote, mantra, motto?
This too shall pass. (not only the tougher moments but the beautiful ones too. Be present)

Your last 2¢?

Find your own center and act from there. Most entrepreneurs and leaders get into trouble when they are not in full integrity or power. Their agency can be diluted or create unintended consequences.

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