For those unfamiliar with the show MacGyver, “His mind is the ultimate weapon” (1985-1992 and 2016 re-boot), the thought-provoking, creative-use-of-science-focused show includes in-depth character development and seemingly impossible problem resolution.  (For more about the show and MacGyver’s creator–Lee Zlotoff–please click here.)

Enter MacGyver who removes thought limitations and uses everyday objects to create solutions.  Sometimes solving problems solo, he most often works with his team to expand his knowledge and gain a better sight picture.  Through collaboration, their team strength grows as do options to solve future complex problems.

One dilemma many of us face is getting stuck in a rut, and sometimes not realizing we’re there.

A few months ago, I felt small business rut-stuck.  Working at Geekdom I noticed a free workshop provided by one of the members.  I’m still amazed at how one, “I’m going to that workshop (and attending)” decision still makes.

Walking into the room I was met with a brilliant smile and an English accent.  When he pronounced his last name, my first thought was…MacGyver!  And my instinct about their parallels remains spot-on.

At first, I felt bad for Matt and those who signed up and didn’t show.  Then realized the amazing blessing of receiving one-on-one training with Matt.  Perfect timing for my Picture Spark © (did you hear the match lighting?) and become un-rut-stuck!

Channeling a favorite influencer, Simon Sinek, here are my Top 5 “Why I recommend Matt Guiver’s GPS Business Coaching:”

1.  Authenticity. When asking questions about his background, personal and professional interests, etc., Matt’s replies, comfortable demeanor, and eye contact reflected his being real, or authenticity.   Very refreshing when over-inundated by some who are selling something and you feel pressured to adopt their way of thinking.  Throughout the session, and currently through mentoring and collaboration, his authenticity grows deeper roots.

2.  Selfless approach. Like MacGyver reaching out to others for insight, Matt Guiver does the same.  His Jumpstone International LLC approach isn’t Matt-focused.  It’s grounded in his deep devotion to discovering and developing the unique talents of those he interacts with.  He’s an active listener who’s adept at helping individuals explore not only symptoms but causes of their unique situation(s).  By delving into your needs and perspectives he can help you create solutions ideal for you.

During the workshop (aka our first one-on-one session), Matt strategically helped me create Clarity ~ Direction ~ Purpose.  I highlight helped me because his approach is to mentor/coach through my eyes whereby I make the best decision(s) for me.  Two days after our first meeting I re-focused my small business and within another five days receive four paid writing offers.  Results may vary; however, Matt’s selfless mentor/coaching could spark significant positive changes for you!

3.  Creative thinker. Another MacGyver similarity is his savvy for using ordinary objects to create solutions.  The Picture Spark © workshop is conducted one-on-one or in a group.  Attendees select pictures reflecting how the person feels regarding questions Matt asks.  From that spark, the individual can describe their situation and related issues.  A first type of this event for me, I highly recommend considering as an option if you’re rut-stuck.  Sometimes enjoying the simplicity of focusing on a picture provides the key to unlock your rudder thereby enabling you to sail in a new direction.

4.  Lifelong learner. Building upon his eclectic, global experiences Matt’s creativity results in continuously enhancing his small business capabilities. By interacting with his ever-expanding network, Matt keeps an open mind and creates solutions…just like MacGyver.  He recently developed new workshops while providing team coaching intervention and delivering keynote addresses.  Matt’s inspiring preference for lifelong learning results in fueling his desire to help others resolve complex problems using objects in everyday life.

5.  He’s human. Meeting recently with Matt to discuss a project, I thought “Wow! He really is human.”  We all feel occasionally rut-stuck or rudderless.  Matt’s just like us.  A tribute to his authenticity, he’s willing to share just as easily as he’s ready to actively listen.  During our thought-share, he employed Jumpstone International LLC tools whereby we discovered solutions best suited for our unique situations.  Upleveraging our MacGyver solution approach, we deep-dived into our personal issues and sought readily available options to make an apparently daunting problem easy to resolve, even without a Swiss Army Knife.

Gift wrap from above:  If needing a light to help you find your way, or get un-rut-stuck, I highly recommend engaging Matt Guiver, “Coaching to conquer your challenges.”  His focus to see and understand your life and concerns through your eyes is exemplary.  The results you may experience when engaging in Matt’s mentor/coaching sessions and your implementing novel ways to chart your new course could be considered…priceless!

Matt Guiver:  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-guiver-87326a20/

Jumpstone International LLC http://www.jumpstoneinternational.com/

As Creator, Kaleidoscope Sharing LLC, Dr. Kat Strus (Lt Col, USAF, Retired) endeavors to “Help You Find & Polish Your Authentic Voice!” As a writer and consultant, she’s expanding her skills while upleveraging more than 24 years of Department of Defense-wide human resources experience and extensive leadership theories, generations theories (Millennial focus), and organizational culture dissertation research.  Passionate about honoring others, and only fluent in English, she taught herself 47 of the 48 nations’ anthems she can sing in 32 languages…so far.  She has performed 770+ US and 86 non-US National Anthems at various events to include International and National Championships; Major League Baseball, Lacrosse, and Soccer; NASCAR, NBA, NFL, NHL, WNBA, and the Women’s NFL.  Her writing accomplishments include drafting, modifying, or contributing to DoD and AF policies; drafting/editing white papers for the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce; obtaining respective DoD and AF Public Affairs Office approval to publish her doctoral dissertation; and peer-reviewed-published book reviews.  For additional insight please visit http://www.KaleidoscopeSharing.com

Rio JPEG

“+ E=MC2,” or positive energy, is a blog stream highlighting the amazing accomplishments of others!

Sending a Texas-sized special shout out to my Rio-bound “family:”  Pentathletes from Team USA–Margaux, Isabella, Nathan {HOOAH!}, Team Egypt–Amro and Omar who also train at the Colorado Springs US Olympic Training Center (USOTC), and other Teams I had the honor of supporting at the USOTC!  May your spirit of gold shine brightly as you compete in Rio and beyond!

http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Modern-Pentathlon/Features/2016/July/08/USA-Pentathlon-Names-Rio-Olympic-Team

https://www.rio2016.com/en

Colorado Springs is home to the Rockies (yes, sometimes they really do look purple!), majestic skies, and exhilarating opportunities.  A few weeks ago my heart raced with excitement seeing Pikes Peak from the plane window.  What a thrill to share time again with my Pentathlon family! Providing cheerleader and Global National Anthem support since 2013 remains a highlight in my life, but

What touches my heart the most: The exceptionally talented athletes, coaches, staff, and families who inspire me!  The…

~ Athlete families are so much fun to hang out with!  Nurturing their and others’ children, building friendships, and providing a support system for the athletes, especially those whose families or friends who are unable to attend the event (e.g., visiting from out of town, state, country) is heartwarming.

~ Support staff earn “gold” with every event.  If/when “Murphy’s Law” applies the staff works their magic to ensure the event is ready for the athletes to give it their all.  Their efforts are also impressive when issues arise during competition.

~ Coaches deftly devote time to their craft to ensure athletes receive stellar training. Observing them during competitions is like watching poetry in motion.  Ensuring each athlete receives nurturing isn’t an easy task but they accomplish the feat every day!

~ Novices of varying ages embody, “I can do, no wait I am doing this!”  Sometimes their behaviors convey a strong desire to give up.  How exhilarating to watch them muster the courage to take one more step, stroke, shot, or get back in the saddle.

~ More-seasoned athletes honing skills to stand on the podium at day’s-end.  Struggles arise but they keep moving forward.  Perhaps they gain some strength from recalling how far they’ve come since novice days and wanting more.

~ Elite are breathtaking to watch!  Sometimes their skills falter a bit during one of the elements, but delving into their Olympic-flame-burning-within they prevail.

What impresses me most about the athletes, especially the elite:  Their humility, sportsmanship, and nurturing other athletes!

Meeting Olympic and World Champions & Medalists, National Champions, Olympians, and World Class Athletes is sometimes a mystery.  I recall meeting David Svoboda a couple years ago.  Very kind, down-to-earth gentleman who was helping train athletes at one of the Olympic development camps and conversed freely with competition observers.  Hadn’t a clue who he was until someone conveyed, “He’s the reigning Pentathlon Olympic Gold Medalist!”  We spoke for a few moments about his family and Olympic experience.  About the latter he smiled and shared how one day you can be on top of the world and the next be at the bottom,

The key is to never give up, continue working hard to sharpen your skills, and be ready to give your all when the moment arrives (paraphrase).

I hope you take a few moments to watch Team USA and other amazing athletes competing in the Olympics and Paralympics.  I hope by watching these phenomenal individuals and teams you’re also inspired to follow in their path by taking one more step toward your Gold!

Signature LG

As Creator, Kaleidoscope Sharing LLC, Dr. Kat Strus (Lt Col, USAF, Retired) endeavors to “Help You Find & Polish Your Authentic Voice!” as a Human Capital Consultant, Voice Talent, and Writer.  She has more than 24 years of human resources experience to include influencing Department of Defense (DoD)- and USAF-wide policy changes.  Caring for people and recommending solutions were motivating factors to conduct extensive qualitative research exploring USAF leadership development, organizational culture, and generation theories (e.g., Millennials and GenX).  Results could assist military and non-military-affiliated leaders when considering options to increase recruiting and retention as well as improving interpersonal relationships.  Passionate about honoring others, and only fluent in English, she taught herself 43 of the 44 nations’ anthems she is able to sing in 29 languages…so far.  She has performed 650+ US and 78 non-US National Anthems at various events to include International and National Championships, Major League Baseball, ML Lacrosse, ML Soccer, NASCAR, NBA, NFL, NHL, and WNBA.  Her writing accomplishments include drafting, modifying, or contributing to DoD and AF documents; obtaining respective DoD and AF Public Affairs Office approval to publish her doctoral dissertation; published book reviews; and on 14 July 2016 entered the realm of blogging.  For additional insight please visit http://www.KaleidoscopeSharing.com

 

“Reflections On…” contains thoughts regarding professional and personal experiences, philosophical and academic interests, and those ignited by auditory, visual, and other stimuli. Reflecting on various events uncovers memories and emotions as well as finding solutions and peace. Keeping the positive reflections and casting off past experiences holding you back is uplifting. {Fridays}

Dark Creepy Cave http://creepypasta.wikia.com/wiki/Dark_Cave?file=Darkcreepycave.jpg

Greetings and welcome to the first blog in the “Reflections On…” stream!

Upon entering my first philosophy course several years ago I thought, “I’ll need a Texas-sized caffeine beverage & a Snicker’s bar to stay awake!” Little did I realize the seeds planted would sprout years later.

During my doctoral journey I dusted off the cobwebs and felt unanticipated excitement. Learning about how philosophers’ cultural, political, and personal events influenced their perspectives was intriguing. I enjoy Aristotelian a priori focus on creating knowledge from conscious conceptualization. Oftentimes I have more fun playing in Plato’s a posteriori creation of meaning from observations and experiences.

Enjoying the feel of holding books, making notes, and creating rainbows of stickies highlighting passages I discovered my original book including some of Plato’s works. A single page corner was creased. Opening the book, I again entered Plato’s Cave.

Re-reading the story I imagined myself as Plato’s protagonist living in the darkness, bound by chains, dim flickers of light, looming shadows, etc. With fear of the unknown, like Plato’s protagonist would I have the courage to

~ Take a step if the chains were removed or find the strength to break free?

~ Find courage to investigate the shadows?

~ Venture into the light as the brightness increased and hurt my eyes when moving closer to it?

~ Bask in sunlight?

~ Return to the cave and share my experiences to enlighten and encourage others to break free and create their own destiny? Or continue on alone based on fear of retaliation for speaking out against the status quo?

With memories flooding in I wonder

~ Have you ever faced one or more of those scenarios?

~ What thoughts arose?

~ What actions did you take?

~ And a final question to close this scene: Have you ever seen the Cave as a comfort zone? A limitation? Both?

Looking forward to reading your and sharing thoughts.

Please join me next week as our journey into the sunlight, or safety of the Cave, continues!

Signature LG

As Creator, Kaleidoscope Sharing LLC, Dr. Kat Strus (Lt Col, USAF, Retired) endeavors to “Help You Find & Polish Your Authentic Voice!” as a Human Capital Consultant, Voice Talent, and Writer.  For additional insight or to request a free consultation please visit http://www.KaleidoscopeSharing.com

Originally posted 14 July 2016 on https://kaleidoscopesharing.com/welcome-blog/  Change:  New to the blogging realm realized it’s more fun freely posting (i.e., removed the projected post dates for the three blog streams) 😀

Greetings and thank you for reading my first blog!

Recalling the exhilaration casting off from a pier to explore the ocean, or away from anything negative, and breathing in positive energy I created KaSTon (i.e., Kaleidoscope Sharing Thoughts on) to cast attention on events that fuel my soul.

My initial focus was creating a blog. However, continuously filling my cornucopia with thoughts and ideas decided to create three blog streams to help minimize stimulus overload for anyone willing to share a journey.

The first blog stream, “Reflections On…,” contains thoughts regarding professional and personal experiences, philosophical and academic interests, and those ignited by auditory, visual, and other stimuli. Reflecting on various events uncovers memories and emotions as well as finding solutions and peace. Keeping the positive reflections and casting off past experiences holding you back is uplifting.

+ E=MC2,” or positive energy, is a stream filled with oodles of shout-outs, story sharing, and supercalifragilisticexpealidoscious moments. Some examples include sharing personal experiences and need-to-share stories or posts read or heard elsewhere. I’m thrilled to highlight the amazing successes of others, especially those who continue to positively influence my choices and journey.

My third stream, “Insatiable Optimism from a PTSD Prima Donna” will be filled with a myriad of entries regarding my 2014 diagnosis and continuing adventures. A trusted friend conveyed, “Prima Donna is negative.” The original definition and later negative connotation make this, especially with how some react to hearing “PTSD,” an apropos appellation. Please join me in turning the tide to fuel positive change.

I introduce my blog streams in this order because they are intricately intertwined by the theme of proactive positivity. My hope is that by exploring the other two streams you may learn more about my perspective and how, like others, my PTSD provides an edge to leverage especially when helping others shine more brightly.

Thank you, again, for reading my first blog. Best wishes for a joy-filled, prosperous journey & hope you’ll join mine!

Signature LG

As Creator, Kaleidoscope Sharing LLC, Dr. Kat Strus (Lt Col, USAF, Retired) endeavors to “Help You Find & Polish Your Authentic Voice!” as a Human Capital Consultant, Voice Talent, and Writer.  For additional insight or to request a free consultation please visit http://www.KaleidoscopeSharing.com