My mother, Diana Weaver Kahan, was a poet. Not a published poet, but a lover of poetry who read to me regularly and occasionally wrote her own. Above is her picture on her honeymoon with my father. I was particularly fond of this poem she wrote in 2004: Because I have children I eat strawberries, […]
Because I Have Children Read More »
The key for me in all areas where I either want to improve my life or must admit I have fallen short: self-compassion. It doesn’t always come easy, but when I feel the most out of balance or wanting, self-compassion is my go-to intent. As a consequence, I have read a good deal on it
After I graduated with a BA in mathematics I started graduate school. At the same time, at the age of 20, I started an experimental theater company, Waggo Makes Connexxions. We performed in vacant lots, parks, and the county library. That’s me above, taking a bow with my troupe after our second performance. The picture
Roots and New Growth Read More »
Tonight, is a magical night for millions of children around the world, the night before Christmas. I’d like to share a reading of the poem that defined Santa Claus in my mind as a child. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas. The Night Before Christmas Clement Clarke Moore ‘Twas the night before Christmas,
Tis the Night Before Christmas! Read More »
As the northern hemisphere enters the colder months and today is the Winter Solstice, when the longest night prevails, I thought it appropriate to express love, loyalty, and enthusiasm for that which draws us closer to the Mystery of Life. In that spirit, I am sharing this poem by Mary Oliver: Whistling Swans Do you
We are coming to the close of a tremendously stressful year. This has been a particular hit for the association community, which generates value by bringing people together. In that regard it has been an extraordinary year, filled with heroic efforts by many associations to make the best of the virtual environments with which we
2021: The Year of the Game Change for Associations Read More »
Global Harmony Through Personal Excellence is a small organization here in the Washington, DC, area, run by a very close and loved friend of mine with the support of volunteers. Its mission is to support the expression and humanity of children. I give money every winter to this amazing initiative. It includes both an essay
Supporting Local Change Read More »
Associations have a special place in this world. We reach out through society and encompass people of all political persuasions, ethnicities, gender orientations, the marginalized, and the mainstream. Our arms encompass the world. We have an opportunity to do something remarkable with our work, link the profession, trade, or cause we represent in a way
Holiday Aspirations for Associations Read More »
There are so many issues in our world today where large-scale social change could make a great impact. During my 13 years at the World Bank, I had the opportunity to work within a small team that led an internal social change. We discovered that bringing people together who care deeply about a particular topic
Driving Social Change Read More »
A visionary leader is one who looks into the future to identify emerging trends and support those that are consistent with their organization’s mission and benefit a larger external stakeholder group as well. I am a proud member of the American Geophysical Union, an association of earth and space scientists. I’m not an earth or
Visionary Leadership Read More »
