Sort of Like Boot Camp!

Today, started very early. HBS has a wonderful three-story fitness center and so I was up at 5:30 to get weights and a walk in, checked e-mail, had an early morning phone call with family, prepared for class, which started at 8:30 today and ended at 6:30 this evening. I felt like a marine! (You know -- they do more before 7:00 a.m. than most people do all day).

Our classes today included finance, marketing and strategy. This afternoon, HBS professor, author and Board Director for Goldman Sachs, Rob Kaplan came to speak to us about the current economic crisis. He was very engaging and insightful. He gave us some tips that I thought you all might enjoy:

"What does this crisis mean for your organization? What should you do?"

1. Recognize that this is also a great time of opportunity. Many businesses will suffer, but some will do quite well.

2. Plan for this to take longer than you expect. Plan for a scenario that includes less capital, more expenses and especially expect downsizing in non-profit arena.

3. Everything you do requires more analysis, homework and preparation.

4. Start with a clean sheet of paper. Focus on core competencies, solicit advise and feedback, brainstorm for the possibilities.

5. Put a premium on Vision. Focus on priorities and leadership development through tough times.

6. Pay attention to your behavior under pressure. Present a calm and forward thinking approach.

And . . .

7. Take better care of yourself. It's a stressful time and if you are to ride out the storm, do things that reduce stress -- sleep well, exercise, eat right and do things you enjoy.

If you are interested I have slides of his entire presentation and can share with you at a later date.

It is great fun to learn so much about other cultures. There are two Hindu men in my living group and they taught me about the rite of passage for young men in India today. My South African living group member and I started a political discussion about the US. Knowing that none of these people are Christians, I decided to say what I thought about the US and went into my spiel about how God has blessed the US, not because we are His chosen people, but because we have always been a friend to His chosen people - Israel. I went on to explain how God has promised protection for those who protect His chosen people, and I am uncertain about how foreign affairs will be handled, particularly in the Middle East. Her glazed over eyes looked at me and she said, "oh." Then, I realized I had probably just alienated myself. Oh well, it's the truth!

Continue to meet more CFA raving fans! They are all looking forward to CFA day! I am too~ I miss you all so much.

Sorry, but I have no pictures tonight! I didn't see the sunshine today for more than 30 seconds!

Thank you for the continued encouragement~ Keep those cards, letters and prayers coming!

Love and blessings to all~

Dee Ann