values – Courtney Anne Wilson

Why our Native Culture is Key

Published on 27/06/201802/08/2018 by Courtney Anne Wilson5 Comments

I recently returned from a 13-day retreat in Hawaii, on the island of Molokai. My intention was to immerse myself into the traditional Hawaiian culture and to see what happens….

In the lead up and during the retreat, I familiarised myself with the language, through learning chants and hymns that we would sing as part of protocol; I observed, listened and participated in ceremonies; I was transformed through storytelling expressed through elders sharing and the graceful practice of hula; I was moved by visiting ancient sacred sites; and I asked questions, quickly learning this was only at the appropriate time!

Words can’t explain what happened, it changed my whole worldview. Yet, here is what I can share about Hawaii and what I will take forward in my day-to-day life, both personally and professionally:

Always believe in something larger than ourselves

This could be anything from a universal energy, the cosmos, the power of nature, a god, gods or goddesses, or simply the collective vision of your organisation, team or family.

Our ability to believe in something larger than ourselves can transform our world from “me” to “we” and move us into living a life of unity and gratitude ~ Mahalo Ke Akua

Listen, Observe and Pray

We’ve heard it before “Seek first to understand. Then to be understood”, Stephen Covey. It’s true! I ‘re-cognised’ the true value of observation and listening, despite wanting to ask questions (which can be intrusive) and being the most talkative (which can be arrogant). I rediscovered my faith in knowing that the answers will be revealed, the great truths will be uncovered and the will and courage to speak will be received and given, at precisely the right time. ~ Pule

Stay centred and laugh often

Our native culture reminds us about finding the balance between our intellect and intuition. It’s about having integrity. It’s about letting our conscious be our guide. Imagine how different our thoughts, words and behaviours would be if we operated from a place of knowing as opposed to telling. And when the going gets tough (go back to #2!) or if you simply need a smile, it’s amazing how our sense of humour can bring light and laughter back into our spirit, mind and body ~ Pono

Be ready for anything

A Greek philosopher once said “The only constant in life is change”. I live and breathe change, now I have a word for it ~ Mākaukau

Most importantly, this adventure reminded me about Australia’s indigenous culture, my connection to our land and broader community, the need to apologise and forgive on behalf of ourselves and ancestors, and the insight to revere those who are brave enough to build a bridge between the old and the new.

Most surprisingly, this adventure reminded me that WE ALL have a native culture to rediscover, especially if we are to go forward, together.

A hui hou, Aloha

Mahalo nui Kumu Pa’a Lawrence Aki, Kyrian Van Vliet, Kumu Pa’a Kawika Foster, Jessica Foster, Anakala (Uncle) Pilipo Solatorio, Anake (Aunt) Diane Solatorio, Kumu Hula DJ Pelekai, Aunt Souki, Uncle Bobby Alcain, Aunt Julia Hoe, Uncle Herb Hoe, Uncle Harry Kuupio Aki, Haumana of Mana o Molokai Hawaii and Mana o Kahiko, Sue (pictured above) and all my fellow Molokai Hula Bliss and Huaka’i 2018 participants.

Courtney ‘Co-Creator’ Wilson

m: +61 (0)417 107 888| e: courtney.connect@outlook.com

What is the meaning of CONNECTION?

Published on 30/03/201502/08/2018 by Courtney Anne WilsonLeave a comment

Such a great question, especially given my business name, but one that I’ve not fully explored in great depth, funnily enough, until now! Yet this simple question has given me so much more insight into the passion and vision of Cultivate Connections. It’s true what they say; sometimes it’s the simple things….

Here is what I discovered by asking the question:

“Connection is the energy that is created between people when they feel seen, heard and valued” – Brene Browm

“What we are all striving for is authenticity, a spirit to spirit connection” – Oprah Winfrey

“Connection is bringing a value, emotion or quality to the surface and allowing it to create a “connection” with another, others or something of similar value, emotion or quality” – Elizabeth Ellames, Living Attributes

“Connection is when your energy and that of another(s) resonate enabling communication that is in rhythm with one another and has the ability to be a resounding influence on their situation, surrounds and other energies” – Alison Rogers, Pulse Advertising

“Connection is being present in the moment and being real enough to enter your heart space and express and receive communication from that place – a very powerful ingredient for unity” – Cherie Rowett, Heart Choice Enterprises

“Connection is sharing resonance…being in alignment with similar visions and goals and above all a Heart Connection” – Myriam Sampson, The H’Art of Living

Even Dictionary.com provided some valuable insight:

The act or state of connecting “The connection between cause and effect”
Association; relationship: “the connection between crime and poverty”
Anything that connects, joins or relates; link or bond
A circle of friends or associates or a member of such a circle
Association with or development of something observed, imagined, discussed, etc “I have a few thoughts in connection with your last remark”
A source of supply for goods, material, etc.,
A channel of communication.

Upon reflection, all I can say is that I certainly chose the right name for a business that promotes Active Team Building. Connection is what builds relationship and creates trust between people to enable collaboration, contribution and the co-creation of quality solutions. So next time you are collaborating or working in a Team, consider the CONNECTION;

Is the CONNECTION

Authentic;
Heart to heart;
Fully present in the moment and
Adding value?

Until next time, stay connected and as promised, stay tuned for opportunities to connect and collaborate in Brazil…

Courtney ‘Co-Creator’ Wilson

m: +61 (0)417 107 888| e: courtney.connect@outlook.com

Do we practice Creative Collaboration?

Published on 02/03/201502/08/2018 by Courtney Anne WilsonLeave a comment

After an amazing 3 week holiday in Brazil, February not only brought a time of reflection and relaxation but also surprising connections and opportunities abroad. And to top it all off, February concluded with the 2^nd CC Event, where we continued to build relationship with one another while exploring The Circle of Collaboration©…. a tool to guide active team building through clarifying and aligning values and visions.

I will share more about my Brazilian connections and collaboration opportunities in my next post, so stay tuned. Right now, I wanted to share the highlights of the February CC Event…

As we all continued to take networking to the next level, we opened our minds to what is possible and created trust amongst the group by discussing current issues and exploring ways to overcome them. It was very evident through the conversations that what we all valued authentic relationships at home and in the workplace – not only with others but also with ourselves. It simply reinforced that absolutely, without a doubt, building relationship and creating trust is the first step in establishing effective team work and reducing competition.

This finding fit in perfectly with the knowledge sharing of the morning. As we consider coming together to collaborate and co-create on projects, I encouraged a change in the way we think about and perceive Collaboration; to align with Creative Collaboration as opposed to the familiar ‘Corporate’ Collaboration so many of us are used to working within.

When we creatively collaborate we need to move from:

A hierarchy based approach that is directive in nature to a role based approach that fosters cooperation;
A profit driven venture that places higher importance on profit over people to a purpose driven venture that nurtures its people and honours their true value (which ultimately serves the bottom line because the truth is it’s the people who build the business and the profit);
An egocentric consumer focus that stays true to the old saying ‘What’s In It For Me’ (WIIFM) to an altruistic contribution focus aligning with a the new and improved saying, that I like to call, ‘What Can I Contribute’ (WCIC). In doing so, we overcome scarcity and add value through sharing knowledge.

Creative Collaboration is rewarding for everyone and the way forward for all workplaces, businesses and projects, alike. Furthermore, visualise Creative Collaboration as a way to becoming interdependent, like a collective community where each member has an important role to play in the whole, and we address and reduce the fear of losing autonomy and/or becoming co-dependent. Follow these 7 essential ingredients and achieve success through creative collaboration:

Ultimately we each need to make the COMMITMENT to ourselves, our role and the team; to creativity, diversity and sharing knowledge; and to contributing towards the collective vision!

This is what it will take for us to come together and purposefully #ActOnPassionsandVisions.

So the next time you find yourself teaming up with others, ask yourself do we practice Creative Collaboration? Consider these concepts and watch your team flourish!

The next CC Event will be held on Friday March 27^th– I hope to see you there!!!!! Details coming soon…

You can also connect with the CC Community via the CC Page and/or CC Group on Facebook to contribute, share knowledge and participate in upcoming events.

Courtney ‘Co-Creator’ Wilson

m: +61 (0)417 107 888| e: courtney.connect@outlook.com

It all started with a Bang!

Published on 01/02/201502/08/2018 by Courtney Anne WilsonLeave a comment

Wow! What a month…. I performed for the first time at the Sydney Latin Festival with a team of amazing Zouk dancers AND launched my business, Cultivate Connections, with the first ever CC Event. Talk about start the New Year off with a bang! 2015 is definitely the year for no holding back!!

The launch of CC Events was terrifying and amazing all at the same time. It was a long time coming and a journey like no other. I was so grateful people aligned with my passion and vision and showed up, not to mention provided so much positive feedback, more than I could have hoped for. The morning brought Leaders, Influencers and Visionaries, from an array of backgrounds, together in one room. It was an opportunity for us to meet, connect, share knowledge and build relationship.

The context was Teamwork centred on the Circle of Collaboration. It is my dream that together we embrace, define, develop and innovate around the Circle of Collaboration – co-creating a brighter future for ourselves and those to come. 20 years ago Health and Well-Being was merely a concept, now it’s a way of life. Imagine a world where we know to be true and are living and doing business aligned with all the petals of the Circle of Collaboration….

Thought provoking and controversial conversations arose around the following petals of the circle: Causes and Community, Social and Spiritual (now Social and Sustainability), Professional and Personal and Profit and People (now Public & Policy). The word Spiritual in particular was at first, by some, difficult to relate to but then once any preconceived ideas about religion was set aside, the true meaning of the word emerged and people could relate to their eternal spirit within. It was a joy to witness, to participate in and to contribute towards. The energy of the room certainly took on its name ‘Thinking Space’ – it couldn’t have been more aligned if I tried! I really look forward to seeing where the events, connections and conversations lead the community as the year continues….

What do the petals of the Circle of Collaboration mean to you?

The next event will be held on Friday morning 27^th February and I’m calling out to all Leaders, Influencers, Visionaries or Collaborators who want to connect, team up and help grow a new humanity. The conversations with continue and further connections will be made as we explore the Circle of Collaboration and the benefits of Creative Collaboration and Synergy.

Register and book your seat now via Eventbrite and contribute towards a brighter future https://cultivateconnetions.eventbrite.com.au

I hope to see you there!

Courtney ‘C0-Creator’ Wilson

m: +61 (0)417 107 888| e: courtney.connect@outlook.com

What Holds us BACK to ACT?

Published on 30/12/201402/08/2018 by Courtney Anne Wilson4 Comments

December and the promise of a New Year brings with it a time of reflection. Reflection of what we have achieved in the year gone by (or perhaps postponed or held back on) as well as the resolutions that we make to ourselves for the year ahead… a year full of possibilities and opportunities…

It’s the best time of year to set clear intentions, to reignite a Passion or Vision for the future and to Dream …Dream BIG so that we can make the world awesome!

One thing I chose to do differently this year, just to push myself forward and to make sure that I no longer postpone or put things off, was to honestly ask myself…..

‘What Holds Me back to Act?’

When I reflect, I recognise one valuable distinction I have learnt from a system/typology that I now work with, in that I am driven by a lot of why, a little of what, but absolutely no how. What this means is that when I focus on ‘why’ I want to do something, I have clarity. But when I actually want go and do that something, sometimes I just don’t know how to do it! I can become confused, frustrated and potentially give up! I realise that I actually need to team up with those that know how….

So that is what I have done. I have teamed up with 3 inspirational women on purpose, who have aligned values and vision, so that together we can co-create quality solutions for the future. We share a vision to empower and create influential women of the world and, through Creative Collaboration, we have developed a Cohesive Leadership for Change program designed specifically for women. Launching in March 2015, the program creates the vital challenge and joyful experience of discovering ones purpose and stepping into ones individual and collective values and visions.

By teaming up in this way, I have also been inspired and motivated to finally act and launch my new business ‘Cultivate Connections’ on Friday 30^th January 2015.

When I discovered what was holding me back and experienced firsthand what happens when I team up with those that complement my strengths and weaknesses, I thought perhaps I might not be the only one; that others might also benefit from teaming up too and that’s why I created Cultivate Connections – it connects people, services and businesses to ensure we have everything we need to ‘turn our Passions and Visions into Actions’… the What, the Why and the How and even the Where and the When…

So as the New Year approaches, ask yourself…

Do you have a Passion you want to enthusiastically pursue with others?
Do you have a Vision you want to share?
Do you have a Dream you want to make into a Reality?

If so, consider a collaborative venture and team up with those that have aligned values and vision. I can certainly declare that TEAMWORK really does make the DREAMWORK!

It is quite incredible. It’s not to say it’s without its challenges but it brings new meaning to relationships, to passions and visions, to ideas and dreams and to what is possible for our future.

Make a New Year resolution now to come along to a CC Event and watch this space, as booking details is coming soon….Taking networking to the next level, CC Events provides an opportunity to consciously Cultivate Connections and experience Creative Collaboration. For further details check out CC Events.

So as 2014 comes to a close, connect with your PASSION, VISION or DREAM and let’s get you collaborating with the right people in 2015…