Cynthia D’Amour on Leadership and Life

   Alas!
Just before Christmas I got the news.

My trainer, Joy, Queen of Torture, is leaving me.
Her husband got transferred to Germany.
She’s going with him.

In the moment I was very supportive of her.

We talked about the great adventure.
What she would learn.
How she would cope.

I went home and cried for three hours.

I grieved the loss of my [...]

Filed under: Cynthia's Fitness Adventure, Savvy Leadership | No Comments »

   Whew!
I spoke Tuesday in Chicago for Association Forum.

Teaching association execs how to be Lazy Leaders.
Had an early start.
Went live at 8:30 AM.

I hopped in the shower to get ready.

Popped out and discovered a mistake.
I did not pack a brush or comb.
My hair was short - I should be okay.

I piled extra heat-activated product on [...]

Filed under: Rants, Savvy Leadership | No Comments »

Results guaranteed.
I’ve seen the advice  twice in the last 24 hours.

Forget members.
Think consumers.
It’s the new way.

Seriously?

That concept floated about ten years ago.
Didn’t work then.
Won’t work now.

Here’s the challenge…

People want to belong to something cool.
Dues are not out of style.
Belonging is not just for losers.

If you are struggling, the experience you offer is a member [...]

Filed under: Board challenges, Rants | 2 Comments »

Darn maid!
I have special face soap.

Pink with black seeds in it.
Moisturizes as it exfoliates.
Hand-made in Tennessee.

As I stepped in the shower yesterday morning, I noticed it was missing.

What the heck?
I left it out to dry.
Why would the maid throw it away?

I grumbled through my shower…

Denver has like no humidity.
My face is going to crack [...]

Filed under: Rants, Savvy Leadership | No Comments »

With enthusiasm.
I spent last night at Castle Marne.

An adorable bed and breakfast.
Just beyond downtown Denver.
Historical building looks like castle.

I love that place - and the family that runs it.

It’s like walking back in time.
Amazing attention to detail.
And they make me feel very special.

Breakfast is a gourmet affair.

Everything homemade.
Served in formal dining room.
Interesting conversation.

This morning [...]

Filed under: Keeping members | 1 Comment »