Wayfinder, Inc. communications and coaching

I did it. I shaved my head. It's liberating! It's also interesting of how people look at you. I get kind smiles from all sorts of people who assume I have cancer. And the best is when I get to tell people why I shaved my head. I was looking for a theme for my newletter and again it's kids that gave me my answer. They asked me so many questions about why I was shaving my head that I realized I was setting an example in a small way. This month I challenge you to set an example for others. What can you show? What is your teachable moment this month? And who will you set an example for?

All the best,
Wayfinder Coach Robin

Setting an Example
I have two little boys, one almost six and the other two and a half, named Marat and Shokhan. Shokhan idolizes his older brother and does everything he does. When Marat climbs the outside of the staircase and dangles his legs six feet in the air, Shokhan does the same. When Marat balances his body straddling the backs of two chairs, Shokhan copies him. You can imagine what I say: "You are setting an example for your brother. Set a good example." It's a big responsibility for a young boy and most of the time, he sets a good example but it gets me thinking. If I am asking my son to be an example, how am I setting a good example for both of them.

St. Baldricks kids

I am not a perfect woman nor a perfect mom. I lose my patience with my children. I raise my voice more than I would like and sometimes I am just too tired to read the fourth book at bedtime. But I try really hard to live what I preach. I love Mother Nature. I grew up in New York City in the 1970s with the TV ads of the Native American chief crying at the pollution in our rivers and on our streets. I teach my kids not to litter, to turn off the water while brushing their teeth, to recycle ever piece of packaging, to reuse bags, boxes and more. But that does not seem to be enough. I want to show them more action, to motivate them to think about how their actions and inactions result in something.

So I decided to shave my head for my nephew, Johan. There is this organization, St. Baldrick's, that asks you to shave your head as a fundraiser. I love my hair, but I realized it's only hair. It is not what makes me who I am. I wanted to show my sons how much I love their cousin and help them understand that even if you can't change an outcome you can show someone you will do anything for them.

On Sunday, nine young children and their parents were at my house and each child cut off a lock of my hair before my barber, Jon, shaved the rest off. Check out the pictures at

http://picasaweb.google.com/RobinSchepper/StBaldricksShaving2008. The questions of the kids were amazing: "Does Robin have cancer?", "Why would Robin shave her head if she doesn't have cancer?", "What will she do with the hair?", "How is Johan now?", "How will this help Johan?"

Hearing kids ask these questions made my heart soar. If they learned a little about love and sacrifice, all those blonde locks on the floor were worth it. And of course, thanks to many of you, I also raised $2500. So, what kind of example are you setting? Are you living your personal brand? You don't have to shave your head, but I challenge you to think of something that shows how passionate you are about something. I guarantee you that it will make your heart soar.

Custom Retreats
Are you celebrating a birthday? Marking the death of a loved one? Looking for a fun way to build your office team? Then contact me about designing a custom nature retreat for you. For more information check out past retreats on my website.

Quote of the Month
"Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others; it is the only means."
–Albert Einstein

Environmental tip of the month
Wire hangars?
When I hear the word wire hangars I always think of the movie about Bette Davis, but on a serious note, creating wire hangars takes energy and metal. So bring your wire hangars back to the cleaners so they can use them.

Robin Schepper, professional coach and certified master retreat coach

What do I do now?
Using all the tools I learned working in strategic communications for elected officials, non-profit organizations and the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, as well as my training as a professional coach and certified master retreat coach, I work with individuals, groups and organizations to help them focus on clear goals and measured outcomes. As a professional coach I help individuals create strategic plans for their lives and I help executives become better managers and leaders. As a retreat leader, I design and lead custom retreats for individuals and organizations focused on what they want to achieve.