“Out of Love” is a book written by Lynn Abaté-Johnson. Lynn and I met when she and her husband relocated from Northern California.
Today I am featuring her in my Advisory Perspective Series. Mother’s Day is around the corner. It seemed a perfect time to highlight Lynn’s caregiving journey.
After being a primary caregiver for her mother for over six years, International Best-Selling Author & Speaker, Lynn Abaté-Johnson, understands the typhoon of emotions and responsibilities that come with caring for a loved one. However, she discovered how to blossom through (and after) caregiving rather than let it drown her.
By using her natural organizational skills and her solid work ethic, she developed systems and processes to help navigate the difficult journey of caregiving, which allowed her to go from “What am I going to do without my mom?” to “I know I can thrive after she’s gone–just as she would want.”
It is a pleasure to introduce you to Lynn. Her answers here will allow you to get to know her too!
Question 1. What do you enjoy about working with your clients?
I believe that (what I call) True Community Building is the way forward for our world.
My first love & passion is building successful, sustainable businesses in a holistic way.
I work with conscious brands and partners who understand that community and connection are crucial, now, more than ever.
When I work with brands and organizations who truly “get” this, the conversations flow with ease and alignment, as opposed to the old paradigm of “hustle & grind”. That’s so 90s!
I love and appreciate that many of my colleagues, clients, and even bosses, have made time to shout me out via written and heart-felt recommendations on LinkedIn. I’m proud of the body of work I’ve generated so far, and it’s only the beginning.
Question 2. How would you suggest a potential new client prepare for a 1st meeting?
In getting curious about who we are and what our values and purpose are, alignment becomes natural.
Desired outcomes that generate business growth by fostering relationships, unfold and scale over time.
I wrote #OutOfLoveBook to support family caregivers in bringing their FULL selves to their work/offices/professions (among other things).
I recommend that potential clients show up as exactly who they are, and who they are not.
That’s where we begin the real, authentic business-building work, attracting loyal and enthusiastic communities who return and refer their friends.
This is where real leadership begins.
All they have to do is “show up” and be themselves. We take it from there, together.
Question 3. When someone agrees to become a client, what can they expect immediately? Over time?
Upon engagement, there’s an Intake/Onboarding interview, in real time, meaning we have a live conversation and I get to ask those powerful questions, where I start to learn and understand what the humans behind the brand are longing for, and especially what they stand for.
Long-term, stakeholders opt-in and out as they grow and notice what’s working within their systems and structures, and what’s not working.
As with my book, I have found that the long-term conversations contribute to deep & wide paradigm shifts, for the benefit of brands, and the communities they serve. Everything is connected. Everyone is in community. Conversations are the catalysts.
Question 4. What is your service philosophy?
From the time I was young, customer-facing since the age of 9, I was taught to “answer the phone on the first ring”.
Today, this is a metaphor for being responsive and letting prospects as well as long-time community members know that they matter, as if they are the only ones.
In every business I’ve grown, especially when it comes to customer-centric products and services, I’ve succeeded in adapting to the ever-changing marketing and sales landscape.
How?
People are people.
People do business with people, not “brands” or logos.
Listening more than we speak is a key. Using the tools, rather than letting the tools use us. This is a mantra for me and my communities.
I am the voice of the business. I envision each as a whole entity that lives, breathes, and serves, with love and respect for all.
I believe that businesses driven by love, deep listening, purpose, and passion can and do scale and thrive, on and off line.
Question 5. What resources do you provide to assist “laypeople” with understanding what is being discussed?
I declare a “jargon-free-zone”.
My audience, readers, clients get to tap into my endless creativity and curiosity, which is human-centric, and every-day-conversational.
My book website also offers free resources based on systems and structures I created to help navigate the everyday, practical logistics necessary in ongoing care for a loved one, at home, or wherever they may be in their journeys.
Bonus Question! If you were to relay one piece of advice to anyone reading this, what would it be?
Here are a few main ones:
Ask more questions.
Gather your community.
Learn to ask for help.
Delegate more.
Focus on your passion and purpose.
Trust your instincts and others who share your vision to link arms and lead alongside you.
Lynn and I can relate to caring for parents. I’ll be sharing information to help you prepare from the practical perspective this month! Parenting parents can be daunting, especially when they are dealing with health issues. Navigating the changing roles and dynamics can be a challenge.
Join me for a free Live 30 Minute Webinar “Parenting Parents: Helping You Help Them. It’s an overview of practical information to get you started!
🗓️ Save the date: May 15, 2023 at 4:30p Pacific/7:30p Eastern (A replay will be available if you’re unable to attend live!) 👉 Register now to secure your spot Book a Spot Now
As Margaret Mead reminds us, “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” Care for others❣️ -Lynn
