“Do not permit what you cannot do to interfere with what you can do.” John Wooden, UCLA basketball coach.My passion is fostering a growth mindset: coaching people to understand who they are now, who they want to be, and what they will do to close the gap. What motivates me is that people I coach will be creating lasting results in their organizations; it’s a privilege to partner with them to become their best selves. As a result, I feel I’ve done my best when their preparation and confidence leads to work that is fulfilling and has a positive impact. During a career in technology and consulting, I’m fortunate to have played a role in the accomplishments of teams that brought 100+ new products to market. Coaching members of those teams to do their best became the catalyst for my transition into full-time coaching for the part-time MBA students at my alma mater, UCLA. It’s all about staying relevant, engaged and not being afraid to reinvent yourself.In winter 2017, I resolved to learn to row, or, more accurately, scull, at the UCLA Marina Aquatic Center. This checked the box “outside my comfort zone:” I’m averse to early mornings, doing anything backwards, or on the water as I’m prone to motion sickness. So sculling was a perfect trifecta for a challenge! The unexpected surprise is that I fell in love with it. The 5 lasting lessons learned:1. Sweat the small stuff. There’s technical know-how in learning to row: sequencing, form, awareness. Mastery comes with incremental improvements and frequent practice.2. Watch your back. Watch for what’s coming at you as well as what’s coming up from behind. Missing either what’s ahead or closing in from the rear can derail that straight line you’ve set.3. Learn to see around corners. In the Marina, there are side channels where commercial boats and crew teams can move out and into your path. Slow up, listen and lean in to see possible threats and adjust as needed. 4. Field observations beat forecasts. Sailors and rowers consult weather forecasters for wind speed and direction. But nothing beats a bird’s eye view (or a Webcam!) of actual conditions to determine if you want to venture forth now or later. Trust field reports more than what models predict. 5. Stop, refresh and reflect. It’s not a race when I row so I take time to enjoy being on the open water. Rising early and sharing the morning with other water enthusiasts, both human and marine, is energizing. Kick start every day with an accomplishment. “A strong woman looks a challenge dead in the eye and gives it a wink.” Gina Carey, filmmaker.