...constantly searching to find the best travel deals and places to visit. A never-ending quest for adventure!

Friday, October 23, 2015

ILA Day 1

We're off and running!  Excellent sessions overall today; I've summarized a few below:

The first session discussed leadership and the effects of disequilibrium in instruction using Case in Point. Changing the way of approaching a given situation - reforming structure - is an important consideration for students in a variety of content areas.  Changing up the norm away from recognized safe zones is not easy.  Prepping the environment - making the room ready and scaffolding with participants is a great way to address any concerns that may arise.

I also attended a panel on Leadership challenges for 21st Century. Excellent overall...asking things such as: "Leadership" for what? Peace, challenges in corruption, bridging groups are a few areas we can address.  What are we striving for in the leadership field? As it relates to the application of leadership, Constructive Dissent within our own ranks is a gift and helps as a check/balance (example of the VW deception) - why did all managers miss?  Why did no one stand up and call out the deception?  There are many Adaptive challenges - shared commitment, management of diversity, etc. Using a clear vision, cohesiveness, standards of excellence, being inclusive - can restore to power to the leaders toolbox. Ethos - competence, integrity, and goodwill - should also be a consideration for applying leadership in theory and practice. 

Leaders can and should work to lead change, manage anxiety, keep space open, encourage authenticity, inclusiveness, manage conflict/listen/trust, and be competent in your work.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Made it to Barcelona

Greetings from Barcelona!

I am here for the 2015 International Leadership Association, and am excited about the plenary sessions and opportunities to interact with others in my field.  My trip over was very successful - fast flight and early arrival allowed me to get some time out on the town before the evening welcome.  I will update this post with pictures later once I have them collected. Some of the places I visited with my good friend Amy were La Rambla street, the La Sagrada Familia, the Parc Guell and Gaudi, Placa de Catalunya, the Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi, the Catedral de Barcelona, and the area around the CCIB. 

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Countdown to ILA 2015


I'm only a few short days and hours away from ILA 2015, coming from the CCIB Convention Center in Barcelona, Spain.  I'm excited to be going back to Spain and even a bit more excited about visiting a new city.  During my last time visiting the country I was only able to stay near Mondragon and Bilbao - looking forward to seeing the southern coast!

The conference theme this year is Leading Across Borders and Generations - I will be chairing one session on Friday afternoon and otherwise enjoying all of the other opportunities to listen and network.  And I'm sure I'll also find a few new places to sample tapas offerings!

This trip will also put me over the hump for AA Executive Platinum status for the rest of this year and until February 2017 - definitely looking forward to upgrades and other opportunities for trips in the coming months.

If you have any suggestions on places to see or eat, please post them below!

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

New AA Redemption Opportunity via Qatar Airways: Sydney

In the scope of my searching for flight mileage redemption options, I'm always on the lookout for new Alliance-based options for using miles.  Sometimes using a partner airline can be as good or even better than the airline where miles are banked.  And since most of my recent travel has been on American, the news I just saw today via DohaNews is very exciting:

Qatar Airways will be launching service from Doha to Sydney, Australia

Australia and New Zealand are on my aspirational travel list and I'm hoping that an opportunity presents to get there in the coming months/year.  Since the flights are long and often expensive using miles would be a great way to visit.  With Qatar Airways in the Oneworld Alliance with American, having an additional redemption option will be good to explore down the road.

The flights are scheduled to begin March 1st, 2016.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Waterfalls to Visit in the US

There's something about waterfalls that really draw me in - I'm not sure what it is exactly but the creation and reflection opportunities they provide are very special.

Wanted to share this particular article on top waterfalls within the US:


Can't wait to check some of them out!

ht: Conde Nast