I use the word “inspired” too much (“passionate” is my other favorite). But Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein has truly inspired me to embrace my Renaissance Woman (aka generalist) identity. And it’s not just here and there, it’s multiple “a-ha” moments in each chapter.
Join me on a journey of exploration of why our way of navigating the world can help us excel in the long run.
The Details
| What |
| Between each session, we’ll read 4 chapters, reflect (I’ll send you thoughtful pre- and post-reading questions), and take inspired action by completing a Catalyzing Challenge. |
| When |
| Our first session will be Tuesday, February 10 from 11-11:40am ET / 8-8:40am PT. This is just a get-to-know you session. After that, we’ll meet every 2 weeks, ending on March 24. That’s 4 sessions total. |
| Where |
| Virtual Option – 40-minute Zoom sessions (which I’ll record) and Slack channel to continue the conversations. Hybrid Option – Choose your own mix of Zoom, Slack AND in-person gatherings. Hybrid pod leaders receive $10 for every participant they recruit. Current location : Mid-Hudson Valley, contact Sara Kobilka to join. |
| Why |
| Marie Cole, retired IBM engineer, says reading the book “reinforced that I’m more than a specialist”. She feels like if she had read it earlier in her career, it might have “helped validate” her feelings that being a versatile team member was important during a time that the company was placing increased value on specialization and niching down. |
This is what separates the Renaissance Readers from a traditional Book Club. Our focus is having our learning catalyze action! Here’s the choices for what you can do between each session. Our meetings and Slack conversations will be a mixture of discussing the book and sharing what we’ve accomplished (or plan to do).
Catalyzing Challenges
| Activation Challenge | Apply what you’re learning in your life. |
| Deeper Dive Challenge | Pick one or more of the references from the assigned chapters, read it and share with the group two to three additional takeaways to expand the conversation |
| Connecting the Dots Challenge | Pick an idea from the week’s chapters and think about who would find it valuable. It can be a single person, a group or an industry. Create a way to share it with them that translates its value. Then share your creation. This can be written, audio, video, cartoon, music or any other creative means. If you share on social media, share the link with the group so we can amplify your social media share. |