All posts by properleigh

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Fall Internship Opportunity

Fall Internship Opportunity

Straightforward Consulting and ProperLeigh.com seeks an intern to assist with various projects commencing this fall. Work will focus on projects with fieldwork contemporary gallery and the Barrels to Beethoven organization as well as fashion focused and community engagement events. The ideal candidate will have a background in or currently studying in the fields of Entrepreneurship, Marketing or Nonprofit, but all interested candidates are encouraged to apply. Interested candidates, please send Resume or CV and cover letter to:   connect@straightfwdconsulting.com

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Diversity and Performance…strong teams means better results

The past few months my consulting has leaned more towards the creative side however discussions I’ve had lately and experiences with businesses and organizations throughout the city, have me anxious to get back to the recruiting, training, development and diversity side of things. I know what it takes to develop a top performing team that is diverse, knowledgeable and exceeds expectations. It takes a lot. It’s starts with hiring the right employee, then proper on boarding and continued training. Maybe it’s all of the growth happening in our fine city but it seems like companies are missing the mark in either finding the right employees, creating diversity, keeping good employees and performance development. In order for us the handle the growth our city is facing without imploding, our workforce and the productivity of that workforce must be top notch. My advice to every organization, both small and large in any sector is:

Take a good look at your team…

1. Is there diversity? True diversity. One person of another race among an all white team does not diversity make. Neither does one woman in a room full of men. But rather, a diverse group of people working in various roles throughout the organization, including management or leadership.

2. Are your managers knowledgeable of the organizations goals and held accountable to achieving all aspects of their position? This is where job descriptions become important. I know many organizations that post very detailed (almost impossible to meet) job descriptions when hiring but when it comes to daily performance, the job description and role responsibilities become obsolete. Employees are great employees when they are exceeding in each area of their role and capable of taking on aspects of the positions above them. 

3. Is there regular training occurring and development/growth plans in place for individual employees? Regular discussions and performance reviews make for an easier time in the long run. Managers and employees should be on the same page when it comes to what the employee does well and their areas of opportunity. Areas of development are not secrets to keep but an opportunity for discussions about performance and growth.
I don’t like to call myself a recruiter, I am as much an advocate for the candidate as I am for the organization hiring. It’s about building great team that work hard, think like owners and exceed goals. To achieve this, it’s vital to fill open positions with good candidates but it’s equally important to organically and systematically support growth and manage performance. 
  
my current team…

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My Weekend Planned….

Friday

Friday morning will be spent with girls working from home anticipating the end to a very hectic work week. The afternoon has been deemed “girl time” and we’ll be doing nails, enjoying lunch and spending some time together. Friday evening will begin with a stroll through downtown Pittsburgh for the Gallery Crawl. I love attending this event. From music to art and performance, there is so much to experience and always something new offered. I’ve been surrounded by the arts and creative people for the past few months and I couldn’t me more happy about it. Those who create are such an inspiration. it leaves me always wanting more.The evening will end with a drink at my new favorite spot, Tako. Where my favorite dj, aka dj illeso, aka David Pugliano aka my husband will have you moving in your seat to the very best music. A creative in his own right, he claims to not be a musician as I am, but somehow knows and feels the music as if he was playing it off of the sheet.

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Saturday

Saturday morning will start with yoga, although this will be my second class ever, I’m excited to join my new friend and yoga instructor, Cara for a pop up yoga class at James Simon Sculptor Studio. What an incredible space to host a yoga class. My first yoga experience occurred a few months ago with Cara when we hosted pop up yoga class at fieldwork contemporary. That class kept me feeling calm and strong for the remainder of the day. I know the many benefits of yoga and I know my body, mind and spirit need it. I’m eager to try it again before diving in for regular sessions.

The afternoon will be a delight. I’m teaching a Saturday afternoon steelpan class through my organization, Barrels to Beethoven. These students are doing so well and teaching steelpan brings me deep joy and satisfaction. I’m hoping to offer free Saturday classes in the fall. Let’s just hope the funding organizations get hip to how amazing the steelpan is and how beneficial these programs are for youth.

Saturday evening is all about my family. I’m planning a picnic dinner in the park. A delicious menu, fun desserts and spending time outside as a family, our favorite things to do in the summertime.

Sunday

this Sunday bringing it back to normal. We haven’t had a typical Sunday in a long time. Church, for us, is the best way to start our day and our week. Followed by brunch and a trip to the pool, if the girls get their way!

All in All…

This weekend will hopefully leave me feeling, relaxed and inspired. In spending time with a friend a great artist and yoga instructor, I’m learning about the importance of rest, both for your body and mind. Taking time to rest leads to more productivity and improved creative process. I am so used to working hard all of the day, rarely stopping to eat, rest and reenergize. I am learning to set aside regular time to do so. Whether its yoga or mediation, or making time to simply rest. I want to do this because I know it will have a direct positive impact on my family, my work and my creative endeavors. Taking care will increase my ability to do more. So many speak of how busy they are like it’s some sort of achievement. I’m not busy, I don’t talk about being busy. For me, I am successfully managing all aspects of my life. Starting with my children and my family and all that comes with that. My life’s work.

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My Weekend…Planned

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Friday

I’ll spend the day working at home with my girls. Tonight, I get to do one of my favorite things…practice. I love to play my steelpan and rehearsing alone is great but band rehearsal is even better. I sometimes feel guilty, music makes me feel so amazing, at my last gig, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. It’s an unbelievable feeling and I am so thankful music is a part of my life. This will be somewhat of an untraditional band practice, wine and live painting will be included thanks to my amazing new friend and artist, Sarah, whom I’ve now connected with in so many ways, but began our relationship through our love of music and art, an incredible foundation to build upon.

Saturday

Saturday morning I’m hosting an open house and information session for my organization, Barrels to Beethoven. I’ve taken on a mission and I know…I don’t have to do this but, I have to this. Barrels to Beethoven is my contribution to the sustainment of an instrument that has empowered me, educated me and helped to craft the person that I am. The steelpan. More importantly the steelpans developed by my father.

My organization is focused on developing steelpan programs that expose young people to the benefits of the steelpan and arts education, inspire a new generation of steelpan makers, and create a focus around innovative ways to sustain the instrument. I need the steelpan to be around forever, this is how I can do my part.

Saturday evening is a whole different story. My band is on the bill for PRIDE sharing the stage with Nick Jonas. Some of you may or may not know or like, this particular pop star, but in my house, with three young girls, I’m the absolute coolest mother ever! I’m looking forward to playing a great show with my band then enjoying the evening with friends.

Sunday

The Sunday morning routine will change a little, an early afternoon bridal shower for my nephews’ Bride-to-Be is the focus. I LOVE, love. Celebrating the special moments of others is both a joy and a privilege. This young couple, just like all married couples, needs the love and support of all around them, and we’re happy to be there to support, in any way we can. We sometimes forget marriage needs support from both within and outside. The girls and I are looking forward to celebrating with the beautiful Bride-to-Be.

Sunday evening brings another fun gig. My band will be closing out the weekend at the Arts Festival with another performance downtown. Looking forward to performing for the crowd, I always love meeting people that are hearing the band or seeing the steelpan or a steelband for the first time.

This weekend is all about Music, Community, and Love. What could possibly be better than that? I know my view of the world may be bit different than most. I see beauty in almost everything. I’m inspired by so many things and so many people. I am inclined to help others. I give my time when it’s required. I am never the same, constantly learning and growing and changing. Community, gathering with others, collaboration, discussion…all of these things create joy. I’m inspired to be and do. Not just be.

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My Mothers Day Weekend…Planned

It’s been a while since I’ve written about a well planned, busy weekend. Mothers Day weekend seems to be a good time to return. This weekend is busy but will surely be a great time.

Friday

I’m spending the day with my younger girls working at the gallery. It’s getting easier everyday to work with Cece but having her big sister here day makes for an easier time. Still hard to get things done but easier none the less.

I’m really looking forward to the evening. A night filled with live music and art at the gallery. Even better? My good friends will be in town and joining us. David and I will be kid-free and ready for a fun night with some of our favorite people.

Saturday

This day still remains the busiest of the week. Stella and Cece’s dance classes have ended but Sofia will continue for a few more weeks. No sleeping in for us. Class starts at 9am.

The afternoon brings another fun event at the gallery. To me, it’s so important that children not only experience the arts but have the opportunity to create. The amazing artist and educator that I’m working with feels the same. She’ll be leading children and their parents through a fun afternoon workshop entitled; Art with the Artist | What do you see? We are all looking forward to this!

Saturday evening I’ll be attending another gallery opening. So excited to see the space at Studio AM and I love being amongst amazing art and creative people.

Sunday

Mothers Day! I get very excited for Mothers Day. Not just because I’m a mother but because we’re celebrating mothers and motherhood. We deserve that. I have something special planned for my momma and I know David and the girls have something special planned for me. We’ll start the day with Sunday mass, hopefully skip brunch (I know, I love brunch, but David’s meals have been amazing lately, much better than eating out) and head down to the Neighborhood Flea fun event with vendors, cool food and music. I also have a feeling there’s a picnic in my future… if it doesn’t rain. No matter what, I’m going to enjoy the day with my family.

I’m a mother. I’m not telling you. I’m telling myself. I say it often not in sadness but with joy and a bit of disbelief. I am so very blessed to have my children I often can’t believe I have the privilege of raising 3 amazing, beautiful little girls. They say being a mother is not easy, but in a way it is. Or, maybe I just don’t think of it as easy or hard. It’s just not a choice. Although I thoroughly love my work, nothing compares to my role as a mother and so I treat it as such. I take full responsibility for everything my children do and don’t do. Know and don’t know. Experience and don’t experience. I’m raising people. Young people who will one day be adult people. I have always understand that children experience  impacts their life. Either positively or negatively. I try to choose wisely. I have worked very hard at giving my children what I consider “a good life”, teaching them new things, engaging with them as people trying to instill confidence and expanding their horizons. Sometimes that means late nights of planning, a family calendar of activities from tennis to theatre and reminders in my phone that say things like “teach Cece to write her name today.”

I will never stop trying to be a better mother, which means I’ll never stop trying to be a better person. I know for many people change is not easy. But it’s so necessary. I can recognize a shortcoming within myself and focus on being better.  It’s not always easy and I’m not always successful, but I do it for my girls. I better myself daily to be better for them. I’m a mother.

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Should You Weigh In? Probably Not.

  
I cannot have conversations with ignorant people about racism, diversity and injustice. Nor can I stand their ignorant comments all over my Facebook feed. Although I love a good debate, there are too many feelings and opinions involved and not enough facts. So, to make it easy, here are some things to consider that will help determine whether or not you should speak out, post on social media or take part in conversations public, private or on television.

Speak out if…
1. You are black and have a decent understanding of the facts.
2. You are not black but have a close relationship with black people. 
3. You get your news from multiple sources not just your go to, biased source.
4. You are focused on improvement and change.
5. You recognize and admit there are huge issues around race and diversity in this country.
6. You are well versed in history, especially American history, especially black history. Not what was taught in school, but you have taken time to read, study and reflect. 

7. You want to make real change and will actively participate in that change. 

The history of black people in this country cannot be covered in a month and is not pretty or for the faint of heart. I study American history because I want to know and understand. 

If you can’t check these boxes you’re not helping. If you’re not helping, you’re the problem.

You’re welcome.


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Girls Just Wanna Have Fun…

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One of the things I love most about being a mom of three young girls is watching the interaction they have with one another. It’s more than having someone to play with. They truly show care and concern for each other, laugh together and share special moments that only sisters can share. It’s a blessing to witness. Watching their interaction often makes me think of growing up with my sisters. I’m lucky to witness what my mother witnessed as she watched us grow together. I love the similarities. In honor of of National Sibling Day I’m sharing some great things my girls do that remind me of growing up with my sisters.

They Love Musicals

Whether it’s the Sound of Music or one of the unforgettable songs from Frozen my girls know them all and thanks to Pandora, we can belt out the lyrics to our favorite show tunes or musical movies every morning on the way to school.

They Can and Will Perform For You

They don’t just love musicals they love to sing and dance. And, will do a show. Just sit, watch and applaud at the end.

They Can Have a Dance Party Anytime, Anywhere

It takes a special soul to literally get up and dance at any moment, I have three of those special souls. My girls will ask to get up from the dinner table to dance to a great song or better yet, if someone yells “dance party!” you’ll hear footsteps running from all parts of the house to join in. Same goes if you yell “group hug!”

They’ll Make Up Games

My sisters and I made up a lot of games as kids. I thought it was a West Indian trait but according to my husband, it’s an Italian trait as well. My girls have no problems making up games like wagon ball, where you try to shoot the ball in the little red wagon.

They’ll Change Or Make Up Song Lyrics That Correspond To The Current Situation

This takes true skill. Very cool.

They Play Music Together

This is truly a blessing to watch. Not only are they becoming actual musicians like my sisters and I were as children, but they’re performing together, in their own band, just like we did. Not many children experience this. I’ve performed with my sisters professionally since I was 9. Being a young musician is the most amazing thing but performing with my sisters was the very best part.

 

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be Moved, be Inspired

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I first met artist Sarah Zeffiro by chance when she kindly attended the opening reception and launch of my organization, Barrels to Beethoven. Although we had never met, her spirit makes you feel as though you’ve known her for years. Our next close encounter was in December, her amazing artwork was the featured art in my pop up boutique. She spent a day with us in the boutique and during that time, I had the pleasure of getting to know her even better. Sarah doesn’t just tell you about herself and her art, she shares her inspiration and process.  She also wants to know about you and your experiences. It’s as if she absorbs the world around her and fully experiences every encounter she has the opportunity to be a part of.

Sarah approaches her art as a dancer approaches the stage, musically, rhythmically and sometimes a bit wild and unpredictable. She describes her creative process as being like a dance, moving around and on top of the work, swapping large brushes for small and charcoal for pastels, all while in motion.

Sarah’s new work, “Moving Language” opens on Saturday April 18th. This work blends space, lines, texture, dance and movement. I’m excited to be a part of this project and cannot wait to experience the final product.  SAVE THE DATE!

Moving Language

April 18th thru May 22nd  

fieldwork contemporary gallery

4925 penn avenue

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Spring is in the Air…Six Little Things I Do to Prepare

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Fill my home with fresh flowers weekly. Although this is a year round tradition for me. If you don’t currently have fresh flowers or plants in your home, add some. Even better than picking out the pre-made bouquet from the grocery store collection is thinking about your home décor and personality and creating your own. Although I love walking into every room and seeing fresh flowers, what I love even more is creating the floral arrangement.

Add a few bright colors to your wardrobe. Once Valentine’s Day rolls around I start to slowly incorporate brighter colors into my wardrobe. Instead of tees and tanks like in summer, I start with the brightest colors in my favorite cashmere.

Add some more workouts to my schedule. Now, if you’re already an overachieving exercise regular, I’m not talking to you. However, if you’re like me and your workouts are a little more sporadic than you’d like, then make the commitment to yourself to adding a few more workouts or being a little more consistent. You don’t want to wait until your kids are crying to go to the pool to think about hitting the gym. If you’re currently working out twice a week try four or five days. If you’re at zero…try one or two. Exercise, even just a short walk or run once or twice a week makes you feel good.

Take a regular activity outside. Whether it’s reading a book or working on the computer. Head to your deck, porch or a park. Even if you need a coat, get some fresh air.

Try something new. Take a writing class or try making pottery. I’ve done both and enjoy both. Spring is about renewal, growth, life. Get out and explore. Explore yourself and explore the world. Don’t do the same things this year you did last year. When it’s hard to motivate yourself, use the natural changes in our world as your motivation.

Plan something special with friends or family. A little gathering with light, bright décor and fresh dishes screams springtime. A lovely weekend brunch, fresh flowers and mimosas, that’s all you really need to get your mind and body focused on warmer temperatures and longer days. My birthday is around the corner, the perfect reason to plan a springtime celebration.

Whatever you do, as the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, add a little something different to your life. I often think about my childhood, how happy I was when we could finally be outside again after a long winter. The wonderful feeling on the first sunny day that you were able to play outside. That feeling is my motivation. That joy is my strength. Happy Spring!