April Accomplishments: Cultivating Connection and Celebrating Conservation

As we see April's chapter close (wow already??), let’s pause and reflect on a being part of a month that has been rich in observing the vibrant colorful changes that spring brings us. For me, at least once a day, I try to take a deep breath through my nose and breathe it all in…

Just a heads up, at the end of this newsletter, I am going to ask you to fill out a short survey that will help explore a potential business idea that I have in the weeks/months to come. It would be really helpful if you could help me by answering their questions.

For those faithful readers who have stuck with me thus far, you’re aware that I typically start by taking you all through the milestones and moments that have marked the past month for me. I then move on to a sustainability section and a productivity corner, ending with some parting words of wisdom. So, without further ado, here we go:

On the Homefront: Ballgames and Job Hunting

I’m thrilled to announce that my wonderful wife, Angela has finally landed a job after a 6-month search drought for both of us. She will be leading the operations and finance team for a non-profit in Silicon Valley, supporting other non-profits in the area to start up and get successfully launched. I hope you’ll send her your congratulations!

My son, Owen also got to go to his first San Francisco Giants game in April, with the added bonus of going with his grandpa Poppy (my dad), and his uncle Phil (my brother). It was a beautiful day at the park full of snacks and fascinating spectacles for him. Luckily we won too!

As for me, I'm still on the job hunt but am becoming surprisingly adept at taking care of the house, attending to the care of my kids, and making sure everyone is fed and off to their respective school/daycare programs. Sometimes I wonder if I am pivoting into a new career… It seems like it is a ripe market 🤨 

Sustainability Spotlight - Climate Week and my “Big Day”

I had the privilege to attend several events during Climate Week in San Francisco. One event that particularly stood out for me was the “Climate + AI Crucial Conversations Workshop”. It was a vibrant series of group discussions examining how AI could be applied to combat climate change. It’s an incredibly complicated and challenging problem, but I was in a room full of very smart and talented individuals, so we’ll see what actions stem from this. I also connected with like-minded individuals who are working in or looking to pivot to this industry or seeking partners/investors, so hopefully, I made some good contacts!

In addition, I recently participated in a “Big Day” for our annual birdathon I’ve mentioned a few times on this newsletter and have posted on my LinkedIn. For those who don’t know what a Big Day, it’s competitive all day birdwatching expedition start from sunrise until sunset where teams compete to count the total number of different species of birds. My colleague Kenneth wrote the write up but I highly encourage your check out the full report of all our species seen including the story of our day’s travels.

Productivity Corner - The Power of POMODORO:

I get it, we can often get “in the zone” and sit at our desk for sometimes hours at a time working through an email or presentation but research shows that taking regular breaks and often is critical for one’s effectiveness and ultimately their productivity. One tactic many agile coaches and other team leaders have been preaching is the idea of using a Pomodoro Timer for their workflow. The word is from the Italian word for tomato, after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer that the creator of this technique used during his time in school. That said, the timer is as follows:

• Set a timer for 25 mins

• Start working

• Once the timer goes off, set another timer for 5 mins

• Take a break

• Rinse, Repeat.

There are a million tools to automate this process if need be. For those with iPhones, there is a Pomodoro shortcut, which I highly recommend you check out.

Finally, Please Do Me a Solid…

As we close out this month, it would do me a huge favor if you could help me by answering some questions for a potential business idea. Hint: I’d like to leverage some productivity principles I have learned over the years and synthesize a tool or consulting business around it.

Please take my survey here:

As we step into May, let's continue to nurture our own self-care during what are for many uncertain times.

Thank you for sharing in this adventure, for your unwavering support and engagement. Here's to an inspiring May filled with growth, discovery, and meaningful connections.

Stay inspired and grounded,

Patrick🫡

About Feather Frameworks

Feather Frameworks, led by Patrick Meeker is a Digital Transformation Strategy Consultation Firm who is deeply committed to harnessing the power of technology to meet at the intersection of mindfulness, sustainability, and technology. Taking a user-centric approach and planet first mentality, he works to deliver powerful digital tools that resonate with audiences that solve the most important problems facing our planet