My name is Sharon Lee and I'm a behavioral scientist, a systems thinker. A yes and expert, uh a precision mentor, a co active coach and a change strategist. I help others claim and stand in the audacity of being their true selves by boosting the agile mindset capacity.So I'm happy that you're joining me today. Um This is a, an interesting experiment in uh storytelling and um that I'm trying out. So thanks for joining me and this is part of a larger workshop that I generally give. So I'm using um parts of this for the keynote speech and to pack it down in 20 minutes. Um At the end of it, if you want to stay and ask questions, I will remain as well if you want to do a little bit of a question and answer session. So with that, here we go and welcome to the magic quest for an agile mindset. Once upon a time, there were four adventurous lizards they met at the hot rock pub and hotel on a lazy summer afternoon. Their names were blue, yellow, orange and green, yellow was very friendly and eager to meet others and try new things. Blue was very logical. Calm and always liked to have a plan. Orange was bold, daring, never stopped talking and loved adventure. Green was shy and often fearful, slow to trust and worried a lot at the hot rock pool party.

One evening, they noticed the four of them were wearing a compass from their family tribe. They discovered that they were traveling alone searching for answers to their biggest question. How can I be a perfect lizard and stop making so many mistakes. Each of them wanted more out of life but had no idea what more meant or where to find it. They had heard of a wise old sea sage in the lighthouse land. It was a four day journey. They were sure that they would find their answers. The sea sage had intimate intimate knowledge, infinite knowledge. Big Gus, the bartender at the Hot Rock Hotel pub had warned the likable lizards about the forest. He advised the lizards to stay on the main path and avoid the long reach of the six giant trees. Gus warned them to keep moving and to not make camp in the forest because the six giant trees would be following them. They could be trapped in the forest forever growing more comfortable each day within the toxic spell of the six giant unreasonable trees of expectation. Yellow was excited by finding all these new friends and suggested that they travel together, pooling all their resources. Orange jumped on the table accidentally bumping into the others and knocking over drinks and breaking a glass. Yes, we're going on an adventure. Green wasn't so sure green preferred traveling alone. And besides who were these other lizards and orange was so loud. Blue was thinking about the benefits of traveling in a group, how it might be safer and more practical for the execution of the quest.

And so it came to be, they agreed to form a travel group. They met early the next morning, their new backpacks were loaded with supplies, a solid plan maps and dried insects. The likable lizards were ready for their departure. Halfway through the first day, they approached the dark, dark forest of unreasonable expectations. The lizards linked arms and walked on sharing stories about trying to escape their own expectation systems, the expectations to get married to be the best insect farmer ever to be the smartest, to get all the awards, to get everything in all the land and to be the purest, most honorable and humble in the village to be the most famous, the most rich, the most giving and the most sacrificing.

They fell into a silence as they walked each lizard feeling the movement of trees creeping in the shadows. The little lizards, um, the little lizards were breathing heavy and getting tired. The trail was rough but they were actually gaining confidence in themselves due to the extreme effort.

After many hours of walking in the forest. The path got more level. The oppressive trees of expectations were no longer following the lizards. The lizards felt lighter. Their moods lifted in the forest path. There opened a, um, there opened, uh, there was an opening in this and there was a sunlit field near a little stream. They decided to set up camp Orange volunteered to make the fire yellow, volunteered to prepare the meal. Green, fetched the water and blue cleared the sleeping shelter after a satisfying meal of crile and beetles expertly prepared by yellow. The lizards unrolled their crumpling old maps and began planning the rest of their journey. Orange jumped up loudly, jumped up claiming loudly.

The maps were old and stupid and they should just forge ahead following the sun towards the lighthouse land. Blue tried to calmly explain and insist that the maps were successful and had been used by everybody forever that were traveling to the south and that they should follow it as well. Yellow tried to suggest forging ahead but they should maybe stop and ask for directions along the way to verify the map. The outdated maps green grew increasingly uncomfortable and began to regret joining a group quest because Green hated conflict. The conversation became heated and the next thing, you know, blue, yellow and orange were fighting and biting while green hid under the leaves. Suddenly the campfire flamed higher. And the lizards realized that they had knocked the old maps into the flames and they were instantly gone. Oh, no.

The lizards were looking from one to the other, not knowing whether to be angry, scared or both. Each wanted to scream. It's all your fault. Just at that moment, a crow stepped into the firelight. Hey, there. I couldn't help hearing that. You're in need of help. I can help you. But you must give me something to eat. I know the way to the lighthouse land. Orange and yellow were delighted with their new friend. However, green and blue didn't really trust the crow. Blue tried to warn the others, but the four lizards finally agreed to accept crow's help and gave crow half of their dried insect supplies. Crow told them about a shortcut through a cave. The path out of the cave would lead them right to the lighthouse land. He gave very detailed instructions. Some of the instructions were vague and very odd. The lizard thank Crow put out the fire and crawled into their sleeping shelter. The next morning, orange awakened the others with screams of anger that thieving crow took all of our food. We're gonna starve, we're all gonna die. He also stole my family compass. Mine too. Mine too. Mine too. The others cried. The lizard lizards gathered around the empty food sack in despair. Green and yellow were losing hope and blue was angry because no one listened to Blue last night. The next thing you know, they were all blaming each other. And fighting again. Everyone hated being wrong. Everyone felt stupid. Everyone felt like a failure. Everyone blamed everyone else.

And just at that moment, a rabbit hopped into their camp. Hey, what's all this noise said? Rabbit, the lizards stopped fighting and told rabbit about their quest for knowledge and about the thieving crow and how their quest was now a disaster. Rabbit side rabbit confirmed the existence of the shortcut cave but also clarified why so few travelers chose to go there. It was the cave of should and must and judging from their fighting and impatience with each other, that passage might be very difficult and maybe even deadly.

There was black magic in that cave and it makes one doubt oneself in the most horrible of ways the cave missed, makes everyone question their true value and turn their precious focus and energy towards illusions of what could have been, what should be and what must be done. The evil mist makes travelers believe they have no choice, no voice and no true identity. The lizards were terrified and weren't sure at all if they could actually do it. Rabbit told them there was a way to be protected in the cave, but they would need to trust each other totally and follow rabbit's advice. Absolutely. Were they ready? Were they done blaming each other and fighting rabbit looked very concerned and very serious rabbit then reached out and with a velvet paw, gently tapped each lizard on the forehead and proclaim proclaimed. You are ready and able, you are ready and able, you are ready and able and you are ready and able. You will enter the cave in a square formation. The front pair holds hands and the back pair holds on to the tails of the front pair. The back pair holds their tails together. This way, you will all be connected and stronger as a group. Think of yourselves as one big bad lizard. Be the one big bad lizard. If one of you feels scared or weak, squeeze the tail or the paw of your friend.

The magic element here is frequent and clear communication. The more aware you are as one big bad lizard, the quicker and more unified your reaction to danger will be rabbit asked who can think of other ways to fortify and unify your efforts to be the one big bad lizard. Orange suggested humming the lizard anthem together to create unity and boost the lizard power. Blue suggested synchronized, marching to economize energy and create create rhythm. Yellow suggested telling jokes to create laughter which might break the negative cave missed energy.

Green suggested trying to tap into each other's energy fields so maybe they could shift into one big bad lizard color. Blend. Rapid's eyes twinkled with delight come little ones. Rabbit led the little one, the lizards all the way to the cave entrance. I will leave you now, you know what to do? Be well and trust yourselves and be true to your hearts. Farewell. Brave lizards. And with a leap and a wave rabbit disappeared into the bushes. Alone outside the cave entrance, the lizards looked at each other in fear. Yellow handed each lizard a small bag of insects we better eat before we enter the cave. Bon appetit. Oh. The others were so happy to eat green, attached mint stems to everyone's backpack to help. remind themselves to keep their thoughts fresh orange gave everyone an acorn whistle in case they got separated and needed to find each other. Blue felt sad. Blue didn't have anything to give the others. The others assured blue that blue's bravery was more than enough. They finished their insects and began to get in big lizard formation. It was blue and orange in front with green and yellow behind. They solemnly repeated the rabbit's words pointing to each other. You are able and ready. You are able and ready. You are able and ready, you are able and ready. Then they entered the cave together as one big bad lizard. Oh, dear listeners. They were so brave.

The brutal cave mist descended upon them not even 60 seconds after they entered, but our heroic lizards kept their heads down and moved forward bit by bit. They struggled to maintain their connection while being attacked by their insecurities. Their fears of failure, painful memories of messing up thoughts of not being enough, fear of being poor and alone remembering. Remembering and the burning shame felt so real. It's like, oh, the horror and just when it seemed, they could no longer take it feeling delirious and lost and half crazy Blue broke the spell by squeezing Orange's paw. Blue began singing the lizard anthem and began laughing between the verses. Blue had a rich deep laugh and the others couldn't resist. Yellow and green began squeezing random paws and Tales and rhythm to the anthem. Joining in on the song and laughter. The scent of the mint on their backpacks seemed to grow stronger. And by the time the lizards reached the cave exit. Two hours later, they were all laughing so hard. They had to crawl the last 10 paces, they lay in a heap outside of the exit, catching their breath, look exploded. Green. We are magnificent in the cave. They had all blended into a multicolored camouflage mix of blue, yellow, orange and green. They were spectacular. After a bit of recuperation, the lizards brushed themselves off and continued on their way.

The path now led them, led them through beautiful fields spotted with scented flowers that they had never seen before. So exotic. It made their hearts almost burst with joy. They felt like anything was possible. Now, they leaped and danced their way down the path. Their laughter ringing in the distance. They were masters of their destiny. The lizards were eager to reach the lighthouse before nightfall. So they doubled their pace and agreed to take a break. When they reached the top of the hill, they sensed that there still might be danger yet.

They were also feeling open and curious. They unconsciously fell back into a loose cave formation of the one big lizard to feel safer. And they continued to move cautiously and deliberately towards the resting point. When they finally reached the peak, they gasped at the beautiful view, the green blue sea spread before them lighthouse land. And there was the silver lighthouse where the sea sage lived. Orange, quietly put a few bugs on a rock. Look what I found us. Yellow, laughed and placed more bugs on the rock. Me too. Me too. Green. Yelled, adding more bugs to the pile. I brought the dessert blue, smiled with pride and added a huge bunch of berries to the feast. Yay blue, yay blue. They munched on the picnic feast in silent contemplation. Each in their own world surprised at how far they had come and what they had learned. They each felt a spark and each of them was wondering if the others felt it too. They also wondered if the magic would fade and they found themselves simultaneously thinking of ways to keep the magic connection alive and strong. They decided they would ask each other tomorrow. They had unknowingly decided to create a tribe. The sun was beginning to edge towards the horizon signaling that it was time to go our heroic lizards gathered their things and prepared for the final leg of the journey.

They were being overly polite with each other, perhaps in sadness and realization that their time together was almost at an end. Only another hour to reach the lighthouse. The lizards made their way down the hill winding between Tufts of lavender. The heavenly smell escorted them almost to the doorstep of the lighthouse. They stood outside the tall structure. They felt so joyful and so sad. At the same time, how curious orange knocked on the door. No answer. Green, found a bell rope next to the door and pulled. They heard slapping footsteps. No one breathed the door opened and a small gray Pelican smiled at our lizards. Ah, my lizards come right in. I've been waiting for you. Are you the sea sage yellow whispered that I am friends. All of the knowledge and none of the answers. The little Pelican released a whooping laugh. The lizards were confused and a little bit angry. Well, what do you mean? You have no answers? They asked almost in perfect unison. We came all this way to ask you a very important question. The sea sage fixed them with her gaze. So ask your question. My little friends, yellow, blue and green, gently shoved orange to the front. Orange's eyes squinted back at the others and then faced the sea sage. How can I, how can we be the most? Perfect, the smartest, the most successful lizards ever and finally stop making mistakes forever. The little great Pelican observed the four lizards, tell me my friends, what did you learn on your way to find me? The lizards looked at each other and then broke into smiles.

They stood tall and they began chanting. We are able and ready. We are able and ready. We are able and ready. We are able and ready. The slapping clapping sound of pelican feet filled the room. What else? My friends, we are stronger together, shouted green, we can solve and survive anything. Shouted, yellow. We have amazing diverse skills. Laughed, orange. We need each other. Whispered blue, nearly in tears. Yes. Yes. Yes. Anything else? The lizards exchanged puzzled glances and then green raised a paw.

Well, I think for me, there might not be any success without mistakes because being curious and creative helps us push boundaries and everyone was leaning towards green celebrating our rebounds during imperfection and experimentation is how we, it's how we sustain a loop of curiosity which creates and feeds success that we should focus on the journey and not the destination.

The Pelican stage shot off the floor in an explosion of flapping wings and barking laughter. Yes. Yes. Yes. My brilliant lizards. That's it. Exactly. The sea sage floated gently to the floor and landed in front of the lizards. Ah, I do love a good story. Let's eat dinner. I want to hear all about your adventure. That evening was one that our heroic lizards would never forget. It turns out the pelican sage actually can hold an entire bottle of cham champagne in that giant beak. The next morning as our lizards were preparing their bags as well as their goodbyes. The sea sage appeared at the door come lizard friends. I have a surprise for you. They followed the Pelican out to the pier where a small ship was docked. It sparkled in the morning light. The Pelican looked at the four lizards and said orange. I know you want to live a life of adventure. This ship is yours to sale for as long as you need it. Pelican turned to the others. You three can return home or you can join orange. The lizards started leaping around in excitement. Blue, suddenly voiced concern, but, but we don't have any maps. Green reached over and squeezed Blue's paw. We need to trust our inner compass, my brilliant friend. And as long as we have each other, we are able and ready. So that's, that's the story. Um, do you have any questions? Yes, Simone. That it is all about the journey. Mhm. Cool. Cool. The title of the story.

The title is The Magic Quest For An agile mindset. And, um, it's actually, uh, um, the original story is quite a bit longer than this, but that's in, uh, what I could get it down for 20 minutes for. Yeah. Thanks for your comments. It's very, very nice. OK. Is there any part of the story that particularly um I likes give her to come out, remind the answer to life, the universe and everything? That's a lot. That's huge. Thank you. Well, the Pelican is very wise. No, I have not published it yet. I use the story and parts of it in workshops that I do. Um But I was thinking of, of turning it into a longer format. Um, and, and, or either that or a small series. So thanks for asking that question, not quite sure what to do with it. Um, but the components of it, um, are fairly interesting and seem to resonate with a lot of different groups. And it's also, I can, I can change it. So makes it interesting. And, oh, tha and thanks Simon, I'll look up, uh, Doctor Jen Welter. Cool. I'll look that up and, uh, was there any particular parts in the story that, that, um, that you connected with? Yeah, to be the, the behaviors in real life? Yeah. And in sort of the, the, of the four lizards, I try to put like all the parts of ourselves, like the different sides of ourselves in that because we're not always one way.

And it depends on the situation, whether in private life or in professional life, we can be more of one than the other. Uh huh. The cave saskia. It is a scary cave, isn't it? This ca the, the cave of self judgment, of unrealistic self judgment. Yes. If I had had more time, which is why the camouflage with the, with them, it's like in the, in the longer versions, there's other things in the cave that they have to hide from. So the camouflage helps them. Yeah, for sure. Hm. Yeah. But there was no gollum. I didn't have a gollum. So the Lord of the Rings feel yes. In this version, if there is something missing, what would you, what would you say that something missing was? Hm. Good point. The indifferent, I like that. Yeah. Being indifferent can be sort of a sometimes a subtle toxicity that, that is overlooked quite, quite frequently. Mhm I can also ask the question in what ways do each of you uh try and maintain an open agile mindset and but I'd say in the in you could say in your per personal um or professional because it's generally not the same. Mhm Yeah. So yeah, that must be rough. I like I like the Aussie saying. Yes. Yeah.

One of my sayings is um I think it was from not Showtime but um that was the Bob Bob, the guy who did the, the, the portrait of Bob Fosse, the movie about Bob Fosse. And he would, he would be um you know, just so dead, almost half dead and he would just splash cold water on his face and just look in the mirror and go, it's Showtime and just, he was able to keep going and, uh, it wasn't, he wasn't critiquing himself. He wasn't judging himself. He was just like, ok, you know, get it together and let's keep going. And so that, um, every once in a while when I'm struggling, that's one of my sort of things I don't wanna say mantra, but I can, I can accomplish amazing things in the 11th hour. Um, with that, it, it sort of brings strength and courage. Yeah, the relaxed mindset. Absolutely. It's like the letting go, the letting go and trusting for self and, and, and of others and that, you know, whether it's family or team. Cool. Well, if there's not any more questions, then I'll wrap this up and I'm really happy that you joined me today and, uh, maybe we'll see each other around or in another workshop.