Education is  a Powerful Weapon

Education is a Powerful Weapon

I came across this quote last week and I had to draw it.  “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela.

Education Quote by Nelson Mandela, Sketchnotes by Lisa Nelson

Visual Quote by Lisa Nelson

One of the best ways to get an education is through reading books.  This year, I want to AMP up my game as far as reading goes.  I’m a big fan of audio books but I am going to switch it up this year.  This is the year I go back to basics with good old fashioned physical tangible books.

Here’s what’s on my list to read next.  I have a nice combo.

  • “In the Company of Women” a gift from my friend Wendy
  • “Draw to Win” I purchased online
  • “Switch”, I got from the library. I’ve renewed it twice and it’s due at end of the month.  Uh oh!

Books to read

I will be pulling out my favorite nuggets from these books and drawing them out.  I’ll be sharing them in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.

What’s on your reading list?

 

What is graphic recording?

What is graphic recording?

“Wow!  What do you call that?”

I hear this question all the time.  Most people have never seen graphic recording in person, but once you see it, you never forget the experience.

Event planners and consultants hire me for their conferences and meetings.  Graphic recording is a process of listening, synthesizing, organizing and drawing what’s being said.90

The magic comes in when a Graphic Recorder does this process real-time at your meeting or event.  Yes, I said “Magic!”

Picture this, you are at a meeting or a conference.  Your listening to the speaker or having a strategy session.  A key point just came up but you didn’t catch it.  Uh oh.

Graphic Recorder, Lisa Nelson working at a conference in Washington DC

Lisa Nelson, Graphic Recording

Then you look up and see a graphic recorder at the side of the room taking notes and drawing pictures for you.  No worries. Yeah, it’s like magic!

When you see an image and text together, you have an 80% chance of remembering the content.  That’s HUGE.

Graphic Recorder working

Do you know a meeting planner, consultant or facilitator?  Go ahead and share this info with them so they can benefit and subscribe.  Thanks!

What’s Your Word for the New Year?

What’s Your Word for the New Year?

Update: For 2023 my word for the year is EXPLORE.

Update: For 2022 my word for the year is CREATE.

Update: For 2021 my word for the year is LEVERAGE.

Update: For 2020 my word for the year is ACTION.

Update: For 2019 my word for the year is DELEGATE.

Update: For 2018 my word for the year is CONNECTION.

Update: For 2017 my word for the year is EXPANSION.

***********

Let me tell you…. I stopped making New Year’s resolutions many years ago.

I know it works for some people but as for me… nah.

I still have my resolutions from the 80’s that I never finished. Oh my!

Last year I decided to set an intention for the year around one word.  DO.   I drew a picture of my word and shared it with my friends and family.  There’s something about sharing that helps you stay accountable and makes you push a little harder.

img_7443.jpg

My word in 2016

Now it’s your turn.  Choose a word for the new year.  Need some ideas for your word? Here are a few.  FAITH, ACTION, PEACE, REST, FOCUS, CONSISTENT, DETERMINED, HEALTHY, BRAVE, PRESENT, INTENTIONAL, GROWTH, FORWARD, SLOW, IGNITE, and JOY.  There you go, that’s should get your wheels turning!

I created a blank template that you can use for this year.  Click here for the full size PDF you can print on 8.5 x 11 paper.

wordfortheyear-template

Word for the Year Template

Templates (worksheets) like the one above can also be used for training and coaching.  Templates help you visualize and work through a process, goal, or strategy.  Try using templates with your clients, to learn more just contact me.

It’s Never Too Late!

It’s Never Too Late!

The year is winding down… so fast.  How did that happen?

I am reflecting on all of the good times and the challenges of the year.  It’s easy to think to yourself “Oh, it’s too late for me to  _______ (fill in the blank).

Well, it’s never too late!  Consider this…

  • Henry Ford was 45 when he created the revolutionary Model T car.
  • Morgan Freeman’s acting career didn’t take off until he was 52.  That year, he appeared in the films Glory, Driving Miss Daisy and Lean on Me.
  • Julia Child worked in advertising and media before writing her first cookbook when she was 50, launching her career as a celebrity chef.

Here is a drawing I created that sums it all up.  I hope it inspires you to do greater things starting TODAY.  It’s never too late to start something great!

Never too late, Sketchnote, Lisa Nelson Washington DC

What will you start TODAY?

Project: GE Advanced Manufacturing Summit

Project: GE Advanced Manufacturing Summit

This week I had the privilege of working with Wildman Event Group and GE for the #AdvancedManufacturing Summit. Speakers included Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio and Steve Case, founder of AOL. This event brought over 300 attendees together to discuss the future of Advanced Manufacturing (#futurefactory).

The Advanced Manufacturing Summit was held at Dock5 Union Market, Washington DC.  This was my first time at this event space and it was an awesome venue.

Graphic Recording #AdvancedManufacturing #futurefactory Washington, DC

This ceiling had tons of light bulbs hanging down and it was so reminiscent of GE.   I even included some light bulbs in my chart!

GE Ventures, Dock5 Union Market, Washington DC

Completed Chart - Graphic Recording for GE Ventures, Washington DC

#Futurefactory Completed Chart of Graphic Recording

Here is the completed chart showing the key points from the presentations, panel discussions and input from attendees.

I even saved space for ideas from attendees during the reception.  My favorite response from an attendee was about the future of Advanced Manufacturing, his answer was “Making things is going to be COOL”.

What stands out for you in the chart? Leave a comment and let me know.