12 weeks, 1 baby, no ducks in a row

in this edition, i'm sharing:
- it takes a village
- why privilege matters
- filled with gratitude

recently, my friend meggie sent me a linkedin post about how not everyone has all their ducks in a row - especially with a newborn and being self-employed. it reminded me of a message i got on instagram from a woman saying she admires how i do it all. but to be honest, life has been a real challenge these past months. our baby boy is almost three months old - full of surprises and joy, but also full of needs. my partner was finally able to spend four weeks at home with us, and it really showed me how much energy it takes to do this on my own.

let’s be more honest about parenthood - no one has all their ducks in a row, especially when the village is missing. love d.

having support is a privilege - whether it’s family, friends, or paid help like cleaners, babysitters, or someone cooking your meals. if you don’t have a village, you need to build one, and that often comes at a cost. being able to work while raising children isn’t just a choice - it’s a privilege many can’t afford easily.

WHY DOES PRIVILEGE MATTER IN PERSONAL BRANDING?

i had a conversation about privilege and visibility in a business context. the other person believed that we all have the same chances in germany. but why isn’t that true, even if in theory we can all get there? because the starting point isn’t the same. for people facing multiple layers of discrimination, it takes more time, more energy, more resilience, more everything - just to reach the same place.

knowing your privileges helps you better understand yourself and your responsibilities. the "privilege walk" is a powerful tool to reveal social inequalities and understand the complex systems that shape our lives and society. it was developed by dr. peggy mcintosh, an american researcher and feminist known for her work on social justice and privilege.

below are statements for the privilege walk. imagine a starting line — for every privilege, take one step forward. that’s your head start in the race.

if you want to know more about giving meaning to your personal brand check out my book via amazon. don’t forget to leave a review if you liked it.

NOTE2SELF

focus on the good. last winter the grey weather, the news, and some personal stuff have pulled my mood down. but a lot of good things have happened too - i probably just didn’t notice them enough here. like the feedback on this newsletter. i’m reaching over 700 people, more than 50% open the emails, and many of you have sent such kind words. i’m really thankful my thoughts resonate, inspire, and help some of you make decisions.

this newsletter has become an anchor for me - every two weeks, i fill this blank canvas with what’s on my mind. but it is also a reminder for gratitude.

three things that made me happy today:
– i went for a walk with my baby boy and got a free coffee (a big one)
– we shared a piece of delicious homemade cake
– i’m grateful to be writing this newsletter

BITS & NUGGETS to make u SMARTER and more ARTSY

• if you are in hamburg, don’t miss out the vernissage of my beloved friend waldemar.

• podcast the diary of a ceo with shaolin warrior master Shi Heng Yi - every word is a gift.

• “white space” by dr. miriam von felbert

i choose recommendations that invite you to invest in yourself - in knowledge, in creativity and in art.

you made a powerful decision for yourself by reading RE:FRAME to the end. let’s turn that power into action - add five more in: five forwards to friends, five shares, or simply your five mins of reflections. your next step matters.