It’s time to go
PENCILS DOWN
Are you a high performer? Have you asked yourself “what is it costing me”?
Over the last 5 years, I put my full shoulder into the idea of "proving to myself and the world how great an execution driven leader I am". I knew that was the only way that a black executive could carve out some respect and opportunity in Silicon Valley, a place that values “pattern matching to Zuckerberg” over diverse, proven executives. So I grew a VC backed startup from $500K to $12m+ revenue. I struck out on my own and acquired and merged 2 businesses then completely reconfigured the systems, team and processes. NPS improved by 50 points in 6 months, we made several “top 10” lists, and revenue grew to the place where we exited in 2 years for ~3x the purchase price. I was definitely performing at a high level.
Then…it all came crashing down. Hard.
I was underperforming on basic tasks I could normally do in my sleep. My mind felt fatigued all the time, and my stomach was constantly churning to the point where I had to be examined for an ulcer or GI tract cancer. There was no physical sickness though - these were just symptoms of an ever increasing state of burnout that I had to finally face with a sabbatical.
I don't want you to have to crash into a wall, think your stomach has an ulcer and have your mind working against you so hard to the point where you have to step off your path.
This is a chance to learn from my mistakes, science based research on how to properly rejuvenate, and from the first hand experience I’ve had pulling myself out of that dark place and onto a path of long term sustainability.
I built the Pencils Down Program especially for Executives and Business Owners of color who can relate to feeling any of the following:
Working twice as hard, and feeling twice as exhausted as everyone else
Frequently struggling to keep your energy levels up at work or home
Feeling guilty about taking time away from your family for personal space
Frustration at constantly code switching or having to overlook microaggressions
Overwhelmed with balancing the number of people who want your time
Crushing it at work, but not feeling like your home life is in alignment
Trying and failing to set firm boundaries in your work or private life
Poorly balancing the role of spouse, partner, provider, parent and friend
Misalignment between your environment and your personal values
Seeking ways to improve your healthy routines and habits
Feeling like you need to hit the reset button, even for a minute
Pencils Down is an invite-only 4 week virtual recharge experience that helps professionals release stress and rejuvenate their ability to produce wealth and creativity continuously - without the need for a long break or sabbatical
What You’ll Learn
We discuss different topics every week to raise your self-awareness and redefine balance in each pillar of your life. Topics include:
Core value alignment
Stress recovery and reduction
Dealing with duality and race in the workplace
Energy management
Time allocation between work, family and fun
Identifying your zones of control
Setting boundaries with family and work
Investing in and appreciating relationships
Perfectionism
Striver syndrome
What You’ll Get
Every week, virtual meetings are conducted live to discuss the Pencils Down topics, get to know other members, and ask questions to support your progress.
Live group calls
Monthly topic introduction
Exercise goals
Challenges / Lessons learned
Share your wins
Additional unresolved questions
Who You’ll Meet
This invite-only experience is first of its kind. The attendees of this program will share many similar attitudes and experiences to you, in a diversity of professional fields. Through our work together, we can turn this group of of working professionals into a community who support each other's growth and productivity. You will no longer be alone in dealing with these issues.
Weekly challenges and reflections
Support system for your goals
Member introductions
Community events (virtual and IRL where possible)
“I really liked the tips on small things that can be done to improve mental health. Small progress is more manageable and can motivate people to continue.”
Product Manager, Publicly Traded Company
“I’m on track to at least double my income this year and I wouldn’t have made the changes necessary to do that without the reset you guided me through.”
Director @ Series D EdTech Company
Participants See Immediate and Lasting Results
“I’m not really stressed anymore. I think your advice was really helpful...”
Engineer @ Recently IPO’d Tech Company
Meet the Program Leader, Brian L. Shields!
Brian was a high performing professional executive, starting his career buying and selling companies in private equity, transitioning to growing venture backed companies, and most recently rolling up small businesses. Since he was usually the only person of color in these rooms, Brian knew he had to work twice as hard to ensure his results overcame any bias. No stranger to long hours and hard work, Brian worked tirelessly to successfully triple the value of the business, which was realized via an exit in 2022. However this left him deeply drained to the point he had to take a sabbatical, putting an unexpected hiccup in the onward and upward success trajectory he thought he was on.
Since selling that business, Brian has embarked on an journey to answer the question of why high performing executives burnout and figure out how we can solve it. Now, Brian gives talks on how black and brown high performers can treat and prevent burnout, runs workshops to support executives and entrepreneurs actively investing in themselves, and works 1:1 with people to ensure their routines, habits and processes align with long term sustainable performance.
Let’s Talk
If you think this could be a fit for you, I’d love to answer your questions. Often times a quick call is all it takes to figure out if you are ready to recharge and come back twice as productive as you were before.
