Linda Galindo is an author, consultant, educator, and speaker, who has been called upon by Fortune 500 companies world wide to inspire, motivate and empower. She is the author of The 85% Solution: How Personal Accountability Guarantees Success – No Nonsense, No Excuses.
What is something you wish you would’ve realized earlier in your life?
I am beautiful and good enough how I am. There’s nothing to prove, there’s nowhere to get, just experiences to have.
What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?
- “I have to empower my people.”
- “It’s just easier to do it myself.”
- “Do whatever it takes.”
Tell me about one of the darker periods you’ve experienced in life. How you came out of it and what you learned from it?
Divorce. I learned I am enough. You don’t have to make someone else wrong to move on. If you don’t define success you will always have an unfilled hole that you chase to fill.
What is one thing that you do that you feel has been the biggest contributor to your success so far?
Living in the 100% personal accountability I have available to me. Giving up all the upsides of low self-esteem, factors outside of my control that I could blame. Seeing everything as a choice, being committed to the success of others. (OK more than one thing but it’s a combo pack!)
What is your morning routine?
A glass of water, brush teeth, 10-minute meditation (I like HeadSpace) and read a book. Also, the first hour of the day is “no screen time”.
What habit or behavior that you have pursued for a few years has most improved your life?
Less talking, more listening. Also, walking away from negativity. Or, if I feel like it, redirect everyone to what we can do and inject positivity. I let everyone be right, I just want to know what their point is.
What are your strategies for being productive and using your time most efficiently?
- Kill your “to do” list.
- Transparency.
- Schedule vacation/time off first.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do?
Turn off my phone and go get a manicure or walk the dog. A manicure every day would be a bit excessive, but walking the dog works for both of us.
What book(s) have influenced your life the most? Why?
- Refuge and When Women Were Birds by Terry Tempest Williams – it’s a book about personal development, the importance of VOICE and that women must tell their stories in the leadership role.
- Why Leaders Can’t Lead, The Unconscious Conspiracy by Warren Bennis – Even though it was written in 1985 but chilling in its truth and relevant TODAY.
Do you have any quotes you live by or think of often?
“You cannot mandate accountability, you can only demonstrate it.”
