A couple of weeks ago, I took a bio-writing workshop with Katel LeDû, who some of you may know as the former CEO of A Book Apart. I don't know about you, but I think that writing a bio is some of the hardest self-promotion out there. Who am I, really? Am I the same person that you see on LinkedIn, or is there more? (Hint: there is always more.)

First, let me say that this workshop is the most painless that I've ever been a part of. Words flowed clearly and easily. And what emerged was something that actually reflected who I am.

Here's what I came out with:

"I am an intellectually curious problem-solver who builds trust through integrity, empathy, and accountability. I support individuals and organizations that actively want to do better for the community and the planet. I am successful when I am no longer needed because the principles and actions are embedded into the systems."

This, as you may have noticed, doesn't have a single element of LinkedIn SEO-stuffing. But it is absolutely about me, right down to the italicized bit about making myself obsolete because my clients and colleagues have figured it out how to do it themselves.

And I realized something important as a result: right now, everything may be chaotic and unpredictable, but there's value in taking a step back and figuring out who you are, independent of the work that you do. There are roles for all of us in this emerging world, and we all benefit from figuring out our unique strengths.

​Some cities have banned ads for fossil fuels, SUVs, and airlines. Why? Edinburgh’s city councillors said that achieving the city’s climate goals required “a shift in society’s perception of success” and that “the promotion of high-carbon products is incompatible with net zero objectives”.

​"Ecological empathy" can play a role in creating a better world. It reminded me of a conversation that I had with a Central Park conservationist at a birdwatching event at Climate Week NYC 2024. She said that her goal was to encourage New Yorkers to observe, understand, and even appreciate the local pigeons. Why? Because for many city residents, this is their connection to nature. They may not go to the parks, but they can observe the behaviors of the pigeon on their windowsill. And when people start to understand and connect with the natural world, they're more likely to engage in environmental stewardship.

​Women are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change, yet are rarely included in climate decision-making. Climate change forecasts show that greater proportions of women and girls will be forced into poverty and face food insecurity. But the U.N. has long noted that women and girls are effective and powerful leaders and change-makers for climate adaptation and mitigation.

​Channel that anger! It may be part of the solution. “If you care about stopping paralysis –– this idea that you’re so overwhelmed you can’t do anything –– hope and optimism will only get you so far,” says Anncy Thresher of Northeastern University. “You need to have something that pushes you, and anger is directed. It’s a thing that pushes you to do something because you feel like you’ve been harmed.”

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Alisa Bonsignore

Founder, Strategist, and Author