Meet Sid Webb | Transition Navigator and Guide

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sid Webb and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sid, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I’ve heard it said that there is no such thing as “work/life balance.” Sure, there’s no exact ratio that can be maintained, but most of us would agree that we want to live lives of productivity, relationship, and wonder. I’ve tried to maintain all of them in some mixture. Sometimes we have to give outsized attention on one, but we don’t want to (and shouldn’t) keep it that way for long. For example, I had to put several things on hold while I was working on my doctoral dissertation, but as soon as I could I dove into the more “life” side of things.

I want to put a twist on your question: What significantly changed my balance was going through the Black Forest wildfire of 2013. It started down the hill from our house and quickly destroyed virtually everything we had collected and valued over 35 years of marriage. Standing in the ashes of my life, digging for the mangled scraps of what remained, caused me to do a ton of reflecting over what really mattered in life. And from where came my significance.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I founded my consulting business, Sharpened Focus, LLC, after years of watching people struggle with the frustrations of governing board service. I busted my rear end to write a dissertation on the duties of a nonprofit governing board. I was told I should publish the work but decided instead to make it practical. So I started coaching and training the executives and boards. (Note that “training” is not something that board members tend to look forward to, so we have to sell the benefits.)

What got me excited was seeing what a difference in impact that some clarity would make. And the more I did it the more I realized that at the heart of it all, no matter what our work, it’s the relationship and interaction between people that makes or breaks things. So I’ve accrued a great deal of wisdom and insight over the years. And I realize that people need more than answers–they need encouragement and support as they navigate the white water rivers of transition, growth, and change. Few people like the word “change”–unless they’re inflicting it on others. But all day long we make modifications to our directions.

Has it been easy? Heavens, no. There are plenty of people who throw up roadblocks and challenges. But there are even more good people who would like to make a difference… and when I can help them do that, I get blessed.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, let’s say they were coming from sea level. The first day I’d drive them around the Springs and let them experience our awesome area. Maybe walk around the Broadmoor. The second day I would take them on a stout little hike, show them some great views, get the calorie-burning going, and then I would take them to Red Leg Brewing. We’d sit outside, quaff an awesome Hazy IPA, and discuss life. Some serious stuff and a lot of laughter.

Then we’d go to the San Juan Mountains and experience the greatest part of Colorado. Views, hikes, old Colorado communities, and some good pizza and great craft beer along the way. Naturally, we’d swing by the Great Sand Dunes NP.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
After our fire we were showered with love and help from friends local and national. It was a stark reminder of how we are not little islands in life. We need others. All of us go through something in life that makes us need others. When I’m the one suffering, I should be open to their help. When they are the ones hurting, I need to reach out.

(Sorry, this is not one specific person or group.)

Website: www.sharpenedfocus.com

Instagram: drsidwebb

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidney-webb-23b9534/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sid.webb

Image Credits
Sidney A. Webb