11th Edition: New York, FLAPS & Meeting Your Cohort IRL

Thanks for being here

Hey everyone, hope you’re having a wonder-full week :)

I just settled in at home after an incredible few days in New York. 🗽

What was meant to be a Christmas themed visit—to see Macy’s whimsical store front, skate at Rockefeller Center, and drink gourmet hot chocolate while strolling Central Park—produced more depth than I could’ve imagined.

Not a surprise considering the company I was in.

But I’ll fill you in next week, as I’m only beginning to process the rich blend of experiences I had in NYC.

Here’s a sneak peek to tide you over until then:

Washington Square Arch looking all sorts of magical post rain

The view from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (10/10 recommend for killer city views)

It was bittersweet leaving NYC but ultimately, the best part of any trip is coming home filled with gratitude and inspiration.

💌 For more updates, stay tuned.

Anyway, here are three gems I want to share with you:

An Experience To Inspire: Cohort Meet Ups IRL

Serendipity must’ve been at work when I landed at LaGuardia airport. I opened Instagram to see one of my favourite pals from a writing course I took called Ship 30 for 30 had just posted pictures at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (pictured above).

This friend was in Bali when we took the course in July and had since moved to Sweden, so it was a crazy coincidence to be in the same place. Especially since he was headed to Korea, and then Portugal next. In any case, we got to meet for the first time in real life and catch up over Mexican food. It was awesome. And it reminded me that courses are a starting point to build lifelong friendships with cool, interesting people.

✍️ Ship 30 for 30’s next cohort kicks off in Jan if you’re interested in checking it out.

A Resource To Consider: Run a FLAP

When it comes to running a course, each cohort produces a goldmine of insights to enrich future ones. But most teams struggle to capture these insights—let alone make assertions about what to stop, start & continue going forward. That's where a FLAP changes the game.

🧵 Here’s a thread I wrote on what a FLAP is and how to use it to your advantage to improve your course:

Alexandra Allen @AlexandraAllen_

The best teams are always optimizing. Meaning they enhance collaboration from one project—or cohort—to the next. If you’re keen to do the same, try this 🧵:

A Question To Ponder: Experiences That Have Depth

💭 When’s the last time an activity or experience wound up being much deeper than you expected it to be?

Think about this in terms of your career or within the dynamic of a course.

Thanks for reading my *eleventh* newsletter

My goal is to prompt reflection within this vibrant community of ours, so I’d love your feedback on how I can make future editions beneficial.

Got an idea or burning question I could address? Hit reply and we’re off to the races!

Happy holidays - have a wonder-full time with your family & friends! ✨🎄

Alexandra