Sometimes the first question you get asked when you meet someone new, after exchanging names, is “So, what do you do?” This is a script that has been modeled for us and so each individual is unintentionally hardwired to lead with this question - mostly because it is kind of a safe one to ask.
At Spark! we don’t answer this question in the traditional sense. If you take a look at our bios on the website, you might see a term we all have at the top, “Above all else…”
Above all else is a powerful tool we use to introduce ourselves in a new and impactful way. Rather than a role or a title, at Spark! we are all encouraged to be an individual. We are aware, there is a lot of pressure to show up as your full-authentic self, this is a pressure in corporate America.1 Many companies are simultaneously navigating what full-authentic self is and is not appropriate in the workplace?
To navigate this, consider for a moment, how would it feel if the next time you are asked, “So, what do you do?” you were able to answer with a short, concise description of who you are versus what your title or role is. Would that leave room for a more open dialogue to engage with someone else? Would that provide an opportunity to share more of your full-authentic self in an appropriate and thoughtful way?
Above all else provides a genuine and engaging way for each individual to introduce themselves as they are, in their own words, and share their own story.
So what is your above all else role?
At Spark! we don’t answer this question in the traditional sense. If you take a look at our bios on the website, you might see a term we all have at the top, “Above all else…”
Above all else is a powerful tool we use to introduce ourselves in a new and impactful way. Rather than a role or a title, at Spark! we are all encouraged to be an individual. We are aware, there is a lot of pressure to show up as your full-authentic self, this is a pressure in corporate America.1 Many companies are simultaneously navigating what full-authentic self is and is not appropriate in the workplace?
To navigate this, consider for a moment, how would it feel if the next time you are asked, “So, what do you do?” you were able to answer with a short, concise description of who you are versus what your title or role is. Would that leave room for a more open dialogue to engage with someone else? Would that provide an opportunity to share more of your full-authentic self in an appropriate and thoughtful way?
Above all else provides a genuine and engaging way for each individual to introduce themselves as they are, in their own words, and share their own story.
So what is your above all else role?
Created with
