Can I Ask You Something? Vol. 8
Bri Gerzevske, Oddball Leadership
Bri Gerzevske knows what it costs to believe the hustle myth. As the founder of Oddball Leadership, Bri has built a movement around four principles that push back against everything we were told about success: belonging, gratitude, curiosity, and joy. Oddball Leadership helps leaders build cultures that are actually worth showing up to.
In this conversation, Bri gets honest about the year spent saying no, what D&D taught about storytelling and world-building, and the two questions Bri asks when the path forward isn't clear. Spoiler: neither one involves working harder.
Bri Gerzevske, Oddball Leadership
Hi Bri! Tell us a bit about your organization.
Oddball Leadership is a movement in leadership development that draws on four core principles: belonging as the foundation, gratitude and appreciation, curiosity and joy. Oddball Leadership gives way to authentic leadership, an irresistible office culture, and high-performing teams.
What’s one thing you wish you could tell your younger self?
“Overworking and being all things to all people is not going to protect the things you value."
When I was younger, I was expected to do all the things — all the sports, all the extracurriculars, all the electives — while pulling A's on my report card. I was told all that hard work and hustle would pay off someday.
Until it didn't.
It took nearly 40 years for me to realize how harmful it was to be told that, and believe it. A little over a year ago, I was firing on more cylinders than I had in every aspect of my life — personal and professional. I was overworking and (in a lot of ways) overperforming. And it all came to a screeching halt when I very unexpectedly was let go from a job I loved. That I valued greatly. I won't regret my past, or believing what adults told me. And it's abundantly clear that boundary setting is crucial to self-care, especially in a professional setting.
This last year has been a year of "no" for me. I only participated and got involved in things I knew I would enjoy, and used the remaining time to figure out what I truly want out of my life and career. Now I feel like I have a (mostly clear) path forward, so I'm actually grateful for the experiences that have led me to this point.
What’s something bringing you joy right now?
In the last few years, I've become a HUGE Dungeons & Dragons nerd. I am getting ready to run my second multi-session campaign with my friends over the summer. Getting lost in the world-building and storytelling is really a cup-filler for me.
Who or what are you learning from lately?
In these shambolic times — new word alert! — someone I love learning from right now is independent journalist Aaron Parnas. Every day that passes only adds to the chaos, so to see him keep his viewers informed in such a self-regulated way, while reporting the facts and unswervingly committing to his values is so refreshing and fills me with hope.
What values guide your work when the path forward isn’t clear?
When a path forward isn't clear, I like to ask myself two questions: "Will this next step cause me to lose myself?" and "Will this next step cause harm to people around me?" If the answer is "yes" to either, that's a path I will not go down. Authenticity and ensuring psychological safety for others are non-negotiables for me. This can apply to personal activities, jobs I apply for, and clients I work with.
What does equity look like in your day-to-day work?
To me, equity is a space where everyone belongs and feels safe to bring their fullest self to work. Period!
Thank you again, Bri! You can find out more about Oddball Leadership here.
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