Meet Holland Haiis | Workplace Strategist, Speaker, Award-Winning Author

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

Hi Holland, how do you think about risk?
Like most people, I’ve taken risks that have paid off and others that haven’t. This has given me a framework to view risk with some structure before jumping in head first.

Think about risk as an opportunity, gauge your fear, and consider what the progress could mean for you and the business strategy moving forward. Every opportunity has a risk. How much time will it cost, will it deplete the team’s time and energy, what’s the overall advantage of taking the risk? And you have to think big picture as well as for the moment. What are the long and short term impacts of taking the risk and as well as the financial costs.

Everything we do in life has risk, however first evaluating whether it’s a one or a ten, or any number in-between, can also determine if it’s worthwhile now or something to do in the future. I’m able to fully commit to a risk after assessing all the pros and cons and then ultimately going with my gut.

Nothing is a one-hundred percent guarantee, however once you’re all in the guarantee is that you’ll learn something new, meet interesting people, and challenge yourself in ways never imagined.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When I think about my childhood passion it’s no surprise that I help teams and individuals with their own metamorphosis. As a child, in Medford Oregon, I would climb trees to find caterpillars or cocoons and carefully place them in my Skippy jars where the magic of their transition would begin. Lining up all my jars in the garage while eagerly observing the transformation into a beautiful Monarch Butterfly. Once a butterfly I would release it back into the world to fly away and do what was meant to be done.

Today I work with clients and watch in awe as they transform into owning their greatness and step into changing the world with their influence, inspiring teams to collaborate and ideate, and facilitating what was once only an idea and now becomes a reality.

As a workplace strategist I help CEO’s and elite teams to improve leadership, increase influence, and make cultural changes in a hybrid world. Developing people, the most important asset you have, by providing powerful science-based performance, workplace, and human relationship solutions that translate to increased revenue, resiliency, and relationship ROI.

Right now we’re in a time of rapid change and it’s so exciting to help people gain clarity around their obstacles and eliminate bottlenecks in business through shifting mindset and then changing the outcome of everything that’s done, both professionally and personally.

Whether I’m working with teams or an individual it’s exciting to facilitate the “ah-ha” moments and realization they can do something better, something different to create the business and life they want now. It’s about taking ideas and moving to action and implementation, which is where so many people get stuck.

Many of my clients have said that when they have a few sessions or workshops with me it creates more results than any other training or even years in therapy. My true talent lies in understanding human behavior and the ability to see, hear, and feel what so many others have missed. My motto is “speed to result” and that’s how we work. This is so important because it’s the result that makes a difference and motivates you to keep going.

Often people read these interviews and think this has been an easy journey where all the puzzle pieces neatly fit together. Let me clarify, this is a highlight reel. I’ve worked jobs I didn’t like to survive, I paid for my own education, I’m the first person in my family to graduate college, with varying degrees, and honors. The first to be an entrepreneur, and survive that journey. It’s been a long road filled with highs and lows and if you stay open to possibilities, which are everywhere, that’s where you find the gold.

Stay away from the trap of judging the journey of others and thinking about their “easy”. I’ve worked with many celebrities and CEO’s who “had it easy” and that kind of easy is often really hard. They’ve lost focus, direction, motivation, and the list goes on. Use your time to focus on what you can learn from others, how to better yourself, and what you need to do to stay on track. I wasn’t always clear about that, however I’ve learned it’s the secret that allows me to create the business and life I want today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I travel a lot for business and right now I’m in Washington, D.C. so let’s start there!

Our first stop would be The National Mall, which stretches from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and encompasses the Washington Monument, World War II, Vietnam, and Korean War Memorials, and varying Smithsonian museums. This is a walk of pure joy and beauty. The architecture and size of the museums and monuments are breathtaking.

Next I’d take you over to The Tidal Basin which is famous for its annual cherry blossoms. There we can see the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park and then the Jefferson Memorial. This city is like no other in the U.S. and can inspire even a pessimist to view life differently.

Okay it’s time to dive into some great food in the district and we’re going to some of my favorites. Over at the newly developed Wharf Area, which is along the water, there is a restaurant called Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien. It’s a contemporary Vietnamese menu that awakens your taste buds with every bite. Try the Crawfish and Noodles for a dish that’s really delicious and totally unexpected.

Now let’s head over to the Navy Yards or The Yards as the locals call it and try the award winning food at Chloe. Hadair Karoum has turned his restaurant into one of D.C.’s hottest destinations along with his Crispy Fingerling Potatoes and Spice Roasted Chicken. Trust me, he’s taken these staples to next level!

Another night we’d head over to Barrick’s Row which was the first commercial center in D.C. in 1799. Rose’s Luxury serves up Spaghettini Alfredo in a triple creme brie sauce, do I need to say anymore? And then for dessert how about Beignets and Bananas? And, if this isn’t your thing you can choose from an array of other favorites in the neighborhood.

Alright, one more let’s head over to Le Diplomate which pays homage to French Bistro Culture. This restaurant is in an edgier part of the city and filled with lots of great restaurants and bars so if a French Bistro isn’t your thing you can find Italian, Japanese, Thai, BBQ, and just about anything else.

If you’re looking to hang out and have great drinks I like heading over to The Willard, a hotel near The White House where president’s, heads of state, and rock stars have all stayed. The Hay-Adams is another classic hotel which was featured in ‘House of Cards’ and has magnificent views.

All of these options have amazing people watching opportunities so choose your adventure and go!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My gratitude for the guides who have mentored me in my life runs deep. I am thankful for those who have shown up with kindness and those who have not. Whether their participation was given with love or negativity, joy or despair they taught me that I could thrive, weather the storms of life, and how to be an advocate for myself and others.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the most important person in my life, my mom. She has always shepherded with a gentle yet firm love and support. Understanding the difference between preaching and teaching, pushing and nudging, loving and smothering. It by observing her grace that I have been shaped to stand in my power and continue to persevere.

Website: https://www.hollandhaiis.com/

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holland-haiis-2a001637/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hollandhaiis?lang=en

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWkUR2p_zPJwqZJNr1ITrxA