June – Success
Rabbi Hayim Herring is a Consultant, Author, Presenter and Organizational Futurist. Hayim is the only Rabbi in North America who also holds a doctorate in business. He is an empathetic listener and transparent leader passionate about helping organizations deepen and broaden their impact for the good in the world. Keep reading to learn more!
Every business has a story, tell us yours.
My business “story” falls somewhere between a thriller and an organizational self-help book, the kind that has words like “purpose,” “optimism” and “shaping your future.” I integrate my lifelong experiences of personally leading nonprofits at the C-suite level and advanced academic training “to help prepare today’s leaders for tomorrow’s organizations.” I’m especially passionate about working with individuals and boards that want to become entrepreneurial – not easy for nonprofits – and desire to learn how to better anticipate trends that can deepen and broaden their impact. The “thrilling” part is in their abilities to adapt concepts and tools to their unique settings, and replace their feeling of just “treading water” with empowerment to lead successfully.
You were chosen as this month’s Success Client. Tell us about your most recent Success.
In November 2016, Rowman and Littlefield published my most recent book, Leading Congregations and Nonprofits in a Connected World: Platforms, People and Purpose, co-authored, with Dr. Terri Elton of Luther Seminary (my third book in six years). Working with a co-author from another faith tradition shows that differences don’t have to divide people and that shared learning is enriching.
No one likes to brag about their business, but if you HAD TO . . .
My co-author and I have been pleasantly surprised by how many for-profit business owners have told us how useful our book is. I think it’s because issues like leadership in a connected world, diversity as a gift, engagement, and acquiring organizational foresight are common concerns regardless of the sector in which people work today.
We learn from our mistakes, especially in business. Give us some words of wisdom.
Gain insight into what internally is holding you back from doing what you really want, instead of rationalizing why someone or something is preventing you from pursuing your passion. That takes courage, and often the help of a good friend or trained professional. Often, you hold the keys to unlock the doors to your dreams, but have unintentionally handed them over to someone else.
Share the best advice you ever received.
Early in my career, a mentor cautioned me, “Don’t believe the press clippings.” In other words, learn from constructive feedback; maintain humility if you receive positive public recognition, and retain confidence in yourself when unfairly criticized. That advice has become increasingly meaningful now that social media are so pervasive.
Describe your perfect day off.
That’s an easy one for me! I observe the Jewish Sabbath traditionally, so I have a guaranteed 25-hour per week total vacation, from about sunset on Friday until one hour after sunset on Saturday. I unplug, I don’t work or do errands, but enjoy what ultimately matters most to me: family, faith, friends (and also really good food that’s customary to have on the Sabbath).
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
As a relative newcomer to playing trumpet, I aspire to become good enough to play third trumpet in a community band, especially in front of audiences who can’t follow music very well.
Together we are stronger. Tell us something you like about being our client.
The easiest way to start making the world better is by getting to know someone who has a background that’s very different from your own. I love the diversity of people that I’ve gotten to meet. They’re friendly and creative, but also respectful when you need your space. And it doesn’t matter who is sitting at the reception desk – I know that I’ll always be greeted with a smile.
If you could work anywhere under the sun, where would you choose?
Answer A: Jerusalem – great for a spiritual recharge. Answer B: on an island under the sun – I love the beach, sun, water and its calming effects.
How can people CONNECT with you?
By any means that is easiest for them-options are on my website, upper right-hand corner (www.hayimherring.com). Text, telephone (612.859.1650) and email (hayim@hayimherring.com) work equally well. Or just stop by and say “hi” if you see me at my favorite co-working space!
