about
October 2008 
Leadership + a note from Beau
Posted on Jan 22nd, 2008
by 
Gaia Team
Gaia Team
Siona again.
So it sounds as though a few things could be clarified around management structure and leadership and decision-making when it comes to our community and our site. Someone responded to a post I'd made with the comment "Well, Siona's heart is in the right place, but she just works here!" and there've been other mentions of how my role is merely one of translation or communication.
It's a bit more than that. :)
I'm the Director of the Gaia Community. (Director... but feel free to replace that with Mommy Bear or Guardian of Gaia or Resident Flame-keeper or what have you.) It's on my profile, and has been since the acquisition, but I realize no official announcement was made.
As Director, I have the job of clarifying and sustaining the vision of this place. It's my job to balance the social and communal needs of the free community with the health of the business, to nurture and protect and grow the site, and to do so in a way that benefits the members, and the Team, and Gaiam, and our shareholders.
(And yes, I love my job... and I love my job because of all of you. I don't think I need to explain that one.)
I just want to make that clear, and to take responsibility for my role (which means taking responsibility for the embarrassing misstep with the Terms), and, more importantly, to take responsibility for the future of this community. I've written before that this site is going to lose its spirit over my dead body: as long as I'm here, I'm committed (insanely) to sustaining—and growing—the vision that sparked this site to begin with.
Because we're still here. The Team is still here, and you're still here, and we're here for a reason.
We're here to change the world by being the change. We're here to inspire and empower each other, to commit to seeing the best in ourselves and those around us, and to transform business itself through awareness and audacity and love and passion and service... and a wholehearted desire to give. We're here to practice what it means to be in community together. We're here to support each other in listening to our own hearts and being brave enough to follow that calling. We're here to transform ourselves... and in doing so, to transform the world.
Ahem.
I don't work alone! Dave Pearson is my co-lead, and is currently heading our Gaia Pro project (a tremendously important piece of the conscious capitalism / transformation of business puzzle). Jason Riley (my hero) is the genius and coordinator behind all the technological development. And then there's the rest of the crew, some of whom have been with the site since it was a single discussion board and a list of quotes. (Thank goodness for change, hm?)
What can I say? I think you're in good hands. I think you're in good hands because I know I'm in good hands... not only do I have the Team, I have each of you to keep me accountable, and each of you to make sure everyone on the Team is supported and encouraged to be their most authentic selves, so that they might continue to give their gifts to this community. And for all of this, I'm deeply, and forever, grateful.
(Thank you. Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you.)
Rommel is working on an updated About page as we speak, so you'll be able to come meet, or re-meet, everyone soon. For now, Dave T. posted some photos on his blog... so do come by and say hello.
I also promised a picture of Beau, Andrea's little black poodle. So please... say hi to Beau.
Posted by: Siona.
Access: Public
Dear Siona, (& the rest of the gaia team)
Just want say thank you thank you thank you (& Hi to Beau the puddle)..
I have been reading most of (I think) the 'stuff' about zaadz transformation
into gaia & have been puzzled about 'the fear factor'..
Perhaps I'm not watching the news nearly enough to be naturally tuned into
the 'what if's' of the world, maybe I'm blatanly naive, but nevertheless, what
comes across to me, as in the vibes I get from all this, is that you guyz are
working hard & dilligently, believing in your vision & delivering an amazing
product :-D
I'm grateful to be a part of this & about the whole terms of use rights etc;
I know i'm on the internet & whatever I produce of any kind, is up for grabs,
take it or leave it, it no matter to me ;-)
love, laughter & lightness tara <3
…Hi Beau…
…say hey…team…
Mommy Bear? Uh, no Siona. I think it'd be better to stick you with the most Fascist-sounding title in the world. Hmmm, now what would that be… Her Supreme Utmost Indomitable Rulership?
Also, I noticed CapriKell referring to people as “Gais”. You really have commandeered a language change, I see ;)
PS Hi Beau!!
That is a big question of mine L'el–what are we now that we are no longer Zaadsters? Gaianistas? Gaiatropes? Is there a discussion about our naming? Has something caught on yet?
HI Beau
sengmo, oh, just a minor mention or two of new terminology (ROTFLMAO) at http://pods.gaia.com/gaia/discussions/view/221245 (one of the longest threads on the site, I think.) And other places, too.
Siona, I have been wondering how to pronounce your name. Is it like the Scottish name Fiona, and pronounced see OHWN ah?
And L'el I wouldn't assume that if one staff member uses a term, it is the official one for all or that everyone including us is obliged to use it. Things are still in flux, that's my perception.
Thanks so much, Siona, for your clarification and dedication and passion and commitment and beauty of soul, and Dave NMD for the photos and video, and Amber for sparking same. This is good.
Blessings, Rev. O.M. Bastet
Well said and appreciated…
THANK YOU and the team (x a gazillion too)!!
Blessings, David
…how 'bout gaiangstas?…
Siona,
Thanks to the Gaia Team for your extremely hard work in this transition, for your undying vision and belief in our community, and most of all for the love you demonstrate to us all.. during the good and tough times.
Siona, congratulations Mistress Director… it is and will continue to be a pleasure to follow you, to walk at your side, and to lead when the opportunity affords itself.
And Dave. I am so excited about the Pro pages you are leading.. there are conscious riches out there…. and I am so ready for us to get our hands on it! You are leading such a huge part of our vision.
I can really feel the energy of the Zaadz family has continued into the Purple Gaian Glow, and that we are going to glow even bigger, brighter and better every day. Even on rainy days… we can play in the Purple Rain.. :)
Hopefully I don't sound or look to ignorant but I was just wondering; why the change? What happened to cause you to go from Zaadz to Gaia. Just curious and too lazy to surf and find out.
EEEEZaadznowgaian… there's a question for ya.
I sent a friendship link to shea-bird saying I let Siona and team link or tell the long/short tale. I'd provide a huge pot of cyber coffee.
The only constant is change.
Blessings, David
humble novice here, i was just reading the thread above, wondering what this terminology is all about, could someone please enlighten me as to what Zaadz, and the transition to gaia and the color purple all mean. Looking forward to anyones reply soonest.
searching for a path
Donald
I'm really new here, but I already love the sight. Thanks for all your hard work guys, it's paid off. I'm looking forward to being a member.Still Seeking,Courtney
In reviewing your speech I thought it prudent to guide anyone who might take interest toward some clarification as to what type of leadership this demonstrates; Transformational Leadership.
I love the post Siona. Yes, indeed everyone, Siona and Dave P. are our Team captains. We're very lucky to have them. :) They are working hard, with immense dedication and love. (Thank you!)
And, I want you all to know that the Team as a whole has been a lot of creative control and freedom to grow Gaia and take care of each other and the community. It's an amazing thing. As Siona said, she doesn't “just work here,” but really, none of us do. I'm one of those that has been there since day one and it's been amazing. And, even with the shift to Gaia and the acquisition by Gaiam, still we are encouraged to contribute and everyone on the Team makes a huge difference and has the opportunity to do so. And so do all of you.
So, know that your words matter and that we are here to serve ;)
And, for those of you who mentioned you didn't know the back story, please check out Siona's earlier entry here. That'll give you the info so you don't have to spend too much time searching.
Thanks mom :)
Maybe I am not alone in this, but I still–and maybe always–will consider myself a Zaadster! :0
I don't take my commitments lightly and the whole Zaadz Ambassador trip, well, I was one of the first hundred to become an Ambassador for Zaadz, and have proudly fulfilled my obligations as a Z.A. since.
Maybe I am sentimental, maybe I don't yet embrace a G label, and most of all, it doesn't really matter. What matters is that we are still here, free to share and connect as we always have been.
Its the look that is different. I find it a little lack luster and miss the old home but to me that's just superficial image stuff. What is new and good is that now people–the Z / G team–have paid jobs and a place to show up for work, in a hip town, doing work they love with and for people they love. How greatly job satisfaction increases the quality of life index! And I am happy, and blessd, that I share such a joy as I love my paid work and peeps too. Yay! May this be so for all who wish it for themselves!
May all beings be happy!