It’s Turkey time here at Hip Daddy HQ, and what better way to shine the light on a friend and fellow HD who is doing some amazing things, and recently accomplished something many of us have on our “To Do” list…he wrote a book, and a damn fine one it is! So before you keep on reading, go buy it now 🙂 Let’s get into it with our Author from Amsterdam (although a #Brit), Neil Schambra Stevens:
Tell us about yourself.
I’m a proud Dad of a boy (15) and a girl, (13) both amazing in their own ways – warm, open and full of positive energy. I’m British, their mother is American, however they were born in Amsterdam, lived in the US twice and Italy once, and as such are well traveled and worldly. They’ve picked up many cultural habits, in particular a love of food so they’ve been involved in the kitchen from an early age. My favourite conversations involve sitting around the table, hearing them chatter away whilst eating!
Onto the book…
I’m a former CMO turned business coach, working with creatives, strategists and marketing folks at that critical mid-career point, that place where people are finding their voice and leadership style. The book comes from nearly 30 years in brand marketing working for the likes of Levi’s, Converse, Vans, Lenovo and Polaroid combined with current observations that my coaching clients are experiencing. It’s called ‘A Bad Hand Played Well – How to own your 90,000 hours at work (which is the average number of hours we spend at work in our lives. )
Increasingly we can’t rely on companies for our security or happiness. It’s on us to take control of our day to day where possible, to live with joy and purpose, so the book is a guide to maximising intentional living and minimising regret. As a Dad, I want my children to appreciate the small things in life, more than just material things. Kindness costs nothing but means everything.
Let’s talk about the Holidays and Time Well Spent.
There are 1442 minutes in any day – nothing more, nothing less – no matter who you are on this planet. All too often we give our time away, particularly at work where it is not always valued and appreciated, leading to a breakdown and sacrifice of our physical and mental well-being all in pursuit of this thing called work. The holidays (like Thanksgiving) are a reminder of the important things in life, of gratitude, of time well spent. Simple gestures versus expensive worthless gift giving. Time spent with family, friends and loved ones.
My aim is to make a difference, to improve workplace culture and shine the light on the importance of kindness in business. If by the time my children enter the workplace it is established that kindness is a strength not a weakness then I will have achieved part of my goal to enable people to feel seen, heard and valued. There’s enough time, just don’t waste it. Today, I’m thankful that my book has finally entered the world!
For those traveling to Amsterdam with kids, what are some key destinations to visit?
If you’re visiting Amsterdam, the first thing would be to rent a bike. Most rental shops hire helmets although the locals ride with out. Explore the city, get a sense of the size and proportions, take a ferry over to the Nord (north) behind Central Station.
And whilst it’s one of the more photogenic cities in the world, I would encourage you to keep your phone in your pocket for as much as you can, and just soak up the details. In particular, look up at he tops of the buildings, the historical references, the dates of when they were built (the city was established in 1275, so there’s a lot of history and architecture to explore.)
Amsterdam is an expensive city, but you can graze and eat out inexpensively, from the amazing food trucks and stalls on the local market. My favourite is the Lindengracht Market (it’s a bit less touristy than some) with braadwurst (veggie options too) fresh stroopwafels (traditional caramel cookies), fresh coffee and oven fresh Pastel de Nata (Portuguese custard tarts).
Amsterdam is a beauty, so bring the fam!