Finding my tribe by writing for the Maverick Paradox Magazine. When you look for online leadership sources, one publication stands apart. It is The Maverick Paradox Magazine, and I am proud to say I write for it. It is a joy, having found a writing community that aligns with my values, feeds my brain and fuels my passion for leadership development.
Here are some of the many compelling reasons why I enjoy contributing to this unique space so much:
The chance to explore a fantastic theory
It all starts with the Maverick Leadership theory itself, pioneered by Judith Germain in her insightful first book, The Maverick Paradox: the Secret Power behind Successful Leaders. This theory challenges conventional notions of leadership, celebrating, exploring and explaining the ‘Maverick’ – individuals who think and lead with wilful independence. As someone who appreciates innovative thinking and brave, unconventional approaches, Judith’s Maverick Leadership theory resonates with me deeply.
This frees me to write from my own unique perspective, tackling a range of topics using my own authentic voice. I am encouraged to be creative and to share my own insights and to explore my thinking in writing. This is a rare gift, meaning I can develop my own leadership thinking and practice in a safe environment, which may also help others who read my articles. It is incredibly rewarding, to be able to write freely in the company of exciting fresh thinking on my chosen topic.
The chance to be a part of a richly diverse group of writers
Another of the most satisfying aspects of being a featured writer for the Maverick Paradox Magazine is the opportunity to be part of such a diverse group of minds. My fellow writers and I all approach the topic of leadership, and the wider world, from different angles. The magazine attracts thought leaders, innovators, and Mavericks from various industries and backgrounds, creating a fantastic “salad bowl” of ideas and perspectives.
I use this metaphor (rooted in 1960s American multiculturalism studies) to describe how we combine together to create a fascinating palimpsest of thinking. Every reader can enjoy a range of very different topics, writing styles and opinions. There is no “greige” bland uniformity. We’re all Mavericks, after all!
An added bonus for me is that the diversity challenges my thinking and my leadership consultancy practice. My fellow writers’ work holds up a mirror to my own experience-based ideas and forces me to consider alternative viewpoints. It really is a thrill to be part of a community where individuality is celebrated. Each of our contributions adds layer after layer of fresh thinking to what has become a real repository of thought leadership, available right around the world.
The chance to be at the forefront of leadership thinking
The Maverick Paradox magazine has grown into a true source of learning and inspiration. Each article, whether written by me or my fellow contributors, brings fresh insights and innovative approaches to leadership, work and the wider world beyond. The platform offers an incredible space, where research, trends and purposefully-controversial ideas are set out for enquiring minds to explore at will. Not only that – it allows MY enquiring mind to dip into a range of thought leadership I simply wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else.
Writing for the Maverick Paradox Magazine has been a journey of continuous self-discovery for me. I hesitate to say “growth”, but it has certainly offered me a wonderful safe space to explore my own thinking. I came to the magazine underestimating (or to be honest, probably misunderstanding) my own Maverick nature. Judith has been a generous editor, allowing me to submit items ranging from anti-social misanthropy during lockdown, to commenting on the destructive Maverick nature of world leaders-gone-bad. In every article, however, there has been a theme of leadership (or self-leadership) albeit sometimes quite well camouflaged. Leadership is what I do, but a Maverick is who I am.
And that’s important.
These are just a few of the many reasons that it is a privilege and joy to write for this fabulous magazine. It truly offers a wealth of inspiration and learning. And that’s important – effective leaders are continuous learners. I often recommend The Maverick Paradox Magazine to my clients when there is an article which matches their particular issue in our coaching conversations or leadership challenges (and no not my own articles).
The magazine represents such a rich and diverse group of writers. All of us are leaders in our own fields of expertise; each of us is a Maverick in our own independent thinking. We make an odd tribe, but a welcoming one. We combine our work, with Judith’s skilful editing, to help you think differently about leadership, yourself and the world around us all. I could write about the fulfilment, the personal journey and lots of other worthy cliches.
That’s not very Maverick Paradox, tho’. Let’s just say it’s been a blast!
Editor Footnote
Astrid is one of a select few, who have been chosen to become a Featured Columnist for The Maverick Paradox Magazine. You can read all her articles by clicking below.
