Emily Brooks

I am comfortable with doubt and am constitutionally resistant to moral certainty, herd mentality and dogma. I am disturbed on a fundamental level by the self-serving, toddler politics of some of my counterparts – I do not believe that silence is violence, complicity, or a lack of courage, but rather that silence is often the preferred option when... See more

If you are new in your career or have a smaller audience, you are in a good position to take creative chances. Less eyes on you gives you the freedom to test ideas without the pressure. As your status grows, so does the pressure to get it right.

The fear of failing can cripple creativity. If you relate to this, here are a few questions you can ask... See more

Having a third place, where someone knows my name or recognizes my face, keeps me connected. It’s so easy to shut off, to feel alone in the face of everything, but sharing a kind word with a stranger reminds me to stay empathetic. Third places invite me to open myself up to external experiences, and ask me to examine my values and how I hold them... See more

As the news looms larger and larger, we all feel a bit smaller every day. But third places shrink our world down to fit us; there, we are recognized by others in a world that often does not recognize how soft and tender we each are. These community spaces are fundamental supporters of our psychological wellbeing, as was researched in California... See more

According to developmental molecular biologist John Medina, our brains were not designed for the modern workplace. As this article from Big Think puts it: “The modern workplace was not designed with the human brain in mind. This disconnect can make it difficult for us to engage, feel safe, and reach our potential.” Similarly, in work on... See more

“That’s enough screen time for today,” you tell your kid, urging them to turn off the video-game console or iPad. As for what they should do instead, you are not quite sure. And what about you? If only you could put down your phone and listen to your spouse, or read a book, or embrace the sensation of your own existence, then surely you would be a... See more

A part of me will always be here. A part of me will always be 5, sitting in the backseat, eyes squeezed shut. I would purposely slump my neck, and if I really wanted to sell it, make a little snoring noise. All this, just so my dad would come and carry me inside the house. I knew full well if I was awake, he’d tell me that my legs worked just fine... See more