In a bit of fateful timing, Thanksgiving has fallen just as I am writing my 200th Monthly Memo. When this journey began, I was in my 40’s – my kids were in Junior High and grade school – and I was just beginning my entrepreneurial career. Nearly 20 years have passed and what a journey it has been! But this Memo will not be about me. Instead, it will be about all of those who made these years and lessons possible.
I must start with my kids. Seeing them decide on their job journey and then getting a chance to have a thousand different conversations with them about that journey has informed my Memo writing on a regular basis. Getting that direct perspective and understanding the view of those entering the workforce has added immeasurably to my Memo topic list. (See last month!)
Second, I must thank my clients. Who knew an off-hand comment or a lesson learned here or there could lead to 200 Memos and an award-winning book? That’s exactly what has happened and those clients who put their trust in me have not only enjoyed the fruits of our collaboration, but also helped spin off lessons that have been instructive for others all over the world. Sharing sometimes difficult or even awkward realities led to the greater good for so many people who thought they were the only ones with the same experience. Thank you for generously sharing – your thoughts truly were the butterfly wings that reached the world more than you could ever know.
Third, thanks to my regular readers. You know who you are! Pointing out my occasional typos or engaging further on a topic kept me going when sometimes I felt there was nothing more to say. Whether receiving this in your email or reading it on LinkedIn, I so appreciate everyone who has liked, commented, shared with a friend or passed it on to their team. The multiplier effect of those interactions is greatly appreciated.
Finally, I am thankful to my journalism colleagues who, over the years, instilled in me a love of writing and a respect for the craft. Many of you are far more talented, but you inspire my humble efforts on a regular basis. This remains my small corner of the world where, with my hands over the keyboard, I am brought back to all those years of pounding out stories on a daily basis.
Now, to what the future might hold. Thanksgiving this year comes with a touch more reflection because I am having my first run-in with COVID and it looks like I’ll be having a pretty solitary holiday. No need to feel sorry for me – I have a very loving and supportive wife and family – but I am staying away for their good until I’m free of this stuff.
My plans are to continue with the Memo, though perhaps on a less-than-monthly basis at times. I hope you’ll stay along for the ride and I can’t say Thank You enough for the time you’ve taken to read my work. Bless you.
