2024: Rise

Sometimes people make resolutions, but I prefer themes.

Themes aren’t goals. They don’t involve quotas to meet or differences to measure. They’re bigger than goals-if a goal is a cast, the theme is the mold that shapes it. A goal isn’t worth anything if you don’t know why you want it. A theme can offer a lens through which to see new and greater meanings in your day-to-day interactions. It keeps your eyes on the bigger picture.

In 2021, we radically realigned

Everyone had to realign that year. If you didn’t, you struggled. I needed to reimagine our entire business to make it work for our clients during the pandemic. Going virtual brought me to 2022’s meaningful connections. I wondered how I was going to make meaning without physical interactions, without seeing my staff every day or meeting with clients. And last year, I took it a step further with purposeful engagement – engaging with clients in impactful ways.

Those were stepping stones to this year’s theme: Rise.

Rise comes from the Old Norse risa, meaning “to make happen.” At its core, rising up means making something happen. You can rise from the ashes. Rise up in revolt. Rise above the rest. Rise and shine. Rise is a word that moves. It’s the mindset that helps me get all the pieces in the right place and makes the most of each interaction I have.

Setting intention. Building the plan. Letting it happen.

To rise, you have to do the work. Put the right things together so you have the freedom to be present. And to do that, you have to check yourself at the door. Set aside all the things you’re coming in with so you can see what’s important, allow insights to rise to the top, and go deep. For our clients, Rise is not just how we approach the work, it’s why they work with us in the first place. They choose to rise by taking a position around what matters most. That’s what will set them apart. 

Rise means asking, listening, understanding, analyzing, and then translating. It’s not always conscious. Rise is what happens when we truly believe in the people we work with and for. Rise connects everything, so let Rise happen.