What I’m Grateful For

What are you grateful for?

That might seem like a heck of a question to ask in the middle of a pandemic. But throughout 2020, and especially now, I’ve been struck by an overwhelming sense of gratitude – the gratitude my friends and colleagues have shared with me, and the gratitude I feel. I am especially grateful for the little things, such as a good book and a warm conversation with friends even from afar. Here are four things I’m especially grateful for right now:

• The people of Investis Digital. Our own people have proven time and again that we live our values such as innovating and bringing passion. I can think of no more serious test of a brand’s values than a pandemic that disrupts the world. And yet our people have stuck together, learning to bring passion to our jobs remotely and innovating with new offerings such as Investis Digital Live for managing clients’ events online. I am proud of all of you.

• Clients. Without our clients, there would be no Investis Digital, plain and simple. I have reminded myself often that for every challenge our company has faced in 2020, our clients have experienced them one hundred fold. And through it all, our clients have stayed with us. In 2020, we have also gotten to know the client teams we work with better – and it’s hard not to when everyone is collaborating from our homes. We’ve gained a deeper appreciation for each person we work with, and, I think, tighter bonds that will endure a lifetime. I am indebted to our clients.

• Creative partners. Earlier this year, Wiley & Sons published a book I co-wrote with Fran Biderman-Gross, How to Lead a Values-Based Professional Services Firm. And I emphasize co-wrote. This book was the culmination of my life’s work being an executive in the professional services industry. But it would still be nothing more than an idea had Fran not pushed me and challenged me constantly from start to finish. I’ve learned that a good creative partner never lets up. When you are ready to say, “We’re done,” a creative partner asks, “Shall we review our work just once more?” We had several “Just once more” moments writing this book together, and I learned a lot.

• Last, but not least, my family. My mom and dad especially are a big reason for every good thing that has happened in my life. They left an incredible legacy of love and support. As I wrote in the dedication to How to Lead a Values-Based Professional Services Firm, my mom always motivated me with words such as “Someone is going to come in first today, I see no reason it can’t be you.” And my dad gave selflessly – an amazing parent and friend. They are always with me every step of the way.

There is always room for gratitude, in good times and challenging times. What are you grateful for?