Not long after announcing my retirement, a colleague asked me what I had learned over the course of my 4+ decade career. Great question! What follows are 5 Lessons Learned that have served me well:

• Express Gratitude with love and Intention – Inspired by the quote from Hamilton, “Legacy is planting seeds in a garden you never get to see,” I launched my ‘Gratitude Legacy Tour’ in 2023. My intention was to share the ‘significant difference’ people made in my life (who I am today because of them). These are people that helped me (when I needed it most) overcome substantial personal challenges, clarify my values and validate uncertain career choices. I wanted each individual to hear my words directly from me and in person.
  After nearly 50 years, was it realistic to assume that we could re-connect and still have a meaningful relationship? The answer is a resounding YES. Our time together was incredibly meaningful and memorable.

• Be open – While not always easy for me to do, I have (more often than not) benefitted from opening my mind and my heart to new ideas, perspectives and learning.  When I begin to ‘lock down’ on a rigid path, I remind myself to breathe, get centered and become curious again.
• Create value – Growing up in a home where a strong work ethic was always front and center, I learned how to set stretch goals and achieve them (on time and in budget!) I also learned about going the extra mile to give more than what was expected. Over the years, my world view expanded to embrace the power of abundance vs. scarcity. Surprising people with just a little something extra, feeds my soul.
• Build Community – I learned long ago that Crescendo Inc.’s success was never just about me. Success has been about the people with whom I have surrounded myself. Extraordinary clients and colleagues have come to me with high expectations, great challenges and endless support. Building community (internally and externally) has been pivotal for our success.
• Be myself – Throughout my life I have been blessed with exceptional mentors who provide inspiration, encouragement and nourishment. On those occasions when I started to second guess something, anything or everything, one (or more) of my mentors held up a metaphorical mirror to remind me of who I am and what I offer and, most importantly – to be myself!

Taking time to reflect on these lessons was well spent. I will always remember these many years with pride, fulfillment and gratitude.

Regardless of where you are or what you are doing in your life’s work, I encourage you to take pause to reflect on the lessons you have learned. It is a powerful reminder that we all make a difference in some way to someone somewhere somehow. What are your lessons learned?