Truth be told, I wasn’t going to write a Holiday letter—I wimped out the last two years. However, I am so pleased that I flipped through my photographs to appreciate my accomplishments and to be inspired by my adventures. A picture is worth a thousand words and I realized the abundance of goodness, generosity and serendipity in my life
The good news is that I am following the advice that I share with clients: take time to reflect and celebrate your accomplishments. So, in place of the question and answer format here are a few of highlights from December 2013 to December 2014!
December 3, 2013 – Oh, what a night. Star Jones launched my Boston book tour at Darryl’s! Standing room only. It has been a delight to get royalty checks from Amazon.
January – Rang in 2014 on the beach in Mexico with Landmark Education Wisdom Community. Inspiring conversations, lots of dancing and fun, fun, fun!
March – The book buzz is yielding results: three speaking invitations in March: AICPA, YMCA Black Achievers NYC, Young Professionals of the MA Women’s Political Caucus, all enthusiastic audiences, I loved it!
April – OMG! Thanks to Star Jones, I shared the stage with Robin Roberts and Barbara Corcoran (Shark Tank) as member of a panel discussion for the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) Annual Gathering. The venue: the exquisite Marriot Marquis Hotel Ballroom overlooking Time Square. Delighted that Carolyn traveled from Florida to cheer me on.
May– 7-day trip to Berlin with International Women’s Forum with a side trip to Prague. 700 women attended the conference and I facilitated a break out panel discussion on Innovation and Energy.
June – “Always on my mind” I attended my sixth Willie Nelson concert and delighted in Neil Patrick Harris’s hosting of the Tony Awards. I LOVE the theater especially Broadway musicals.
July – My friend Ralph Gants is sworn in as MA Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Honored guest include our former boss Judge William Webster past Director of the FBI.
September – Keynote presentation and book signing: 250 members of the Massachusetts Hospital Association. I joined the members of my 1981-82 White House Fellows Class wearing my cowboy boots, hat and fringed pants for a western reunion in Colorado. As you know, what happens at the reunion stays at the reunion.
October: Approximately one hundred women attended the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) sponsored event held at Simmons College. My topic: “Expand Your Emotional Intelligence”. The Q&A session was inspiring and very energetic.
November: I began the month by presenting “Bloom Where You are Planted” to the Professional Studies VantagePoint Group at Northeastern University. A member of my White House Fellows Class, JCPenney CEO and Mercy Ships Chair of Board Mike Ullman received the John Gardner Legacy of Leadership Award at our Annual Alumni meeting. I had the honor of making introductory remarks. Colin Powel—also a WHF alumni was in the audience.
December: Being promoted to Managing Director in the financial service industry is a big deal. Nine (count ‘em—9!) of my “coachee’s” were promoted to Managing Director in December.
I hope that you have enjoyed the 51 blogs that I wrote this year. And, if you are wondering what gift to give me, please encourage your friends to sign up for my blog so that I have more followers
Now, follow my example: reflect and celebrate your accomplishments. You will be as surprised and inspired as I am.
Peace be with you.
Merry Christmas!
Happy Chanukah
Joyeux Noel!