2020: A dumpster fire year

By Theodora Lau and Bradley Leimer of Unconventional Ventures 

It will be extremely difficult, if not nearly impossible, to find one word or even one phrase to describe 2020. For many, it was a year of broken dreams and hardship. A global pandemic, coupled with a racial reckoning, leaving many of us feeling lost and exhausted. 

But, despite a year of missing — and between the bad and the ugly, there were beautiful moments. The experiences that we share have brought many of us closer together, and made us realize that we share much in common, that there are fights worth fighting for.

Here, the three of us shared what we were grateful for in 2020 — and what we are hopeful for in the new year.

Arun

“I am grateful for the opportunity to write my second book, which gave me the opportunity to talk to over 50 experts in technology innovation and investment. I am also grateful for my new opportunity to join Delphos International as Partner.”

“For 2021, I am hopeful for global recovery, and being able to spend the holiday in my hometown in India. And I look forward to closing venture deals in emerging markets.” 

Bradley

“I am grateful to be able to spend time with my family, and the opportunity to read and write more, including finishing our first book, Beyond Good. The election results in the U.S. provided hope for a better future, and I am encouraged by global forms of empathy and community that formed during Covid-19.”

“For 2021, I am hopeful for a renewed purpose for our community’s work of progressive business models. And I look forward to seeing friends and returning to travel, along with that feeling of taking off and simply reading at 35,000 feet. Let’s forge ahead with a better normal for so many areas of our lives.”

Theo

“I am grateful for good health and family. I am extremely thankful for the teachers, who have done an amazing job cheering the kids despite the unprecedented uncertainty around us. I am also grateful for the opportunity to write our first book, Beyond Good, and the support we have received from our families and friends.”

“For the new year, I hope we can focus on solving economic inequalities in our society, and that we will take the lessons learned from 2020 and bring that forward to create a better future for everyone. We will continue to use our voice and our platform to amplify those who aren’t being heard — and I hope that more people will join us on this journey.”

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thank you for being part of our journey this year. We wish you a safe and wonderful holiday season. 

In this new episode of One Vision, available on Apple Podcast and Spotify, Arun, Bradley, and Theo talked about the year that was 2020, what they are grateful for, and what they look forward to.  If you like our show, please consider subscribing. 

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Unconventional Ventures helps drive innovation to improve systematic financial wellness. We connect founders to funders, provide mentorship to entrepreneurs, strategic advisory services to a broad set of corporates, and broaden opportunities for diversity within the ecosystem. Our belief is that anyone with great ideas should have a chance to succeed and every voice should be heard. Visit unconventionalventures.com to learn how you can partner with us today.