THE 2024 BENCH year-end message

So, under no surprises, as we end 2024 and gear up for the opportunities, challenges, wins and fails in 2025, I will take a week of family quiet time so no "new year" post but back again on 1.8.2025.

As the BENCH has supported me since 1978! This is a moment to say, it is those that you surround yourself with that truly define who you are and you must always pay attention to who you build as a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with you.

In each leadership world,, there will be levels and layers that define who and what you are, I have used the message that in life you are like a tree, there are those who like the seasonal leaves, come and go passing touches but when the season changes they fall off and disappear until spring, they will never be there when you truly need them.

Then there are the branches, the people that seem to be right there with you, dinners, fun nights out, but suddenly when you truly need that hand to pull you off the ground when you fall or fail, gone they break like a weak branch in the wind gone after making you feel secure. These are the ones to really watch out for they use you they use your connections and your talents but not there for you.

Last, the most important and often least seen, are the people who are YOUR ROOTS. They supply you with nutrients and water, they feed you so you grow, they hold you tightly in the worst storms so you do not break, and they ANCHOR you to the ground in the best and worst of times. They are often hidden and many do not even know who they are there are far fewer ROOTS than leaves, but they run DEEP, thick, and powerful in your life.

So as we close 2024, REFLECT who your ROOTS ARE! These are those that you will rely on, live for, trust in and build on. So always know that handful, of ROOTS and just as important, WHO are you the ROOT FOR? You do not need 1,000 of friends but you get the most out of who you are the ROOT for. Thank you for being part of my journey and thank you for supporting my messages each week.