Been a wonderful, wild ride.
Jim Davison
Virtual Co-facilitator of English Communication Skills for Dilla and Bonga University Instructors in Ethiopia
Like many others recently, I hadn't planned on ending my tenure at Red Hat and had actually hoped to finish my career here. Ah well, plans and circumstances change and now it's time to reflect back on this my last day on what a wonderful, wild 3.5+ year ride it's been.
Who could guess that after getting downsized elsewhere in 2018 I would be interviewing for a different position in another company with a former Red Hatter, Sabina Volf , when she asked me what my ideal role would be? Having done my research and having also applied for the Red Hat role, I openly responded I'd seen she'd worked there and that job description fit me like a glove. Little did I know until she started laughing that it was backfill for her old position. My immediate response was Why hasn't anyone contacted me and she said Let me change that. One call to Florina Gourmel got the ball rolling and the rest as they say is history.
Looking back there are so many people to thank for giving me the chance and opportunity that it's hard to know where to begin. Milko George , thanks for taking the chance on me even if we have never met in person and this was well before Covid hit the planet. I still remember the biggest interview question being Are you up to possibly traveling 75% in this role? My how things changed. Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't thank Orieji Iroha-Agwu for leading and enjoying the panel interview when I challenged you all with Daniel Coyle 's Culture Code quiz. Let's hope Red Hat's Culture continues to be as strong as it was when you took that quiz. Others like Tomislav Vujec provided the EMEA/US perspective on Red Hat's evolution and here's hoping it can continue to evolve in the open, transparent, accountable values we've grown to love. Time will tell.
Thanks also to the crazy, challenging, never dull team of EMEA Facilitators. Rick Webster , how you successfully managed and herded people like Paul Woods , Anna Llewellyn , Joseph D. Llewelyn , Jiri Tesar, Kate?ina ?edová and me I will never understand although it may have something to do with giving us the wonderful structure that we needed. I can't thank you all enough for that and see you at the Friday Virtual Happy Hour and hope to someday celebrate one in person.
Then there's also the wider group of Red Hat Sales, Technical and L & D Facilitators worldwide that I need to recognize and thank for so many things. Those of you who supported me when we started the Book Club (you know who you are and I can't tag you all), and more importantly those going through these same downsizing changes. Cherisa Z. , Jayati Roy , Jennifer Green and Sophia Tan it's been a blast working with you and I'm sure our paths will somehow cross again. You all have influenced, delivered and changed so many lives with your trainings, I can only tip my red chapeau to you and say, Rock On, people!
领英推荐
And, of course, there are some others I somehow coerced and referred into the Red Hat Cult(ure). :-) Alicia-Anne K. , Egemen Toprak and once again, Kate?ina ?edová , thanks for making me better dressed with Red Hat Ambassador swag and thanks for enriching my life and my bank account. My last Reward Points are coming your way although it is a shame I'll miss out on not being able to get the Red Hat Super Hero Cape. Ah well, at least I have the stickers in the brim of my cap!
Lastly, and this is the one that will always stay with me, I cannot thank enough the thousands of Red Hatters I've had the privilege of working with over these last 3+ years. Whether we met in person at the beginning of my adventure or whether we only met virtually during the Covid years, you've touched me deeply with your sincerity, openness and abilities. I've said multiple times that there's more experience in front of me than inside me and that I've learned more from all of you than you probably have from me and that still rings true. Please keep that open, growth mindset and please keep growing personally and professionally no matter what the future holds.
And speaking of the future, what does happen for me going forwards? Honestly, I'm open to suggestions although realistically I'm nearing the end of my career arc. That being said, I'll never retire and never stop learning and now I'm leaning towards giving back and transferring skills. Considering I started my European journey over 30 years ago as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer training others, I'm happy to continue volunteering or helping organizations that are looking to transfer skills and knowledge or develop business opportunities. ( Abhishek Humbad and Goodera I'm looking at you! ;-) ) Others can feel free to reach out and if I'm not out walking my daughter's dog when she's working her 12 hour hospital nursing shifts, I'll be more than happy to connect and discuss things.
Take care all and if you're ever in Prague.....
Project/Program-Manager | Community Builder | Communicator with a passion for people
1 年I only found this now. I had the pleasure to be in several training sessions you ran and I always hoped it would be you facilitating. You are great at what you do. All the best to you
Learning Consultant & Facilitator | Leaders, Teams, Innovation, Communication
2 年Well blow me down. I didn't see that coming Jim Davison. Although we didn't get to meet anywhere near as often as I would like, I will miss your wise and fun approach. The absolute best to you in whatever you choose next. Cheers!
Results-Driven Leader | Strategic Talent Manager | Relationship Builder | Change Enabler | High Impact Learning & Development Leader | Employee Engagement | Exponential Growth
2 年Such a thoughtful message, Jim! It brings to light so many of the qualities that I admire about you. You have such a positive, upbeat, energetic nature. I think this is what feeds your incredible resilience. Your smile, your humor, and your engaging curiosity has the effect of making others feel so comfortable in your presence. And because of this, you were always able to create a relaxed and fun atmosphere for other to learn, share and grow. But most of all what stands out to me is your sense of appreciation. You see the value in experiences and things big or small, and you appreciate others – who they are, what they have experienced, and what they have to offer. You’re a wonderful guy, Jim, and we are all the better for having had the opportunity to work with you. For this I am grateful. Stay well and keep in touch!
People (and security) over profits
2 年Jim Davison Red Hat is lucky to have had you and so many of us are better off for the training and guidance you've provided. Please reach out if I can ever be of assistance and I'll let you know when I'm back in Prague and looking for a good meatloaf sandwich.
Principal Talent Acquisition Partner EMEA at Red Hat
2 年Jim Davison I still remember upon your start with Red Hat - Flo asked me if I knew you because apparently you had been asking about me (you hear my name from someone). We got to recollect a an evening many years ago when we had such a good discussion! The world is small!!!! I look forward to seeing you around Prague. And good luck with your endeavours!