Celebrating 20 Years with Sutherland: A Tapestry of Life, Learning, and Transformation

Prologue: Where It All Began

The year was 2004. Facebook was in its infancy, smartphones were a novelty, and the world of work looked dramatically different from today. I was a young professional, brimming with enthusiasm and armed with little more than curiosity and determination, stepping into my first role with Sutherland as an outbound B2B sales agent.

Little did I know that this moment would be the first thread in a complex tapestry of professional and personal growth that would span two decades.

The Early Years: Foundations and Foundations

Professional Beginnings

My initial years were a crash course in adaptability. As a consultant under Dave Holdridge, I learned the fundamental art of communication, problem-solving, and navigating complex organizational landscapes. What I was selling wasn't just a tool—it was my first glimpse into how technology could bridge human connections. Keep in mind that high tech at that time was a flip phone and a Hoovers database.

Personal Parallels

Simultaneously, my personal life was taking shape. These were the years of meeting my future self, of late-night conversations about dreams and aspirations, of understanding that professional success is intrinsically linked to personal fulfillment.

The Technological Revolution: Riding the Wave of Innovation

From Manual to Digital: A Transformation

2010 marked a significant shift. I had the opportunity to step into HR, not directly but indirectly. I was on the cusp of bringing big data to transform HR from an administrative function to a strategic powerhouse. I found myself at the intersection of human potential and technological innovation.

Key technological milestones included:

• Advanced data analytics platforms
• Cloud-based collaboration tools
• AI-driven HR solutions
• Predictive workforce management systems

Personal Adaptation

This wasn't just a professional journey. Each technological shift required personal growth. Learning new tools, embracing change, and maintaining human connection became my mantra.

Life's Inevitable Chapters: Joy, Loss, and Resilience

Being a Parent

Parenthood is like some beautiful, chaotic storm. Balancing a demanding career with the profound responsibility of raising 7 kids taught me more about leadership and empathy than any professional training ever could.

Lessons from Parenthood:

• Patience is not just a virtue; it's a strategic skill
• Vulnerability is strength
• Every challenge is an opportunity for growth
• The only constant is change
• Realistically, you’ll never get it all right

Navigating Loss

Not all chapters are filled with joy. I've said goodbye to my daughter, cherished family members, respected colleagues, and dear friends. Each loss was a profound reminder of life's fragility and the importance of cherishing connections.

Reflections on Loss:

• Grief is not a linear process
• Memories are a form of eternal love
• Resilience is built in the most unexpected moments

Professional Milestones: Beyond Titles and Achievements

Career Trajectory

From a front line consultant to service delivery to operations management to working on global HR transformation, my journey has been anything but linear.

Impactful Initiatives

Some projects stand out not for their complexity, but for their human impact:

• Automated Global HR dashboards enhancing organizational transparency
• Employee engagement tools that truly listened to create change
• Retention strategies that saw beyond numbers to individual stories

The Intersection of Technology and Humanity

A Philosophical Perspective

Technology has been my companion, not my replacement. AI, machine learning, and data analytics are powerful—but they are most potent when guided by human empathy, creativity, and intuition.

Key Insights:

• Technology amplifies human potential
• Data tells stories; humans interpret them
• Innovation is about solving human problems, not just creating solutions

Overall, If I were asked to sum it all up:

Adaptability is Your Superpower - Change is not something that happens to you—it's something you navigate, shape, and if you’re lucky enough even create.

Relationships Trump Achievements - Your network, your connections, your ability to empathize and collaborate—these are your true professional assets.

Continuous Learning is Non-Negotiable - The moment you believe you know everything is the moment you become obsolete.

Vulnerability is Strength - Showing your human side, admitting uncertainties, and being open to growth are leadership qualities, not weaknesses.

The Road Ahead: Excitement and Anticipation

As I stand at this 20-year milestone, I'm not just reflecting—I'm preparing. The next decade promises even more technological disruption, more complex human challenges, and incredible opportunities for those willing to learn, adapt, and grow.

A Personal Invitation

This journey has been rich, complex, and profoundly personal. I invite you to join me in exploring the nuanced world of work, technology, and human potential. Here's to the next chapter—undefined, unwritten, and full of potential.

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