Happy Thanksgiving and My Three Gratitudes

Happy Thanksgiving! I’ve got about 35 relatives coming for dinner tomorrow, with 15 pounds of potatoes to peel and gosh my house is a mess. But I wanted to take a few minutes to say what I’m most thankful for. Faith and family remain my greatest blessings in life. But I also recently got to hear Shawn Achor speak who recommends practicing gratitude on a daily basis. This practice of reflecting on gratefulness can change a person’s disposition and brain pattern. In other words, the act of thinking about what we are thankful for, beyond our routine answer, can make us happier and spreads the optimism to others. He recommends journaling three new things on a daily basis for 21 days. In that spirit ….

1-     I am grateful my work in the industry allows me to hear such uplifting speakers such as Shawn and Mick Ebeling (oh my gosh, watch whatever you can of his talks, read his book, Not Impossible), and chatting with Condolezza Rice in the ladies’ restroom remains a career high. (sometimes, it’s great to be a woman in tech!)

2-     I am grateful for the role models in my life and in my children’s lives. These are teachers and coaches and co-workers, people who sometimes believe in me, more than I often believe in myself.  I think about some of these football and swim coaches who inspire and sacrifice so much time. They give their souls, even when their own jobs seem uncertain. And oh, Mrs. McMillan, where are you now? I never forgot the bag of clothes you gave me back in fifth grade, even though I was also embarrassed.

3-     I am grateful for all the wonderful, smart, dedicated people I have met throughout my 25 years in this space. Some of you have been lifetime customers and I am so thrilled to swim in this wonderful fishbowl with you. Last week, I had the opportunity to talk to CDOs and analytics leaders in four countries. Some challenges are universal – innovation, culture, improving data literacy, privacy. (And where to get the best coffee! ?? ). We care about the world and the lives we touch. Thank you for trusting me with your big dreams, your visions, and letting me be part of that journey.