Inside my head, for a day: Reflections, Confessions & Intentions.

As 2021 comes to a close, here are my reflections on what I’ve learned this year and what I am most excited about for 2022.?

2021 Reflections

[1] Make it happen

Professionally, my big life-changing event was Affectiva’s acquisition by SmartEye. Our partnership means that we can finally bring Human Insight AI to the automotive industry and beyond. Early on, I recognized that Smart Eye could be an amazing fit, but it was not until I initiated partnership conversations with their CEO that those discussions segued into an acquisition.

We tend to hear about exits as success stories told only once all is said and done, but we rarely talk about what it really takes to get there. In hopes that it will help other founders and CEOs, read my Inc Magazine article for top tips on navigating an acquisition.?

[2] Prioritize your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing

As the pandemic dragged on, I signed up for yoga and reformer pilates classes with my kids. It became a special time for the three of us to get grounded, practice gratitude and stay fit. When the weather got warmer, I re-discovered biking, often stopping to do some “Zumba in the wild''.

There is never a right way to do "self-care"; it's about what makes you feel good.

Whichever way you choose, spending time with yourself is key to bringing you peace, energy and joy.?

[3] Make memories. Savor the moments

2021 felt like it flew by. Jana graduated high school and wrapped up freshman fall in college. Adam competed in 8 squash tournaments, which was awesome mother-son bonding time. Mid-pandemic, freshly vaccinated, I hopped on a flight to Sweden to close the deal with Smart Eye, not knowing if I’d be allowed into Europe. It is these bittersweet memories that I am most grateful for, so slow down and savor the moments, as much as you can.?

[4] Lead with Empathy

Today more than ever, it is so important to lead with empathy and with kindness. Remember that people you work or interact with may be going through challenges that may not be apparent to you. Take the time to check in, be real - by being vulnerable and authentic yourself, you invite others to share openly and reciprocate.??

[5] Be Grateful. Pay it forward

It takes a village and I have THE best (global) village of family, friends, mentors, team members, neighbors and more for whom I am truly grateful. Whenever I can, I try to pay it forward. I focused the paperback version of my memoir Girl Decoded on women in STEM and entrepreneurship clubs at universities across the US. This fall, I also started teaching Startup Academy at Harvard Business School, helping advise early stage founders. It feels good to do good.?

2022 Intentions

[1] A calendar that sparks joy!

You know how you can declutter your home, Marie Kondo style? Well, I want to do the same to my calendar! In 2022, I would like to be intentional about how I spend time, making room for activities that spark joy and doing less of the things that deplete my energy.

We should always protect our time to allow for creativity, strategic thinking, learning, and a little bit more serendipity and spontaneity.

[2] Make time and space to connect

We’ve all learnt, the hard way, the power of human connections while physical distancing. This year, let's all work on deepening existing connections and friendships and building new ones.? There is a certain joy that comes from meeting new people, hearing their stories and their whys. Open up to yourself and make space for others to connect.?

[3] Continue to prioritize physical, mental and emotional health

Perhaps 2022 will be the year I give up sugar (dark chocolate being the exception of course!) But resolutions aside, I’d like to be intentional about staying fit, making time to exercise daily and bike. I’ve seen the benefits of sleeping well so getting consistent and enough hours of sleep will be a priority. Affirmations and manifestations practice is a must-do. Send energy in the world that you want back.

[4] Live outside the comfort zone

We are all adventurers and travelers through our emotional world. Inspired by Brene Brown’s Atlas of the Heart, stretching oneself emotionally, embracing feelings of discomfort such as fear, frustration or disappointment, is an invitation into greater connection. I have certainly found that in Girl Decoded, opening up, being vulnerable and true to how I felt built real human connections - connecting with people from all around the world over shared experiences of struggle and pain, not just happiness.

[5] Be present

I recently was discussing with Adam, my 12 year old, how bad my memory has gotten. The reason I have a bad memory, he said, was “Mom! You are never present and in the moment”. Adam has a point! We are so bound by our devices, and the boundaries between home and work are as blurred as ever, that we are often not in the moment. Mindfulness continues to be the trend du jour, but it is through the practice of purposefully being aware of one’s actions that you can physically train your brain to be present.

[6] Stop worrying about what the world thinks

This is a challenge for most people, myself included: we worry too much about what other people think of us.? I’m a driven, goal-oriented over-achiever (if you are familiar with Enneagrams, I’m a 3!). Unfortunately, 3s tend to also obsess about what people think of them, which makes this intention the hardest for me to implement. What matters is how you perceive yourself, never what anyone else does. We're all worth gold (or Bitcoin LOL!)

May your 2022 be filled with happiness, health and new adventures.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Rana