Reflections from the Past Year

You have probably heard me say that learning is everything. Of course it is. But am I walking the talk? What is my scorecard in learning as I turned 51 yesterday! Am I living by the quote I often post online? Let us take a look!

1) First, I am proud to say that I passed my blue belt in Krav Maga. Talk about learning. I have had to learn boxing, jiu jitsu, and a bit of kicking along the way. I am also learning that doing this at 50 is hard. Ageing pains are for real. I am now starting to take brown belt classes and it is another level of learning that is required. Ouch!

2) I was privilege to be able to become a certified instructor in Shipley Pricing-to-win methodology. I am now able to grasp some of the complexities of B2G pricing as it relates to complex defense projects. I look forward to passing this knowledge on to the Thales teams.

3) I have been embedded in the Thales Digital Transformation and I have learned a ton from my Thales colleagues as we define our digital future together. I can say, after this past year, that digital is all about learning with a good dose of mindset change. Digital is all about upskilling and reskilling multi-functional teams. Every project I work on is different and I am learning as much as I am teaching.

4) In general though, I have given dozens of workshops in pricing and value management in Thales. When I get to meet the participants and I am actively engaging them, it is a real learning experience. We have brilliant people in our group. I often say that there are no experts in pricing and value. There are only students. That is because every project I work on or coach is different. In essence, when you have a growth mindset, you embrace every workshop, every project, and every interaction as a learning experience. You look for opportunities to listen actively for new things and store that in your knowledge bank. Priceless!

5) I have learned that life is precious. I often think of the Air France 66 from Paris to LA last September. One of our four engines exploded during the flight (see picture below) and it was a real ordeal. That was a learning experience for me as I cherish life every day. I feel for the Southwest passengers who had a similar experience. I send warm hugs to the family of the lady who lost her life. Life is precious indeed.

I turned 51 yesterday. I feel that I am less stupid today that I was a year ago. I look forward to the year ahead and to the opportunities ahead of me (without the flight problems!). I am reminded every day that I am blessed and that I should continue teaching. Teaching is learning. Thanks to all for being in my network and for allowing me to learn from you.