What will I do with this one wild & precious life? Chapter 2, one year later.....

As the Fall winds blow through the Rocky Mountains and the first flakes of snow gently cover the hills, I reflect on the fact that it’s been nearly a year since I wrapped up my 35 years at Verizon.? I will forever be grateful for the many opportunities I had and the amazing people I worked with; partners, customers, and V-teamers.?? From scratchy analog calls to global 5G connectivity, I learned to lead, deliver results, recognize the power of a higher gear and above all else, appreciate the foundational importance of being true to my values, creating a culture of accountability and kindness while recognizing that what I do with my career is up to me.? And so, I’ve been on an amazing and wonderful journey to define Chapter 2 of my career journey.? What an incredible year it has been!

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I’ve treasured time with friends and family; celebrated 40 wonderful years with my husband and soulmate, talked to hundreds of amazing leaders around the globe, settled into a new home, scaled Mt. Sopris, read countless books, listened to podcasts, traveled, and taken time to pause, breathe, reflect, and design.

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We live in an amazing time.? The world has become very small but incredibly complex.? We are experiencing unprecedented natural disasters as Mother Earth rebukes us for our irresponsible care of the planet.? The geopolitical landscape is tumultuous with Russia raging war against Ukraine; China & Taiwan; India; and our own democracy at risk in the United States as the polarization between parties widens.? Economic uncertainty abounds and the separation between the have and have nots grows.? Covid, while a bad memory, rears its ugly head as we head into winter and the flu season, and our overall healthcare system remains battered from the last 3 years of overload.?

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We are seeing technology accelerate and advance every day.? From 5G to satellite connectivity, Big Data, Machine Learning and AI.? Technology has and will change everything about how we each live, work and play.? And yet, as we accelerate the deployment of technology, in parallel, we must demonstrate a commitment to people, process, equality and social responsibility.?

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I am designing Chapter two of my career journey as a leader who is passionate about technology, people, and social accountability and anchored to the core values of integrity, respect, and equality.? I’m honored to be a board member at John Deere (NYSE: DE) and York Space Systems, a member of Aptiv’s (NYSE: APTV) Strategic and Technology Advisory Council, an Operating Partner at Digital Gravity, a Champion of JOURNEY to Lead and a Fellow with Mission Possible Partnership.? Each of these opportunities provide me with the opportunity to contribute and learn while remaining true to who I am as a daughter, spouse, mother, sister, friend, and leader.? And yet, I continue to explore new opportunities and add to my portfolio of businesses, missions, and leaders I believe in.

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I’ve learned that life is full of choices and that living life to its fullest requires trade-offs.?? I wake up daily with the expectation that life is a precious gift, that I must make everyday matter for myself, my family, the world.?? I also recognize that to whom much is given, much is expected.? I must remain fearless in spite of challenges; I must advocate for those who can’t advocate, and I must work tirelessly to make the world a better place.?? Technology, People & Social Accountability define me.? Thanks for the gift of your insight, your partnership, and your ongoing encouragement as I’ve spent the last year answering the question that Mary Oliver so aptly raises in her poem, The Summer Day. ?What will I do with this one wild & precious life?? The journey continues….