What Remains

A few things most of you who know me well, already know about me.

1. I don't say much, and I only say something when I truly feel compelled to that it is the absolute right thing to say at that moment.
2. I don't like "noise" and I never want to contribute to noise.
3. I don't want to take away attention from others when they might need it. I spend the majority of my time and career being behind the scenes trying to elevate others.
4. Writing helps me process things.
5. I only write these articles to help people. If I don't feel it is helpful no matter how much time I've put into it, I won't publish (see #2).

With all that being written, I have a lot on my mind and an internal nudge to share what's swirling in my brain just in case it helps someone.

There's a theme in my life if you ask me about the choices I've made. Undergraduate and graduate schools, social clubs and jobs,?my deciding factors for any reason to associate with these organizations is based on alignment with my personal mission and PEOPLE.

I'm still relatively young, but I've had my fair share of exposure to a good number of environments so I feel comfortable in my I gauge about where I spend my time. I've gone for job interviews and asked questions of the janitorial staff because a big indicator of how great a place can be is how you treat everyone. From my long hours working on the Super Bowl, I've developed a bunker test. I think about the people's work styles, integrity and drive that would make them desirable teammates that you hunker down with when you are striving for nothing but a victorious outcome.

Last week, someone asked me why I "showed up for work." My answer was immediate and centered around people. In that context, I was thinking about the direct impact my work has for entrepreneurs, but this week I was reminded that it also extends for the incredibly talented individuals I have the privilege to work with day in and day out. So that's why admittedly this week has been tough. I've been transparent about my decision to leave other companies, which meant that I've dealt with a transition and change in work relationships. I've even gone through a reduction in force before, which is why some of my professional muscles started to flex when I thought about potential outcomes.

But when all was said and done, there was of course, the biggest component: the people.

Which is what brings me here today. A day a coworker aptly described as feeling like "the day after a hurricane." Being from Houston --and only five years removed from Hurricane Harvey -- I knew exactly what she meant when she said it. Because this felt like the day where you began to assess the damage and feel your emotions about what lies before you because the storm had departed your (immediate) vicinity. We lost people and yet our remains are encompassed by people.

I'm fortunate and grateful to be employed. I'm also (along with others) dealing with sadness, anger, grief, guilt, hope, and a resolve to continue on.

As a first-gen worker, I once subscribed to the notion that I needed to outwork others, demonstrate my dedication by making myself overly available, to ultimately prove my worth. Yesterday, I was reminded, by my brilliant sister, about a chain of events that I witnessed less than a decade into my career, that showed me no amount of dedication or expertise to work could prevent me from a separation, if that was meant to take place. In her recounting, she was also wise to remind me how, while at first that situation was extremely deflating and hurtful, eventually it worked out for the best.

We are now witnesses to someone who has a much richer life defined by less stress, more time to spend with family, and time to invest in their dream (which is now a successful business) and it all came by way of a layoff.

We learned first-hand from this individual that our work does not define us - we can use our talents in multiple places and be successful.

I share this (true) story not to negate or gloss over any feelings anyone may have at the moment, but hopefully to encourage whomever reads this that your destiny lies beyond where you are today. You are more than a job title. You are more than the company names on your resume. You are more than the industry you work in. You are more than a salary.

I offer gratitude to the many people who have reached out to me to check on me and my team. I offer gratitude to my colleagues and for everyone who has stepped up in a big way to help my former "mates" with their transitions. If you are hiring and looking for great talent, I know some people whom I'd love to facilitate an introduction. If you're in a transition state and need help, I'm here for you.