Debts & Lessons

“Associate with people who are likely to improve you.” ― Seneca

In the opening passages of Mediations, Marcus Aurelius lists receipts – not of people who’ve wronged him but of people who helped make him the man he ultimately became. It’s an awesome exercise: List the people who have helped shape you, guide you, teach you, believe in you. The most powerful man in the ancient Roman world took time to remember all the people who helped make him a better person.

The old saying “if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together” could not be more applicable to my journey. The older I get the more I realize this. Arnold Schwarzenegger is right when he said “no one is a self-made man.” No one can make it anywhere without the help of so many others.

In Buddhism, there is the idea of the Sangha, or the community from which we draw love, inspiration, connection. In Stoicism, there is the idea of Sympatheia, “all things are mutually woven together and therefore have an affinity for each other,” is a beautiful reminder. Like the inner workings of a wonderful machine, all life is connected and relies on one another to move forward.

A few weeks ago was one of the most amazing events of my career (to date, I hope). At the National Community Action Partnership Annual Convention in Atlanta, I earned my Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) designation and presented twice on leadership, HR, and The Predictive Index.

I am huge on community. I always want to recognize those who helped me on my journey, and as this article has made clear, I hope, there’s zero chance I made it this far without the help of so many. I wanted to take a moment and recognize my people. I want to give a huge shoutout to many of the folks who’ve helped me across my career journey. I wouldn’t be here without you!

Please Note: There’s no way I could name everyone who’s supported me along the way. I am blessed to have had many people support, encourage, and lift me up during my path. So a sincere apology up front if I didn’t mention you here. You know if you’ve been with me, and you know you’re important to me.

Thank you to my Sangha, my Sympatheia, my community:

✅ Harold Rice, Jr. – Thank you for taking a chance on brining a small time HR pro to the big time at CEDA. Your wisdom and guidance have allowed me to blossom in ways I’d have never imagined.

✅ Donna Moulton – Thank you for mentoring me and encouraging me to apply to CEDA and enter the wonderful world of Community Action.

✅ Brian Dickson – Thank you for being an amazing boss during my formative years during grad school and my internship.

✅ Alicia M. Schatteman – Thank you for being an amazing mentor and encouraging me on this #nonproft journey. I may get that PhD one day!

✅ Charles McCann – You’re a true gentleman. You’ve embodied the spirit of Community Action for 40+ years, and you’ve passed that spirit on to hundreds of professionals, including this one.

✅ Glen Ofenloch – Thank you for allowing me space to own my role. Your faith and trust mean so much. True leaders allow their staff to become who they are. I’m getting there!

✅ Kurt Thurmaier – The Northern Illinois University MPA program was invaluable to my growth. Thank you for keeping me involved and in a position to give back!

✅ Erich Kurschat – Thank you for teaching me how to network and shift my mindset. Our friendship is something that keeps me centered!

✅ Jennifer McClure – The first time I heard DisruptHR LLC changed my entire perspective and continues to do so today. My mission is to disrupt all the things! As much as I can…

✅ Laurie Ruettimann – Thank you for challenging me with every word you write and speak. Without your punk attitude, I’m not so sure I’d have accepted my Heavy Metal attitude as a professional! Also, thank you for treating me like I belong (and for signing my book).

✅ Latoya Butler – You’re my work BFF. Thank you for making me better. You inspire me in many different ways.

✅ Jon Thurmond & Wendy Dailey – Both of you are amazing human beings, and I’m infinitely thankful for giving me a platform to share who I am. I value you both very much.

✅ Kyra Matkovich – You’re always there when I need a call or a kick in the pants. Thank you for always being there!

✅ Kimberly Bozeman – My friend, you’ve always cheered me on without hesitation or condition. I hope I’ve done the same for you. Thank you for being unapologetically you.

✅ Mary Williams – My sister from a different mister. You’re always there! Chicago, Wisconsin, Las Vegas, St. Louis, Michigan! We’ve traveled near and far, and you’ve always been there!

✅ Claire Stroh – A chance Tweet helped us connect. Your beautiful spirit helped make us friends. You’ve provided me opportunities ever since!

✅ Aly McKinster – We haven’t been connected long, but I feel as if we’ve been partners for decades! I continue to be inspired by your passion and intelligence.

✅ Jeff Palkowski – Thank you for being an ambassador for HR! You continue to connect with me on a deeper level, my friend and brother! Keep moving forward as you do!

✅ John Pady – We are polar opposites in many ways, which fuels our ability to work so well together, except in our passion for being better, doing better, and helping others.

✅ Diannaha Thompson – You were the first person I ever hired, and you made me look way better than I was when I had no business looking good!

✅ Jeff Wilkins – Thank you for being there to support this young college grad with the crazy ideas he had to bring transit to rural Kendall. Without your support, so many seniors and disabled wouldn’t have had the freedom others take for granted!

✅ Steve Browne – Thank you for being you, Steve. You treat me like a friend who mattered right out of the gate! Your enthusiasm for HR keeps me moving ahead when I otherwise want to stop, or leave HR.

✅ Tina Marie Wohlfield – You continue to reach out to me and involve me in projects I otherwise wouldn’t be a part of – all of them amazing. Also, thank you for your positive encouragement.

✅ Tiffany Toussaint – Thank you for the bond we have through our profession, our love of music, and just being weird. Allowing me to embrace that has been almost as superb as crying with doves.

✅ Brian Delaney – Words can’t do justice your positivity on my life. Thank you for always being there.

Again, I have undoubtedly left off names of people who’ve built bridges for me to cross. Ultimately, I have so many others to thank – including my beautiful family – but this is such a good problem to have. Without these folks, I am not where I am today. If there’s anyone YOU want to thank, I encourage you to do it. Remember that no one gets where they are without the help, love, kindness, and grace of others.

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