A Year of Challenge, Growth, and Gratitude

This weekend we celebrated my son's first birthday! It made me reflect on this year. This year has been an incredible journey, bringing the highest highs and some testing lows.

​So far, it was a year of profound change, marked by personal, family, and career challenges. The biggest hurdle and surprise was losing my job, (subsequently, meaning removal of the Board that I loved serving on). The ensuing almost three months of unemployment were a period of uncertainty and stress, especially as a parent of two young children.

I put in immense effort without slowing down. I offered free support to others on LinkedIn, obtained my HR consulting certification, and started my own HR consulting business (more on that later). I read extensively, landed a spot on the HR Spotlight committee, and applied for numerous jobs. I went on countless work coffee dates and networked extensively. It was a lot of work. Amid all this, I also spent quality time with my children and my wife, who was on paternity leave. We created priceless memories together.

​However, this difficult period taught me so much. It recalibrated my perspective and showed me the strength of my support system. I am immensely grateful for my colleagues who became lifelines, offering encouragement and help when I needed it most. Their support was a powerful reminder of the good in people.

​Through it all, I wouldn't change a thing. The challenges have made the moments of joy with my son, daughter, and wife even sweeter. I feel incredibly blessed for my family and the community around us. With a full heart, I’m excited to see what the rest of 2025 has in store!!