Daring To Dream
On December 1st, we went big (and then went home, but much later than everyone :)).
After the last few years we’ve had, our 20th anniversary feels like more than a milestone birthday. It feels like squarely landing on our two feet, planted firmly in the ground. We know now that though we may bend, we’re not going to break. And even as we head into yet another unpredictable year, we continue to dream big and so to celebrate that (and the last 20 years!), we gave ourselves permission to explore what that could feel like on our home turf, then invited 200+ of our best friends, clients and colleagues to experience it with us. It was quite a party, and everyone left happy and hopefully inspired.
Because it was a such a big year for us, we are closing out December only with a few programs, a team dinner out to toast our efforts, and a restful break, before kicking off 2023 with our Annual All Hands in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Do we know what 2023 will bring for us? Nope. No more than we have the last few years.
But we DO know that key hires made in 2022 will set us up for growth and expansion, that new key clients will be dreaming big with us not just in Austin, but all over the country. As we scale back up to pre-COVID times, we are optimistic and daring to imagine once again what the future of this industry and what it COULD be, not just deliver on what it’s been in the past. We intend to chart new territories and step into our declared mission - to make the impossible possible. This drives us every day, with everything we do.
If we had to sum up the three lessons learned from 2022 and consider how they’ll shape how we set out in 2023, these are what they’d be:
Heads down, chin up. There are no guarantees in this life or in business. We all (are guilty of) scanning the headlines every day in search of insights and/or silver bullet answers about what’s coming around the corner. Or so that we know when to brace ourselves. This is a habit we likely developed in 2020 and it’s a tough one to break. But we know deep down it’s not the headlines that will dictate our fates. Attitude is everything. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep plugging away.
Take care of your own. There’s just nothing more important than our team. Hire the right people, train them, listen to them, take care of them. This is THE virtuous cycle that is a win/win for all. If everyone contributes, we all benefit as individuals.
Celebrate the wins. There’s so much negativity in this world. We need no more of it, nor do we need to contribute to the deluge. Because we are achievers, we will always focus on what we can do better next time, BUT we will be well-served to continue framing it as such: “betterment”. All boats rise with the tide.
We hope everyone in our circle and beyond is able to reflect, rest and recharge over this holiday season. And look forward to seeing everyone back and ready for action in 2023. Come dream with us!
Need some strategic insight for your next brand activation? We’d love to hear from you.
