I found myself reflecting a lot over this long weekend. Entering Q3, wrapping up Pride Month, celebrating the 4th of July, and approaching another dramatic Presidential Election. It’s a lot to think about. 🇺🇸🌈
Like many of us, my feelings as an American have changed a lot over the years. As a kid, I was sold on the idea that the United States was the best place to live and grow up - my “Blindly Patriotic Era.”
My late teens and early adulthood were characterized by increased scrutiny over American history and institutions, feeling less connected to the idea of “American Greatness” - my “Disillusioned America Era.”
In my 40s now, I’ve found a balance between pride and skepticism - my “Pragmatic Patriotism Era.”
Both my children were born on America-centric days - Nora on Memorial Day weekend, and Eloise on Election Night (just moments after they called it for Obama’s 2012 re-election).
My “Election Night” daughter spent hours baking an American Flag cake for our 4th of July family gathering this year. She researched and practiced icing techniques and from that was able to create something uniquely her own that we all enjoyed. 🎂
My “Memorial Day” child is 14, queer, and a fantastic creator of fantasy stories. Watching both of them, I see the American spirit of innovation and creativity alive and well. ✨
Maybe THAT is the hallmark of being “American” - creating and building. 🛠️
I feel that in recruiting too. It’s about more than just filling positions; for me, it’s about building the accounting teams for the companies who are literally building our future. Every hire is a critical building block. 🧱
To those companies who are building their workforces with thoughtful intention and creating safe spaces for the wide range of identities in our current (and future!) American workforce - all races, gender identities, and sexualities: THANK YOU. Building something inclusive is as important as building something excellent (and arguably a prerequisite). 🌟
So, I ask you:
What era are you in?
What values drive you in your professional journey?
How do you see your role in shaping the future?
#AmericanValues #InclusiveWorkplace #RecruitmentJourney #Innovation
Commercial Disaster Restoration Consultant - Expert Witness, Weapons of Mass Destruction Disaster Site Worker Trainer
2moAvis Charged me $250 for not leaving the Avis Car Rental car in “A tidy and sanitary condition the next customer would accept,” If Avis -Budget was a hotel, they would make you scrub the toilet, make the bed and empty the trash before you checked out. Or pay $250