ALOFT AeroArchitects’ Post

2023 comes to a close, I reflect on the moments that have defined this year. Mrs. Smith and I traveled, played lots of golf, and celebrated the college graduation of both our daughters. I spent most of the year working on generative AI software development and struck a strategic media agreement to enhance our brand's visibility. These pursuits, poised at the crossroads of innovation and strategy, stood steady amid the shifting tides of societal change. However, the year was not without its trials. I struggle with the emphasis on changing societal norms as these often seem to clash with or impede progress towards business outcomes. The military veteran in me is focused on the objective, the civilian in me needs to better adapt to the changing backdrop.  The global landscape, marred by war, crime, and violence, brought about a loss of life that has weighed heavily on my conscience. Despite the challenges, I look back on 2023 with a sense of accomplishment and optimism for the year ahead. As I crossed the milestone of my 50th birthday in early 2023, I was reminded that while much of my journey lies behind me, my aspirations do not fade. My peers might be tempted to coast into retirement, but it's not in my nature to settle for a passive existence. My resolve is unshaken—I aspire to lead, innovate, and devise impactful data and analytical solutions that promise enhanced quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The single digit golf handicap can wait for now, as the golden years of retirement will provide ample opportunity for achieving that objective. Stepping into 2024, I am lifted by an enduring enthusiasm and a wealth of expertise. My journey thus far has laid a solid foundation, yet it's just the beginning. Guided by my core values of health, happiness, family, honesty, and integrity, I stand ready to chart a course for a successful and significant year ahead. Wishing everyone the very best in 2024!

Happy new year! 2023 is now behind us, and off we go into 2024. I’m always amazed each year how fast the Christmas / New Year break flies past. And even more so when the work week starts on Tuesday 2nd January and there’s no breathing space after the new year itself. So… what are you going to do differently this year? Let me know in the comments below. Are you going to settle for the same old work-life imbalance? This time next year you’ll be another year closer to retirement / pulling the pin / exiting / whatever your plan is. But how will that work in reality? Because as the old saying goes… if you don’t change, then nothing will change. I’ve a couple of spaces left in the January cohort of my Hands-Off Mastery programme, so that you can start 2024 with true intention and a proper practical plan to make it “the year”. Drop me a DM if you’re interested and although I’m taking some quality time for a few days we can arrange a quick chat this week before the new year really gets going in earnest. #SmallBusiness #HandsOffMastery #MakeAPlan

📢 Notification: Retirement of Certain Accredited Professional Certifications We've received notification of the retirement of 6 Accredited Professional certifications, which are certifications for Salesforce partners. 🔔 ========================== 📅 The following certifications will be retired: Retirement Date: March 29, 2024 - Sales Business Excellence - Service Business Excellence Retirement Date: April 26, 2024 - Marketing Cloud Account Engagement: Reporting and Analytics - Marketing Cloud Account Engagement: Business Units Retirement Date: May 30, 2024 - Salesforce Mobile Retirement Date: June 28, 2024 - Salesforce CMS ========================== While there have been retirements of Accredited Professional certifications in the past, this time the number of certifications being retired is significant. It's unfortunate to see them being phased out rapidly. Accredited Professional certifications have always been quite niche, and since they are limited to Salesforce partners, the number of candidates taking these exams is overwhelmingly low. It seems that the cost of updating and maintaining these certifications doesn't justify the effort for Salesforce. It's understandable why they would choose to retire them. However, with this trend, it's likely that the number of people taking exams in the future will decrease even further. It's disheartening to see individuals putting in the effort to obtain certifications only for them to be retired shortly after. As someone who has recommended taking Accredited Professional exams to others, I find myself at a loss. Salesforce should not view this merely as discontinuation, but rather, it's essential for them to reiterate to everyone the future direction and significance of Accredited Professional certifications. They need to redefine their purpose and value, engaging partners in the process. #Salesforce #AlwaysBeLearning #AccreditedProfessional #SalesforceCertifications

October is here, and we’ve got just 3 months left in 2024. 🎯 It's easy to feel like time has flown by, and maybe you didn’t hit all your goals yet. But guess what? There’s still plenty of time to make a real impact! 🙌 Think of it like this: the next 90 days can be a game-changer if we stay focused and push ourselves just a little harder. Whether it’s studying, learning new skills, or working on that one project you’ve been putting off, now’s the perfect time to dive in. 💻📚 I’ve been there—feeling like I should have done more. But instead of letting that feeling hold me back, I used the last few months of the year to go all-in. The small, consistent efforts really paid off! So, here’s the challenge: Let’s make these next 3 months count. Imagine ending 2024 feeling proud of what you accomplished! Let’s give it our all and finish the year strong. 💪🔥 Who's ready to join me? 👊 #KeepPushing #FinishStrong #Motivation #StudyHard #EndOfYearGoals #OctoberChallenge #90DaysToGo

At the end of 2022, Keylane Life & Pension defined four #cornerstones for our Plexus SaaS platform: Stability, Reliability, Quality, and Productivity. Today, only 1.5 years later, we have #implemented our largest customer, #increased customer satisfaction, #delivered more than #80% of all our commitments on time and within budget, completed our biggest ramp-up, and now have over #300 professionals working on our Plexus platform, developed to #transform the life and pension industry through #technology. Additionally, we have successfully reduced our operations by 20%. As a key player in the Danish and Dutch pension markets, we are pleased to have achieved our #ambitions. While we continue to pursue further #expansion, onboard new customers, and explore opportunities in new markets, we are proud of what we have #accomplished in less than two years. #lifeandpension #technologytransformation #success

It is hard to believe that, a year ago today, I retired from APG after 21 years! The time has been very fruitful and instructive...and fast moving! I welcomed a new granddaughter, had a few medical adventures, slept past 6AM a lot, minimized my Zoom calls, started an affinity group for Grandmothers, engaged in important NFP/volunteer work, saw old friends and made new ones. Here are some of my learnings: It was time. Knowing when to step down is an act of grace. Health is everything. Summers off are the next best everything. Time is a gift, but without the structure of work, can be very "flexible" and sometimes there is too much of it. I can often operate at two speeds: shlepping along and rushing....because I was shlepping along. NFP and volunteer work are gratifying: however, the same dynamics exist in those worlds! Bad meetings, poor focus, too many cooks...you get it! As my friend Lou Schachter said in a recent post, retirement is like being in Witness Protection. I did have a past life.....and now I have a new identity. What do I miss? The friendship and connection with a consistent group of like-minded colleagues like the amazing team at APG. Helping clients shine. What is next? I am taking this Summer off, while I explore ways that I can return to part-time work in our field in the Fall. More to come... and I look forward to staying connected. #witnessprotection #retirementmusings #Ilovedmywork #napsaregreat

 "Transforming Retirement into a Phase of Influence and Iconic Status"** Retired C-Suite executives possess a wealth of wisdom that, if shared, can significantly influence the direction of industries and inspire future leaders. The question isn't whether you should share your knowledge but how you can do so efficiently and effectively. Media emerges as a powerful ally in this quest, offering platforms that can amplify your voice across borders. However, the intricacies of content creation and distribution require a specialized skill set—a media team can handle these tasks with expertise, rendering you free to relish the joys of retirement. By sharing your experiences and insights, you transition from a corporate leader to an industry icon—an individual whose name is revered, whose advice is sought after, and whose legacy is cemented not just in past achievements but in the ongoing contribution to knowledge and industry evolution. Do you envision yourself in this role? Let’s schedule a meeting to discuss how you can leverage media to make a significant impact in your post-C-Suite life. #business #innovation #strategy #creativity #MediaBossPro

When is your 2024 Starting Off?   It is interesting that January 2024 is midway. While many have completed setting their goals and plans (and commenced implementation), some haven’t started and some, rightly so, still struggling to figure out what the plan or vision should include. No matter the category that you find yourself at this point in January, you are okay, no pressures.   In the course of my discussion with mentors, spiritual leaders and senior friends, one key take-away has been that year 2024 is pregnant with opportunities and it will take “eyes that see and ears that can hear” to spot the opportunities and maximize them. The fundamental summary from their perspectives was that while it is VERY important to plan, one should not be psychologically, spiritually and mentally “boxed” into the confines of the “great plan”. You should be OPEN to leverage and maximize opportunities as Heaven presents them (and there’s going to be many of such opportunities). You should be ready to move…before you are ready!!!   Back to the question, when is your year 2024 starting off?   For some, it started on the 1st of January and for some others like me, it started on 15th January!!! Whenever you decide that it is going to start for you, ensure you make each day count.   My new year plans? I am running a 3-years plan (2023-2025). Year 2023 was the foundational year and 2024 is to build on the 2023 plans (new blocks or marble, while reinforcing the positives of 2023). Three key goals for 2024 will also be the foundation for 2025. No pressure!!!   As you progress into 2024, remember that there will be 2025 (if the Lord tarries), and then 2026…., etc.  Avoid unnecessary pressure, drama and negative vibes. It is a year pregnant with great things.   Cheers and happy new year!!!

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be an "owner" at Avion Solutions, Inc. Solutions Inc.? This October, we're diving deep into the world of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and what they mean for you. 🚀 ESOPs are more than just a retirement plan—they're a way for you to have a direct stake in the success of our company. When Avion thrives, so do you. But what exactly is an ESOP, and why should it matter to you? Throughout ESOP Communications Month, we’ll explore how this unique benefit impacts your financial future, your role within the company, and how it aligns with our culture of shared success. Whether you’re new to the workforce or a seasoned professional, ESOPs offer something valuable for everyone. So, here's a riddle for you: What makes you a part-owner without buying a single share? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 💼💡 Interested in seeing some of our openings? See our link below: https://lnkd.in/e6nRPJNb #ESOP #EmployeeOwnership #RetirementPlanning #WorkplaceBenefits #FinancialWellness #SharedSuccess #AvionSolutions

Happy new and exciting year 2024! The beginning of a new year is a great moment to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. Enjoying the fresh air on Ameland (writing this post with wind force 9): beach walks, cycling, and family time filled with laughter, games and meaningful conversations. With 2023, I conclude the year in which I left formal employment and enthusiastically embarked on my first assignments as an independent professional. I've frequently asked myself checkpoint questions: Am I happy with my decision? Can I find my groove as an external just as well? Is it enjoyable to work on multiple things simultaneously? How about the work-life balance? Not everything is running perfectly, of course. There are still things to figure out and improve, such as administration, finances, and dealing with the tax authorities. Certainly not my favorite tasks 😉, but overall, I am extremely pleased with how this year has unfolded, and I wouldn't want to do anything differently. Various clients and types of assignments provide the variety I enjoy and the daily challenges I eagerly seek. I have the flexibility to be there for my family when they need me. I have the opportunity to meet new people and acquire new knowledge. And most importantly, I am content with how and what I do! Certainly, there's an element of excitement remaining: How can I keep you informed about my availability, and more importantly, how do I explain for which assignments you can approache me? Well, I love challenges and complex puzzles. Setting goals together and determining the path to achieve them, getting things moving, and above all, making people happy with improvements! Do you have a challenge for me? Do you also want to engage in process improvement but aren't sure how to start? Would you like to inject new energy into your team to get things moving? Let me know; together, we'll make this year a beautiful and successful 2024!