Upon Reflection, Thanks

We all love a delicious meal, especially when it’s shared with cherished family and friends. I just celebrated my second Thanksgiving as a United States citizen. This special holiday brings an entire continent together, laying down tools, hopefully putting differences aside and sharing life’s simple, necessary pleasure of breaking bread.

Young, old and everyone in between sharing family-favorite recipes, creating memories that we hope will linger beyond this 2020 year that has challenged our entire planet. 

Even now, it’s hard to fathom that a virus has fundamentally changed how we conduct life, now ~258 days in. Getting through it has been a roller-coaster as we mask-up, social distance and hope to stay CoVID-free, protecting all those around. If we listen to the experts and scientists, we must adapt and get used to the realization that life will never be like it was before March 2020. 

Besides this pandemic, there’s no shortage of things to moan about. From the incompetent administration we’ve suffered for four long years to the disturbing murder of George Floyd that affected so many, so deeply and who justifiably refused to turn another blind eye. That moment gave black lives matter ammunition, demanding justice for all who have perished for too long. Thanks to our dearly departed John Lewis, making good trouble was what the nation needed, grabbing the attention of every US citizen. Sadly our states, less united and more divided, turned peaceful protests ugly. Fires, floods and devastation now remind us that climate change will be part of our future, unless we take serious steps, before it’s too late.

The loss of Ruth Bader Ginsberg left us with heavy hearts and sharing in adoration for the impact she left, creating a more equal, just society. November 3rd took a long time coming but slowly the tides are turning with the feeling of lighter days ahead. 2020 will go on record as a year that changed the shape of our human race. Before we say bye bye, I reflect and give thanks to:

Those on the front-lines:

There is no question, you have the hardest of jobs. Anyone working in a hospital, nursing home or medical facility that has faced months of trauma, witnessed terrible suffering and death is an angel from another world. My dear mother suffered from CoVID in April and survived, in large part thanks to the amazing treatment she received from her care-givers. The unimaginable physical, mental and spiritual toll that all front-line workers continue to endure brings sadness yet so much gratitude.

Teachers, firefighters, social workers, nursing home carers, cops and anyone who leaves home and family each day, keeping a roof on, paying bills and performing a craft with unwavering commitment, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Those in tech innovation:

For the technology industry which I’ve been a part of for two decades. For digital advances that have truly alleviated the pain of getting anything done, especially during a pandemic. For the biomedical industry that has worked so hard over the past 8 months to deliver a reliable vaccine in unbelievable record time, so that we can put an end to this devastation. 

For Zoom! It works better than any other, consistently and reliably. For all software apps that just make everything easy and efficient. For the data at our fingertips that helps us make decisions and removes subjectivity. For the ability to access mobile apps and intuitively get something done in seconds. For the welcome WhatsApp weekly calls with Dad that run smoothly as he whiles away the days reflecting on our changing world. For Calm that gives us a restful night's sleep. For Peloton that helps us ride across the Swiss alps while never leaving the basement. For FIFA 2020 soccer marathons that give my teenage son countless hours each Saturday scoring goals, competing and enjoying every minute.

Before the pandemic, we stressed about too much precious time spent on screens. In CoVID, we embrace time with the screen as it teaches, informs, entertains, inspires, calms and bonds us all in one single day.

Those fighting for equality:

My final thanks in this 2020 year is for all communities across this nation who continue to persist and resist in the fight for equality. At schools, in politics and in our daily workplaces, we still have a long way to go but for the first time in a long time, I see steps towards good change. Employee handbooks are coming under review and being rewritten to follow equitable, fair processes. Diversity and inclusion have for too long been mere checklist items, without any policy change taking place. 

When change comes from the top and embraces diversity and inclusion in all aspects of a business, statistically it outperforms peers. Equal opportunity means regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, race and belief system. Work for change inside organizations -- public or private -- prioritizes by putting new practices in place that may take years, but will pay dividends for future generations. I welcome a world of possibilities when my son graduates from high school in ‘23 and hopefully college in ‘27.

With fair treatment and equal access, all have the opportunity to succeed and reap fulfilling rewards. An equal, respectful society cuts down divisiveness, fear and hatred. Win or lose, you pick up, learn and strive to do better next time.

I’m looking forward to January 20, 2021 when Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be sworn in and who have pledged to unify, not divide at the acceptance speech on Nov 7, 2020. Vice president elect, Kamala Harris will take on a very big job as the first woman and first black person in that position, she starts to reflect the nation's people. I believe they, with the new administration will fight for our democracy, helping make all our voices heard. As the world watches, we now have the power to build a better, more equitable future. For that I am thankful.