PRESIDENT'S PLATFORM | December 2021
Posted on Dec. 22, 2021 / President's Platform / Subscribe 0
Featured Author: Brian C. Ferry, Business Generation and Marketing Lead, East, Turner & Townsend
Before addressing the topic I’ve chosen for my December President’s Platform, I want to ask that our members, volunteers, and supporters remain vigilant in doing all they can to preserve their personal health and safety in the weeks and months ahead. Due to the increase in positive COVID cases in the Tri-State area and nationally, along with the tightening of masking, distancing, and testing protocol, SMPS New York will be moving all upcoming events to a strictly virtual format.
It was a tough decision, particularly on the heels of our outstanding in-person Holiday Party on December 9; one of our first in-person events in nearly two years. However, the health and wellbeing of our colleagues, speakers, and guests are paramount. We look forward in anticipation for a day in the not-too-distant future when we can safely bring back in-person programming. Until that time, we hope you will stay safe and continue to take advantage of our chapter’s robust virtual professional development and lead generation opportunities.
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The December holiday season has always been one of my favorite times of the year. Growing up with an extended family that observed many holiday traditions, I am frequently transported back decades to my youth upon hearing a particular song, the smell or taste of a prepared meal, or the sight of a holiday decoration passed down through generations. One of my favorite songs, which carries the most meaning to me, opens with a lyric that is appropriate for this column.
The song is “A Baby Just Like You” by country singer John Denver. It was part of the album John Denver and The Muppets: A Christmas Together released in 1979. The song, originally created four years earlier, was written by Denver for his adopted son Zachary and speaks of the wonders of the holidays. It was a story explained and sung to me as a child by my uncle who filled the role of an older brother in my life. It’s now a song I play for and describe to my own children. Its opening lyrics kept coming to mind when I thought of writing this December President’s Platform.
“The season is upon us now, a time for gifts and giving. As the year draws to its close, I think about my living.”
Even for New Year Scrooges like me who don’t strongly believe in resolutions, the holiday season acts as the close of one chapter and the start of a new one. It’s the opportunity to take stock of our accomplishments and set goals for the year ahead. Those goals typically can – and you could argue always should – push you outside your comfort zone. Maybe you need to learn new skills and software proficiency, speak up to establish yourself as a thought leader and subject matter expert, or implement best practices to respond to the demands of your day-to-day responsibilities more efficiently and proactively. This is where SMPS New York comes in.
I ask that, in 2022, you place SMPS New York at the center of your plan for professional growth. Take greater advantage of your membership through attending and volunteering with our annual programs and events. These skills, this knowledge, and your network of like-minded professionals will help you elevate your career, find greater purpose in and satisfaction from your work, and position you to affect significant change within your business. We have not-to-be-missed programming coming up in January and the months ahead, including:
- Catalysts for Change: Building culture, engagement, and brand awareness through Marketing and HR collaboration – an outstanding professional development discussion featuring National Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) President Johnny C. Taylor and HR professionals from leading design and engineering firms. They will lend insight on how MarCom professionals play a pivotal role in attracting talent, creating an inclusive workplace, and communicating your firm’s value proposition.
- Earth, Wind, and Fire: A sustainable approach for a resilient built environment – a virtual panel discussion led by New York Building Congress President Carlo Scissura tackling resilient design and construction practices, the global focus on sustainability and carbon neutrality, and how our professions will lead that effort in the Tri-State area.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy and successful 2022!
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