I had a great week of deepening relationships, both personally and professionally.
The week started with a mini-summit with our Client Success team at Fountain Forward here in Houston. This was the first time I was able to meet a half-dozen of the team members, so this was really fun for me. I love meeting new team members and learning about what motivates them and makes them “tick”.
This was a different vibe for me because I was not leading it, Phil was. I really enjoyed watching versus leading and got some good takeaways because of a new perspective.
Even more fun was having conversations with Brian (Sales Director) and Ben (new BDR) about our future sales goals and their plan to reach those goals. This is the next step in our progression as an organization, now that we have a better platform to increase client retention rates.
There’s so much for the sales team to learn and showcase as they reach for the next level, both personally and professionally. This is something I do not have previous experience with (building a sales team), so as I’ve mentioned before, this is scary and exciting all at once!
I’m here for it.
As for the personal side this week, it was “Meet the Parents” weekend with Elizabeth in Minnesota.
As I’ve learned from my mentor, everything is an experience. No one moment is exactly like another. It’s best to not judge the experience and instead, just be present and experience.
I very much felt like I was having an experience this weekend and not judging what was going on.
Because of this mindset going in, I felt lighter in my interactions.
This is the first time I’ve practiced this, and I’m happy to say it was a great experience overall. I felt welcomed and comfortable.
I also left the trip feeling an even higher desire to provide the best possible life for Elizabeth. I believe I feel that way because of the experience with her parents.
I’m grateful for the times I had this past week.
Amidst my processing while on the plane, I made myself a new friend who brought some much needed perspective.
Before meeting her, I was thinking about the CSM summit, the parents’ weekend, our annual planning meeting, and so much more.
There are many complicated things on my mind…
Then, my new friend, whose name is Charlotte. She has a bright smile, beautiful blue eyes, and an irresistible set of chubby arms and cheeks.
Yes, Charlotte is a baby. She is pure love.
Charlotte was a pleasure to sit next to during my flight, and our interactions before we parted ways brought joy to my life.
Charlotte set the tone for my week.
Thank you, Charlotte. You were an inspiration to me, and I bet I won’t be the last.
It’s annual planning week, getting ready for 2026. I’m excited to spend time with the four pillars of Fountain Forward in Denver, Colorado.
Chin up, shoulders back, eyes FORWARD.
– SJ
PS: Was fortunate enough to play Interlachen CC this week. Thanks to Ben Freeman for having me, you are appreciated!