Unfortunately, saying thank you seems to be an afterthought more and more. So at least once a month, I will take a few minutes to publicly appreciate someone that has had an impact on me.
This round: Reese Schmit
There are people you meet that you wonder if you have known them for your entire life. Instantly, there is respect for not just knowledge but for the entire package of the person. So although it has only been a few years, Reese has quickly become a very important part of my life.
She was the person I trusted to work with me while I figured out how to train in a zoom setting. Reese not only provided technical support but input/assistance on the content material. This included in the moment with the participants and after on what could be tweaked. She was one of the few people I asked for countless feedback on coming up with Ignite’s name. Reese responded to each and every text with valuable input and enthusiasm, which at times very much kept me going. She went above and beyond to help me with important projects (racial equity, etc), personal challenges (crochet happy hour zoom is a thing now) and just occasional random check-ins.
Just to be clear with a truly amazing moment that highlights her awesomeness… my internet went out, which is not great as a trainer. I got back onto zoom on my phone. I had no computer (and stupidly had not downloaded a copy of anything – so no internet, meant nothing). When I go back online, Reese had not missed a beat and proceeded to finish that section (including a story). Then I trained basically blind with her making everything magically appear and flow. This lasted an hour! No interruption, no time lost, etc. The participants thought it was normal. Now I don’t recommend this but if it happens…having someone like Reese is essential. She’s knowledgable, dependable, talented, funny, empathetic, engaged, committed and humble.
Whether she likes it or not, she’s stuck with me now. I’m so very grateful to have her influence in my life.
Tricia
Photo from LinkedIn
