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: Ellen Grove
I’ve known Ellen for many years from the Agile community. As often is the case, I can’t remember the first interaction. Although, I want to say it was taking Training from the back of the room course in 2013 – but I could be wrong. And doing these appreciation posts, I realize that the origin story sometimes is less important than where the story has traveled.
In the Agile community, you often get chances to be inspired, connect and learn in mini doses from each other. However, while I was a board of directors for Agile Alliance, I had the pleasure of getting to work closely with Ellen. Ellen is this amazing combination of a calming presence, magnificent listener, and witty humor that just amazes me on a regular basis. I want to focus this appreciation specifically on her stepping up to be the interim managing director for the Agile Alliance. This was not in her game plan or future goals/thoughts and yet, she jumped in to help where she was needed the most. During a time of covid, that would have any leader’s head spinning in the world of non-profit, she embodies and carries a “we’ll figure it out” dynamic that energizes people.
Thank you Ellen, for your insights, for your efforts, for you compassion and heart and for your friendship. I am a better person because of you and hope we can play euchre in person again soon!
Tricia
Photo from LinkedIn
Thank you Tricia! We did indeed first meet in a TBR class in the way-back-when, which was another game-changing event in my life. Since then, I have very much appreciated your friendship and support and wise counsel (as well as willingness to gracefully receive random text messages loaded with colourful language). I am so looking forward to getting back together in person…soon!