25 Years!

An Anniversary Note To My Friends

Twenty-five years - a quarter-century, WOW! How is it possible that one moment I’m at home telling myself I’m headed back to college to earn an advanced degree to teach French at the college level, and the next minute my consulting company turned 25?

I’ve worked for some amazing companies in Corporate Recruiting, Marketing & Sales and as an executive. It was my great privilege to learn from some terrific leaders and also from those who were finding their way. Great lessons all - whether positive or negative. In most cases, I was one of very few women in a technology-related related role. There wasn’t a lot of precedent for women working in the field and it was difficult to be heard above the more experienced male voices. I worked hard to earn respect as a professional and just as importantly, to fit in.

As my career progressed, I reached a point where I realized I’d never be able to achieve all my goals in the corporate world. Once I’d walked the portrait gallery in my Big 6 firm and saw that there were only a couple of women partners and neither were divorced, single parents like me. I realized then that I had to readjust my expectations since I knew I would never be able to put in the time it required to do the job without backup to help at home. Nor would I ever choose to put work before my family in order to do so. I settled into the job I loved and focused on doing the best, most professional job I could do. There were raises and lots of perks, but I accepted the fact I had reached the top of the promotion ladder, that there would be no opportunity for partnership.

Fast-forward a few short years and my dream of speaking French every day was born. I needed a change and thought the timing was right to leave the corporate world. Plus, it was exciting to think about the opportunities an academic career might bring. Early into the process, I learned there was another ladder to climb, that academia also had politics – something that I thought I was leaving behind.

In a moment of clarity, I realized that I had the skills and contacts (plus an encouraging new husband) that would enable me to start my own business. So I did – with a little help from friends who wanted to work with me. Together we started a great adventure that became Enterprise Solutions Technology Group and journeyed where none of us had gone before. (Oh, and I hired a French tutor so I could stay fluent.)

In the beginning, I hired friends that I knew were true professionals – those with integrity that wanted to partner with me to represent the company in a way that would be respectful of others, live up to their commitments, and value partnerships. And then, once our values were established, I hired their friends.

Along the way, we learned a lot and had fun. We did business with those we liked and respected and in turn, developed a supportive environment. I had the pleasure of working always with friends, watching young interns become professionals, attending weddings, watching children grow, and even attending their weddings! Thank you to those who helped me establish and grow our company. And for those who have stayed over the long haul, I’m overwhelmed by your loyalty.

I am deeply grateful to you for this amazing gift.