Thanksgiving 2010

Around this time last year I wrote a blog post detailing my list of thanks for the holiday. I named names, got all sentimental and basically felt good. Traditions can be fun, so why ruin a good thing?

Here’s my 2010 list:

There were several people who I met this year for the very first time, at various conferences (HRevolution 2, HRFL10, RecruitFest, ERE) and others who I’ve caught up with again:

Paul Smith: Paul and I met on the 2nd bus going over to Catalyst Ranch. He stopped me dead in my tracks with a question and the look of horror on my face was, well priceless. When I speak of “Stella” induced rants, I always think of him and that quick moment we shared.

John Jorgensen: Every once in a while John calls and it always puts a smile on my face. He doesn’t have an agenda, we kvetch & carry-on about multiple topics. I’m sure I can find a way to mail/FedEx you a case of Yuengling to thank for making me laugh.

Robin Schooling: Robin and I share a unique bond, my college fraternity. Granted, we haven’t had litter sister organizations for while now, but the mere fact that Robin and I could connect based upon the fact that we’re both Tekes, well, that’s freaking cool. Thank you for being you. I’m lucky that we share some of those common interests like, wine, spirits , food, fun y’know what zee French call a joie de vivre.

Jason Seiden: Somehow, you find time to reply to my emails. You don’t usually have to, but I’m really flattered that you do. Thank You.

Benjamin McCall: I always smile when I see your number pop up on my office line. You are one of the smart, good guys in the trenches. When we’re done chatting I’m energized and challenged. Thanks for that.

Matt Charney & Lisa Watson: You both are amazing professionals, awesome at what you do and I admire you both. Interacting with you both over the course of the year in Chicago and Boston that was just icing on the cake. Besides, only the “Dean of Awesome” would show up to an event on Miami time not wearing socks. Someone has to live up the awesome moniker and really it’s you two, not me.

Gerry Crispin: I had to give the cabby a 30% tip, but that cab ride in Boston was priceless. Great catching up at the ERE in Florida.

Mike Ramer: Thanks for the cigar and the conversation. Keep closing brother and I promise that you’ll get the “Glengarry” leads soon. You’re a kick ass recruiter.

Matt Stollak: You’re a role model that we need to clone and ship around the nation. I’m lucky to be in the same room or on the same twitter channel with you. Thanks for listening to some of my crazy ideas for a PhD thesis and not immediately laugh in front of me. Off to the side, or behind my back is still perfectly acceptable.

Sarah White: I’m honored and lucky to have had the chance to interact and spend time with you this year. Thank you for sharing and for the conversations. You’re good people.

Charlie Judy: If you called me and said we need to bury a body, I would get some of the younger fraternity boys to do it for us immediately! Seriously though, I respect the hell out of you professionally and personally. We share some of the same filters/opinions and I love the way you challenge conformity. Thanks for inspiring me to elevate my game and level of thinking.

William Tincup: One of our conversations at HR Florida still resonates with me to this day. Yeah, granted it was only a few months ago, but still that was some pretty deep shit. Besides, I’m willing to bet you that I was the last person you’d ever think who’d quote back Hov to you? You Sir are a “Business, Man!” (oh wait, that was from Kanye, but Hov said it…it still counts)

Trisha McFarlane: I get to start my day reading your writing. I’m lucky that I get to do that, and one day hope to be as prolific (and as awesome) as you.

China Gorman: Another one of those moments when I asked myself “how in the hell did I get lucky to spend 10 minutes with this person?” Thank you for the very candid and direct response to my comment about the organization. Yes, I am going to continue to stay and one of the main reasons why will be for you! (Besides, I think my peeps here in Miami need a bit of new blood and revolution at the local level)

Andres Lopez: MIZ-ZOU, Swag, Pizza boxes and ethnic slurs… yeah just another night out on the town when we get together. Funny how after 1 7 years deep down, we’re still the same boys.

Ashley Newman: This space wouldn’t be what it is without your creative touch. It feels like the days of RCB’s, parties and weddings are long past. It is however, always good to keep connected to you (and Phil). Thank You.

Brian McGuire: You were not just a “digital strategist”, you are a trusted colleague and my friend. Thank you for sharing, Mazal Tov to you and your boy. We want an invite to the wedding!

Then there is the list of the usual suspects (This is one of those rare times, I’m usually not this open)

Steve Boese: We share that stupid “South Beach /New Jersey model I dated” joke. I love the fact that I there are a few times when you actually do take me seriously on the twitter backchannel. The encouragement you gave me at HRFL10 about some of my writing was completely unexpected, and beyond nice. I respect and admire you. Thanks for busting my chops.

Jennifer McClure: Thanks for allowing me to tag along. You’re another one of the good people. I often wonder why you at times choose to associate with me, but am completely flattered that you do.

Mark Stelzner: You sir are also one of the people that I deeply respect and admire. I don’t want to get too sappy, I’ve shared with you before. Both you, and Yasha are great people. Thanks for being cool.

Laurie Ruettimann: I know that I don’t need to, but I want to. (I promise I won’t be too sappy and ruin your street cred) I’ve at times been accused of not being able to tell people that I care about them, b/c I’m crappy at sharing my emotions (*cough J-Rod), so my random packages are a way for me to express that, but I do that shit for people I truly care about. You’re one of them.

Eric Winegardner: So it is no secret that my year started out a bit shaky, however, because of you, it‘s going to end on a memorable note. I actually made the comment that to someone that I was really scared about not doing a good enough job…for you. (I didn’t want to let you down). Thanks for the shot, the conversations, and the encouragement.

So on this holiday, may we all find a small moment of peace, of love, and of joy.

All my love!

John