Starting November with Newfound Gratitude
Photo by Erin Borzelino | Jacket by Veronica Beard
As the first week of November begins, I find I am wearing my thanks on my sleeve...and on my back (thank you Veronica Beard). I am writing it in notes, spelling it out on jackets, and I want to shout it from the rooftops. Indeed, the month has barely begun and I am awash with gratitude.
Why?
Maybe it's the air turning crisp and knowing the younger set is heading home for break.
Maybe it's wanting to hold fast to memories in the making as older members slow down.
Maybe it's congratulating those who raced yesterday in New York City (setting records!) while contemplating what milestones we may all cross tomorrow.
Whatever the reason, as I look around with eight weeks left in the year and a million emotions swirling, I am first and foremost profoundly grateful. Here's a fast list as to why - and I'd love to hear yours:
I'm grateful for family, friends and being fortunate to have a role that brings joy and purpose.
Health, happiness and the unadulterated hope that comes from working side by side with the next generation of leaders.
Co-workers, team members and partners who see with clear eyes and full hearts what's possible, and
Mentors in the coolest companies who throw open boardroom doors and save seats for girls.
These are only a few - and those best suited for LinkedIn - but the thread connecting them is strong; I am grateful to find myself at the end of a year that has filled me to the brim and made a difference for others.
You know who you are if you were a part of Être's year, and you have the added thanks of grateful girls. If we have not yet worked together, I can't wait to brainstorm in 2026. And if we've never met but I can be helpful to you, consider my hand outstretched.
I cannot wait to meet you and see what the end of this quarter and a brand new year holds.
If gratitude is the spark that ignites joy, let's fan those flames together.
Looking forward with all my thanks,
Illana
ÊXTRAS: Three more things I'm grateful for that you won't want to miss: a full playlist of our individual 2025 TED-Ed talks just posted to YouTube, a direct link to tickets for Sunniefest (send the Gen Z culture-shapers in your world this way!), and a recap of the TED-Ed mentors whose advice made our year.
