Marketers giving thanks...

I spoke with six marketing and BD professionals to share how they are giving thanks this week...

Pat Courtemanche, Chief Marketing & BD Officer at Dorsey & Whitney 

This year has sharply focused the need for society, and each of us as individuals, to do better. That is perspective...

"Perspective. I’m thankful for perspective.

So much pain and injustice has been laid bare this year. So much love and compassion, alongside hate and division, as well. The highs and lows are the most extreme I’ve witnessed in my lifetime.

This year has made it possible to feel more deeply. This year has sharply focused the need for society, and each of us as individuals, to do better. That is perspective.

​I believe good things will result, and I’m thankful for that."

David Heinke, Director of Business Development at Grant Thornton

"I praise the evolution of technology that allows accounting marketers and sales professionals to leverage the power of Teams, Zoom, and Skype so we can virtually interact and share ideas with our clients and prospects.

Second, I pause and remind myself to empathize and actively listen to clients, prospects and co-workers’ fears, challenges and needs during this period of uncertainty.

Last, I remind myself of how lucky I am to be a part of the dynamic and essential ecosystem of the audit, tax, and advisory industry."

I pause and remind myself to empathize and actively listen to clients, prospects and co-workers' fears, challenges and needs during this period of uncertainty...

Amber Bollman, Director of Client Service Initiatives at Barnes & Thornburg

These blessings have kept me grounded and hopeful in a year that has been filled with so much heartache and uncertainty...

“I’m immensely thankful – as I am every year – for my good health, friends and family (of both the human and fur variety).

These blessings have kept me grounded and hopeful in a year that has been filled with so much heartache and uncertainty.

​On a lighter note, 2020 has also made me thankful for fresh air, long walks, wine, a slew of binge-worthy podcasts, and Taylor Swift’s ‘Folklore’ album.”

Ashley Defay, Business Development Senior Specialist at Latham & Watkins

"This year I am really thankful for something that actually touches both my personal and professional life – I had a health challenge this year where I had to have surgery during the pandemic (which can be a scary experience).

​My colleagues, firm, and friends stepped into my medical leave in a way that I could have never expected, and I am grateful to know that people and my firm were there for me in my time of need – especially since all my family lives in another state."

My colleagues, firm, and friends stepped into my medical leave in a way that I could have never expected...

Michael Blachly, Chief Marketing Officer at Gray Reed

I am reminded of what really matters. A close family and many friends are truly a blessing in these times...

"I am probably more thankful this year than I ever have been in my life. 

2020 has certainly been a year of hardship. But because of this, I am reminded of what really matters. A close family​ and many friends are truly a blessing in these times.

I am also thankful for my work family; for my team and my firm who have worked so hard this year.

​Honestly, there are so many things to be thankful for. If 2020 has given us anything positive, one of them is the chance to pause, reflect and take a moment to say thank you to all those in our lives and for what is given to us.

Amy Shepherd, Chief Marketing & BD Officer at Ballard Spahr 

"This year, more than ever, I am thankful for resilience. I see it at every level of our firm, and I am blown away in particular by the incredible resilience and flexibility of our marketing and business development team. 

While managing complicated and often daily changes to the way we work, navigating childcare and elder care issues, and absorbing the incredible weight of the state of the world, our team has demonstrated patience and creativity and risen to every challenge, turning out impactful content and leading new initiatives to help our attorneys generate business in a virtual world.

​I am also grateful for the warmth and support of the legal marketing community. The virtual world has provided a platform for increased engagement and networking, which I truly appreciate and have found incredibly beneficial."

...our team has demonstrated patience and creativity and risen to every challenge...

...put together by Kate Harry Shipham, "eternally grateful"

I hope in this week, of all weeks, you get to pause and reflect and know what is important to you in your personal and professional lives...

I am eternally grateful for my partner in life, my husband, and for our sweet and kind daughter. I am thankful for the clients I get to partner with and problem-solve with, and how I get to be part of their extended work families. I am thankful to all the people in my network; I see each and every day how hard you work and what you are striving for. I'm grateful to my friends and extended family, both near and afar, and the love that they show me every day. 

I wish each of you a happy Thanksgiving - I hope in this week, of all weeks, you get to pause and reflect and know what is important to you in your personal and professional lives.

​Be safe and stay positive.