Meraki [may-rah-kee] (v.) origin: Greek; to do something with soul, creativity or love, to put something of yourself into your work.
Song: Fine by Kyle Hume
Thought: My local professional association conference (PNCWA) was last week. I’ve been going for the last 15 years and have found it to be one of the most important events for friendship and mentorship. The word that best describes my experience is meraki.
- Things change, people don’t. Like me, many of these friends have grown a lot over 15 years but they remain the same amazing bunch. We’ve changed companies and roles but they as humans are pretty much the same. I love that.
- Bring on the change. We have many traditions; most are fine. I’m ready for the change that’s coming. There were many new attendees this year. I hope they reshape the organization to reflect their priorities and values. It’s been a breathe of fresh air to see us move the sessions from just wastewater focused into diversity, equity and inclusion, leadership and mentorship and communications.
- You don’t know as much as you think you know. Frankly, many people are going through a lot of shit personally. Many choose to do this silently. Be kind because you have know idea what someone is facing each day.
- Celebrate. The pandemic taught me how easily this conference could be taken away. My friend Mike had a birthday while at the conference. At karaoke night, about 80 people sang him “Happy Birthday.” Mike is in his 60’s and had never had that experience before. Special moments come from simple acts so let’s celebrate each other every chance we get.
- Get involved. Nothing has helped my career more than my involvement in PNCWA and the relationships I made there. Roles from participating on a committee to serving on the Board – and many in-between. I learned a lot about running meetings, leading groups and tracking progress thanks to PNCWA. I have built lifelong friendships that help me in the hardest times. I’m grateful for all the support and mentorship.
Meraki means to do something with soul, creativity or love. I can’t think of anything where I see this lived more than PNCWA.