Our team reflects on what we’re grateful for in 2024
As the end of 2024 draws near, Heather and I wanted to take a few moments to stop and look back on this whirlwind year.
Like many growing businesses, our usual mode is GO!, so this kind of quiet contemplation is too rare. Our team members share our passion for the work and our clients, so even when we catch our breath, we’re pretty happy to talk shop!
That said, there is a time for work– and a time to reflect. I invited my team to join me in this exercise, asking them to share what they were grateful for over these last 12 months.
What struck me in their replies was the consistency: ultimately, close and loving relationships mean the most to us. Our careers are important, gratifying, and a key source of meaning and connection for many of us, but they are not everything. And that’s as it should be.
I hope you enjoy these heartfelt reflections. And if it encourages you and your team to also count your blessings, we’re grateful to have provided the prompt!
Darlene Miller, Facilitator, Instructional Design
In October, I celebrated my first anniversary with WhiteWater! I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with amazing clients who are truly committed to developing their employees and fostering leaders who exemplify both caring leadership and a results-driven mindset—the perfect balance of heart and impact.
This journey has been a rewarding step toward building a future where I can fully support myself and my family through work I’m passionate about.
Howard Wellema, Facilitator
I am thankful for faith, family and friends. For me, nothing comes close to these. There is no greater joy than to see my family healthy, happy, and with hearts that are loving and kind. I'm very thankful. Very grateful.
And I am very happy to be in a comfortable groove with WhiteWater’s fantastic content and materials. Survey results from sessions confirm we are making a positive difference.
Jillian Gentleman, Operations Manager
I am thankful for my family and friends, who have become my family. Without them, I am not sure where I would be. The people in my life are few, as I have a small circle, but they mean the world to me.
I am so fortunate to have WhiteWater as part of my career. I'm very proud and thankful to be part of this team, even part-time. It goes to show that WhiteWater can bring out the best in people.
Tracey Ross-Watmore, Instructional Designer
I am thankful for my friends and family. No matter what happens, I remain so fortunate to have these lovely people in my life. Seeing my children thrive and pursue their dreams has been extraordinary, and I am grateful to be around to experience that.
This was my 15th year as part of the WhiteWater family. I have had the privilege of doing meaningful work, meeting amazing people and working with wonderful colleagues every day. That counts as a blessing in my book.
Fatima Hassan, Communications Manager
I’m incredibly grateful for the blessing of welcoming my baby and celebrating a milestone wedding anniversary this year—a time filled with love, joy, and growth for my family.
I’m proud to work alongside the amazing team at WhiteWater, whose support and collaboration make every accomplishment meaningful. Being part of such a dedicated and innovative group is truly rewarding.
Heather Ryan, COO, CFO
Can you believe 2024 is already wrapping up? It feels like the year just started, and we were waiting for our annual March break shenanigans. Somehow, here we are, planning our next shenanigans already. What a year it’s been—a mix of chaos, insane travel, and moments that made me stop and think, “Wow, I really don’t have it all figured out.” (Like there was ever any doubt).
So there’s my family. They’ve been my constant source of love, support, and unsolicited advice this year. Whether it was celebrating the wins or reminding me that everything happens for a reason, I wouldn’t have made it through without them. That’s what we all need–equal parts cheerleaders and reality-checkers.
Then there are my friends. You know who you are. You’ve brought the laughs, the vent sessions, and occasionally the bad ideas that somehow turned into the best memories. If I ever wrote a memoir, you’d each get a chapter entitled “They Did What?!” Thank you for always being there—whether in person, on FaceTime, or via group chats full of memes.
Business-wise, 2024 has been like juggling flaming swords: exciting, terrifying, and surprisingly rewarding. There’s been growth (yay!), some missteps (oops!), and a lot of figuring things out on the fly. But through it all, I’ve learned so much and gained an even deeper appreciation for my team and everyone who’s been part of the journey.
Looking back, this year has been a reminder of how much there is to be grateful for. The big wins? Amazing. The tough days? Character-building (so they say). The small, everyday moments? Those are the ones that make my heart and life full. So, here’s to family, friends, work, and all the little things that made 2024 unforgettable. Thanks for the love, the laughs, and occasionally putting up with my nonsense. Let’s bring on 2025—hopefully, with a little less chaos and a little more sleep.
Sean Ryan, CEO
It all starts with the WhiteWater team. I’m incredibly grateful for the passion, energy, expertise and commitment they bring every day. They genuinely care about our clients’ success and put enormous effort into being their best. It’s both incredibly exciting and humbling as our team has made us better than our wildest expectations.
I’m so grateful for our clients who have fueled our continued growth and success while we try to contribute to theirs. We are honored to be invited to work with them and do our best to earn their continued trust.
And, of course, none of this happens, or even matters, without my family and friends. Heather has always been supportive of the WhiteWater journey. Over the past few years, she has been an integral part of our growth, most of which would not have happened without her. Shockingly, she still talks to me (at least, most days!) As our son finishes his last year of high school, I am incredibly thankful for his growth as a student, athlete and as a human! Finally, we are blessed to be surrounded by a huge circle of friends. We love you all!
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