A YEAR IN REVIEW
WE DID IT! We successfully provided an engaging and meaningful NEXUS experience for the Class of 2021 within a pandemic.
When we started recruiting and matching mentors and proteges last summer we weren’t sure what the year ahead would look like. We were intentional and strategic in recruitment and the class size. We took all measures to provide a safe environment with social distancing and masks.
In August, at the Orientation event I shared the following quote with this year’s class “People can adapt and change when called to do so,” by Jessica Meir, NASA Astronaut. This year’s class participants, speakers, NEXUS Board and Program Committee members adapted to the ever-changing environment that is now our “new” normal. NEXUS Board members and Program Committee volunteers were intentional and creative in how we delivered each monthly session. Participants embraced the different meeting formats including in-person, live stream, and zoom depending on the current situation. Speakers adjusted and delivered impactful messages.
We were honored to have many proven leaders speak this year. NEXUS co-Founder Sandy Willson reminded the class that “Memphis’ greatest asset is You!” In December, via zoom Cindy Brewer shared “An effective leader responds to change and has a direct impact on the team and business.”
Bobby White shared how to plan for the unplanned. We also hosted a candid panel around the topic of Diversity and Inclusion this past fall with panelist Corbin Carpenter, Leslie Coleman, Terri Freeman, George Robertson, and Jose Velazquez.
The popular NEXUS IN MOTION event looked a little different this year. Rather than participants rotating through different table topics, speakers Matt Gandy, Brent Stenberg, and Cassandra Webster rotated through important, a timely, topics while sharing experiences and application.
Although many of our networking and special events were not able to happen, we were committed to hosting several workshops. Katie West presented a series of workshops on the Enneagram and we hosted an “All Things LinkedIn” workshop with experts Gracie Leathers, Tracie Montgomery, and Kerra Saine.
The NEXUS Board of Directors recently met, we will continue to be flexible and adapt but are planning to bring NEXUS back to it’s fullest for the Class of 2022. I am so excited to welcome the new proteges and mentors and create opportunities to bring all of the members of NEXUS Network back together again.
Again, I am proud to say WE DID IT! Thank you to everyone who adapted and made this year a success!
In appreciation,
Heather Hunt, Director, NEXUS Leaders, Inc.
