My ALPFA story is one of family found in unlikely places like New York, Houston, Seattle, and LA. It’s one of friendships based on sharing life, dreams, compassion, loyalty, and encouragement. Recently, I had the honor of sharing a few days in Las Vegas with some of my dear friends as we mulled over the future of ALPFA keeping in mind that our innovation and foresight today will become the fruitful vines of tomorrow’s organization. One of our guest speakers, Casey Carlson, presented on the idea that generational differences are a force like the tide in our exponentially dynamic world and considering the impact of new era technology on yesteryear’s business values and ideals would be important as we shape ALPFA’s future. I considered the advice Casey shared and agreed with her that we, together, get to weave the future history of ALPFA. And, despite all the changes that are tumbling toward us at lightning speed, the one underpinning that I suspect will remain unchanged is the sense of family we share across miles, time zones, and birthdates.
The future of ALPFA is yet to be written in ink, but we’ve penciled in a few drafts for consideration. Technology will sweep by and change the storyline. Young and emerging professionals will throw in a few ideas that we’ve yet to include; they will be outstanding, innovative ideas, too! Seasoned professionals are reliable pillars of strength and wisdom, offering the sweet stories of the past which stand as heritage to our collective experience. The thing that remains constant is that my story is your story…one of family found in unlikely places and generations of people who – regardless of technical aptitude or generational categorization – want to be part of something bigger than oneself. I used to look on at ALPFA leadership and wonder how they got on the short list, how they were invited in. Now, I look around and wonder how I found the door and why it was opened when I knocked. Maybe it was opened because I knocked.
For me, my ALPFA story has become bigger than even ALPFA itself because the people with whom I’m connected are part of my journey that will be forever a part of my life’s fiber. Generations come and go. Ideas, strategies, and priorities change. Even the most awesome leaders serve for a time and then are called away for various reasons as a part of life. But for a time, our paths intersect and we get to choose those whom we wish to keep forever. Some of my most prized relationships were borne of ALPFA and for that – for you – I am forever grateful.
(Learn more about ALPFA at www.alpfa.org)
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