Looking Back, Looking Ahead
There were new faces and new directions when the Ascendient team gathered in Raleigh for our annual holiday party. The weekend started with a look back at the firm's 2022 strategic plan, which included the daunting goal of doubling in size in just three years – but a quick look around the room confirmed the goal had been met, and then some.
With so many new colleagues on board, it was the perfect opportunity to dive into an updated strategic plan featuring even more growth and expanded impact. After sharing their vision for 2027, the partners distributed envelopes with profit sharing bonuses and bags filled with new Ascendient swag. Just three hours in, the holidays were already feeling very merry.
Giving Back
After a catered lunch from Maggiano's, it was time to make the holidays a little merrier for others. Working with the Holiday Hope program from the James Fisher Memorial Foundation, we gathered wish lists from three families in Western North Carolina left homeless by the devastation of Hurricane Helene. With gift requests ranging from toys to tools to cowboy boots, we split into three groups and fanned out for several hours of shopping.
Fun fact: With multiple, near-simultaneous purchases all over town, the corporate Amex account was briefly frozen over suspected fraud. Fortunately, a quick call avoided any embarrassing arrests, and we were able to complete all three wish lists.
Taking a Swing
They say that the best teams are able to be vulnerable with each other, and there was a lot of vulnerability on display in our next activity. When it came time for a little physical exercise, the planning committee was deeply divided between golf and bowling. Golf won out in the end, and it quickly became apparent why some weren't eager to show off their hand-eye coordination.
Still, it was a great opportunity to laugh at ourselves, and no one was injured by a couple of shots that ricocheted at seemingly impossible angles.
Being Grateful
After a free day for shopping, sightseeing, and museums, the team gathered again for dinner at Sullivan's Steakhouse. In addition to the ever-popular "Ascendies" awards, it was an evening of gratitude, reflection, and fellowship. This is a group that huddles almost daily for unstructured, social chat on Zoom, but the chance to meet face to face – with significant others – is an annual ritual that technology will never duplicate.
With significant growth targets for 2025, next year's holiday event is sure to be even bigger. If you've taken the time to read this post, you might just be considering a place on our team, and we hope you'll make the decision to apply. Fear not: The holiday activities are different every year, so you won't need to show off your golf skills.
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