The month of September brings with it the Jewish New Year, a time of reflection, rumination, and observation. It is custom, like in many other transitioning passages, to think of the year that is ending, and of the one that is about to begin.
And while it is usually a personal custom, this year felt as global as it gets, leading to what I believe should be a societal outlook, with business leaders, governments, and influential entities at the forefront of a new year’s resolution.
With multiple challenges and global occurrences, one of the biggest trials is to attempt and summarize this year, but it is crucial for drawing the proper conclusions and opening a clean, more sustainable slate.
This has been one heck of a year, full of tremendous challenges, devastating landmarks, and unprecedented times. Wildfires, politics, social unrest over the racial controversy, various natural disasters, and above all, the COVID-19 pandemic that has struck the entire globe. Truth be told, no one was ready for a pandemic at this scale and it caught us with our guards down, across countries and continents. The pandemic demanded fast actions and tough decision making, with global leaders within governments and private sectors puzzled, to say the least.
Looking back in retrospect, decisions had to be made on the go and under extreme pressure, and while many mistakes were made, the private sector can definitely be proud of facing the challenge head-on, fighting back, and adapting global operations, all the while continuing to positively impact millions.
Speaking for Ignite, I am proud we were able to service our clients throughout lockdowns, continuing on our path to supply the most remote communities with power in their homes and businesses for the first time. Our local staff showed the uttermost commitment in these hard times and received adjustments with open arms. Other companies that were able to see this year as an opportunity for further growth and impact demonstrated tremendous strides as well, leading many to finish the year on a positive, hopeful note.
This incorporates an astonishing lesson for us all. Even the most difficult, scary times present amazing opportunities. Not only for powering through, but for expanding business, impact, and other positive aspects.
During the new Jewish year feast, tradition states that participants eat ahead of a fish, announcing “Let Us Be Heads, Not Tails”, meaning, let us be the leaders of our lives. I wish all of us to take the reins, and be the leaders that our companies, sectors, countries, and homes need right now. The new year and its many challenges need strong leaders that are not afraid to make bold, innovative, out of the box choices.
One last tradition to leave you with; At the new year feast, Jewish people also eat a slice of apple dipped in honey, symbolizing the excitement for a sweet new year ahead. May we all have a sweet year ahead of us. We sure deserve it.