By Amy Bailey
As I sit back and review 2019 in my mind, I can’t believe how many changes I’ve experienced. This year has gone by in a whirlwind and I’m looking forward to more developments in 2020.
Team Growth and Transformation
Early in 2019 we welcomed two new event planners to our team at Telarus. Previously, two of us were planning and executing almost 100 events on our own. In 2019 we added even more events, so the addition of two new members was a breath of fresh air.
Our team has morphed into a well-oiled machine. They’re creative, fun, spirited and unique. I can genuinely say I love each of them and feel honored to work with them. Most importantly, I would hire each one again.
One of my team members sent me a message the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. It said, “Just want to say how happy I am with how our team has evolved! That’s all thanks to you!!!” My heart is full.
International Travel
2019 brought Cuba, Canada and the UK. Since joining Telarus, I’ve traveled more than ever before. I love travel, meeting new people and enjoying new cultures. I love the quirks: I had to beg for ice in England, Canada had the best shoe shopping (can you say 25% off? – thank you exchange rate) and Australian beaches stole my heart. Cuba is a special place I would love to visit again; the people, the old-world sights and the culture – all were incredible.
The Empty Nest
Our only child, Spencer, went off to college in August. The quiet is deafening. We had the house where kids hung out. I fed them, did loads of laundry washing pool towels, and loved every minute of it. We bought season football tickets in Utah and flew up for home games just to see him. A huge piece of my heart now lives in Utah – it’s been quite an adjustment.
The Channel Community
I love that we work in a robust community of professionals who gather at the virtual water cooler when I seem to need a chat as well as the local connections I’ve made who I can call and say, “Want to vent over wine?” I’ve met amazing friends and found people willing to mentor, coach, correct and educate me.
Well, that takes me to 2020. I’m excited to take on the role of President of Alliance of Channel Women. I can’t wait to see who the women elect to join the board with Raquel, Carrie, Cassie, Lisa, Michelle, Penny and me. My top goal for 2020 is to grow our membership. I’ve enjoyed so many benefits from ACW and I want other women to experience the same. Watch for expanded mentoring opportunities and better communication about events and ways to get more involved.
Finally, thank you for your membership and your support. I wish you the happiest of holidays and look forward to connecting with you in 2020.
About the Author
As vice president of marketing at Telarus Inc., Amy Bailey leads communications strategy and manages events, creative and recruiting. Having worked in many aspects of the business, she is able to bring a comprehensive knowledge of the industry landscape to communications outreach in order to provide targeted and effective results. Bailey earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communication and liberal arts from San Diego State University. Passionate about empowering women in business, she participates in the SDSU Aztec Mentor Program and serves on the board of Alliance of Channel Women and is the organization’s current president-elect.