I’m seeing lots of end-of-year posts about how great a year 2023 was for folks and how much they accomplished. In my agile community, seeing posts about—
How many classes I run or how many students I taught;
How many events/groups I’ve spoken at/to;
How many articles or books I’ve written, or podcasts and videos I’ve recorded;
How much money I made;
How this was the best year…ever!
and I’m happy these folks had a good year.
But I have a different sort of end-of-year wrap-up to share. Some good and some not-so-good news. In 2023—
My wife Diane was diagnosed with Stage 3 Parkinson’s Disease. She’s bravely navigating PD, and I’m navigating what it means to be a caregiver.
For the first time in more than two decades, I attended very few in-person agile events; depending on how I count them, it was three, and I missed my tribe. Thank goodness I made it to Agile 2023 in Orlando!
I had a very challenging business year and I experienced an 82% YoY revenue drop.
My frequent flyer status on Delta dropped from Diamond to Silver; I know, but 😉
On a positive note, I did more pro-bono work than ever before—to help others and to keep myself sharp.
The 2023 Badass Agile Coaching Day event contributed $11,000 to Africa Agility and Ukraine charities.
My DEI discounts to classes amounted to more than $20,000.
2023 was perhaps the most challenging year for me, professionally and personally. It’s tested my energy, resilience, mental health, and faith.
I can’t tell you how grateful I am for my friends, colleagues, and acquaintances in the Agile community. The heart and spirit of this community have been an anchor for me during the year. There are some, you know who you are, who have played a special role in checking in with me and supporting me. To all of you, I humbly say—Thank you.
I’m writing to share a “not so beautiful” view of the year with others who may have been challenged in 2023 like I have been. And share my hopes for a better 2024.
My sincere wish to all of you is for a far better 2024. One where you find whatever you need to realize how special and unique you are. Where you find your “community of support,” as I have, and you lean into it.
Happy New Year, Everyone!
Stay agile, my friends,
Bob.