Earlier this month, I had a much-needed evening out with a couple of friends. We discovered a unique Italian restaurant that had actual Fiat car parts incorporated into its décor—definitely not something you see every day! It made for a fun and memorable dining experience, and the food didn’t disappoint either. Those kinds of spontaneous nights out are always a great reminder to enjoy the lighter moments when you can.
On the work front, things have been far less relaxing.
We've had a couple of major projects roll out recently, and unfortunately, both ran into issues. The core problem? Key stakeholders weren’t looped in ahead of the changes, which led to confusion and miscommunication across teams. It’s been a frustrating situation—especially when you're trying to manage the chaos and still find yourself on the receiving end of the criticism.
One project, in particular, aimed to streamline operations by eliminating an estimated 25–30 delivery routes per week—a target we’re now successfully meeting. Ironically, the transportation director, who led that project and was informed of the planned reductions, is now concerned about having drivers without enough work. It’s one of those classic “cannot win for losing” moments.
Amidst the stress, there was a new opportunity for growth: leadership in action. Our department managers recently asked the supervisors to start leading our weekly meetings. I was the first one asked to step up. While public speaking isn't exactly in my comfort zone, I leaned into the challenge—and even added a little humor by creating nicknames for each of the supervisors based on the areas they oversee. It helped break the ice, and hopefully set a tone that the rest of the team will feel comfortable following.
It’s been a month of mixed experiences—some energizing, some draining—but all reminders of how unpredictable both work and life can be. I'm learning (and re-learning) that sometimes, a good meal and a laugh with friends can be just as important as meeting deadlines and running meetings.
