Around the Tables
By Jenny Cronin, Co-CEO, Collabry
Amidst the glorious spread of Thanksgiving posts, I’ve been thinking about the many tables around which we sit.
In my house, this means a dining table fully extended and then augmented, surrounded by mismatched chairs and bejeweled with silver and crystal, both rich with history and fresh from Ikea. It means the good fortune of several generations of friends and family and the yearly antics of a little black cat who lives for the moment a morsel of meat (a rarity in our house) is left unattended. It means missing those who aren’t there and remembering them with flavors. And, yes, it means that annoying yet comforting tradition of going around the table to say what we are thankful for.
“The ideas, camaraderie, and diversity were a “pinch me” moment. This table was basically conjured from our dreams, and there sat five brilliant humans making it so much more than that.”
Recently, I was in Des Moines, Iowa, for a Collabry offsite, sitting at another table. (“Offsite” is a bit of a misnomer since Collabry is entirely virtual, but we do gather for planning. Why Des Moines? Because of the great food, art, and shopping as well as its being home to the Founder/Co-CEO Formaro family.) There, our small but mighty team sat around a workspace table, computers open, tap-tap-typing, chatting, and snacking on just enough (too much) candy. The ideas, camaraderie, and diversity were a “pinch me” moment. This table was basically conjured from our dreams, and there sat five brilliant humans making it so much more than that.
Later in the month, I was at another table in a gorgeous space at San Francisco City Hall to celebrate St. Anthony Foundation’s 75th anniversary. Collabry sponsors this amazing organization because of the “whole person” work they do. St. Anthony’s helps people with needs ranging from a simple shower or meal to more involved needs like addiction support and job training. They connect the dots in a way that doesn’t feel transactional with so much care for the dignity of each person. Under the soaring domed ceilings and warm light, our donor table was boisterous and varied but also united in purpose.
“We are woman-owned, diverse, and committed to progressing the idea that a business can be successful and compassionate; that consultants who work for us can have the support of a collective and the choices of individuals; and that clients can easily engage quality talent to meet nearly any need.”
Another important table I am proud to sit at is more metaphorical: the table of discourse about what a business can be, what work can be, and what community can look like. Collabry isn’t the biggest consulting company, nor do we have fancy offices or splashy ad campaigns. We are okay with that, and so is our accounting department! We are woman-owned, diverse, and committed to progressing the idea that a business can be successful and compassionate; that consultants who work for us can have the support of a collective and the choices of individuals; and that clients can easily engage quality talent to meet nearly any need.
No matter what table you find yourself sitting around, literally or figuratively, I hope you find moments of rest, joy, and inspiration — and that your own unique perspective is appreciated.