This year has been extraordinary. Both personally and professionally, this year tested us. We worked from home, washed our hands, wore masks, returned to the car to retrieve a forgotten mask, and we said “unprecedented” more times than we’d like to admit. In an effort to come out even stronger next year, we reviewed the last 12 months of hard-earned lessons. And, to head into 2021 with optimism, the team also revealed its brightest highlights of the year.
Lessons learned during 2020
If there’s one lesson a large share of the team took to heart, it’s appreciation. Appreciation takes on a couple of forms. First, Patrizia De Pippo, Jeff Tabacman, and Massimo Bono all express how 2020 reinforced their appreciation for spending time with family and friends. Second, appreciation for good health is specifically felt by Irina Matviyenko and Anna Varao. Its quite apparent that there’s no shortage of gratitude this year.
On a professional note, Vicken Kanadjian, Managing Director, values the importance of virtual communication when faced with the challenge of leading an organization during a pandemic. “Speak often with team members, and not just with the management team. Continue with one-on-ones, complemented by lots of other group messaging, as well as more frequent company town halls through Zoom. By using all of these methods of communication in tandem, we want to make sure that we stay close together as a team, that we answer questions both honestly and clearly to provide security and confidence that Cesium is an extremely solid business that is financially sound and ready to drive through the storm as one,” says Vicken. In his experience, over-communicating becomes necessary in uncertain times.
To cap off the key lessons from 2020, two members of the team deliver inspirational messages. Firstly, Colombia-based Wilmer Venasco says, “take every opportunity we have to do things in the best way and make the most of life.” While Rodica Tarita shared her perseverance, “never give up and believe in the people around you and yourself!” These powerful lessons embody a positive, opportunistic perspective that we’d be wise to carry with us into the new calendar year.
Highlights of the year
Despite the turbulence, there’s no shortage of remarkable highlights. The team shares a blend of personal and professional achievements in the year that was.
On the personal side, Cesium demonstrated a range of skills outside the office. Members of the team got crafty around the house, experimental in the kitchen, laced up for runs, captivated by books, cozy in a new home, and became parents and grandparents. But, one of the most wholesome and rather unconventional personal accomplishments belongs to VP Finance, Sandra de Montigny. She kept herself busy by nursing a baby squirrel back to health. How remarkable is that?
When it comes to professional highlights, a theme emerges. The team’s top moments revolve around adaptability. Dorron Rybko’s recalls it best, “I think the highlight for me is how we adapted to the market requirements. When people needed PPE suddenly we were in the game. When people needed ways to get their business online to support their customers while their stores were closed—we launched innovative solutions to help them sell online. When people needed work-from-home products our portfolio grew again!”
Lastly, another company highlight emerged in time for the holidays. Cesium once again hosted a toy drive, spreading joy and hope to those in need. This year, over 80 toys where donated to the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation. In addition, we donated 5,000 KN95 masks to various hospitals and clinics in the Montreal community. It’s in trying times that we recognize the importance of giving, and we feel privileged that we’re in a position to do so.
Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation
Looking back, the organization picked up new skills, expressed gratitude, and gained an advantage by being adaptable in uncertain times. Throughout 2020, Cesium showed an inspiring display of resilience. And, it’s with an unfaltering positive attitude, hope, and optimism that we welcome 2021.
Thank you for your business and your support during a challenging year.
Happy Holidays from our team to yours!
