20 Jan New Year. New Opportunities.
Last year is in the rearview mirror and we are buckling up for a new ride. As we drive ahead to 2022, it is still important to check that rearview one last time. 2021 taught us lessons that we need to carry forward. A lot of the goals and promises that we made in 2021 need to see action. As I reflect on all that UTC accomplished over the last year, I am also thinking about how to improve as an association and as an industry.
Last Fall UTC hosted two virtual events on topics that are particularly important to me because they address the workforce crisis that our critical energy industry faces. The first event was a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) webinar that featured a panel discussion covering the many challenges and adversities that are faced in the industry every day. The conversation was eye-opening and quite interesting, but there is still work to be done. With two decades of HR experience and a lifetime of learning it is my belief that diversity is beyond race and gender. The panel consisted of industry leaders of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The question we need to think about next is, “What can we do?” If you attended that webinar in October, I challenge you to start taking action to make a change. If you did not attend the webinar, please go back, watch the replay, and figure out how you can help improve the issues that surround DEI.
The second event that I was proud to be a part of was our Workforce Development Symposium. This was a two-day virtual event, featuring a robust, diverse group of speakers and panelists. A lot of the discussions went hand in hand with DEI, and the content is relevant and relatable to anybody, no matter the industry or background. In 2022, I want to continue the conversation. However, my goal is also to seek action and challenge each of you to make it your mission to seek action as well. These discussions are important, but they are meaningless without solutions. Everyone views a new year as a clean slate, a fresh start, the possibilities are endless.
Let us work together to challenge ourselves this year, seek change, and create opportunities. Although it is easy to get hung up on the many obstacles that we have all faced over the last couple of years, there is only one thing that is for certain in all of this. There is no going back. Like I said in my last blog post, we must move forward.
Happy New Year!
