This last week I was in Kananaskis for the Stok Summit. The goal, I believe, was to have it focused on stoking joy through human connection and meaningfully moving toward our commitment to a radically better world for all. Using my own language and observation it was an opportunity for not just that (though that is a lofty goal), but to discover that I have found I fit as a piece of something bigger.

Leaving my former employ was tough – I had been with them a total of 23+ years and my studio mates were truly extended family. What wasn’t tough about leaving was knowing that I was going to get to do what I have been longing to do for the past 7 years – rejoin the IPD world in a more dynamic way….but boy-oh-boy, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into with the Stok peeps!

Post Summit I have unexpectedly found (after only 6 weeks) that I already feel I truly belong here with Stok. These individuals make up a community that truly lives their values to Stok Joy, Own It, Care Deeply and Demand Better! By the end of the first day together my cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

When is the last time you knew of an organization (and I say organization because company seems a cold term today) that TRULY lived their values, celebrated them in fact. This group was filled with such a warm welcome and, in my personal observations/opinions:

• Celebrated time together (Stok Joy),
• Enjoyed the beautiful world around us (Own It),
• Supported one another (Care Deeply)
• And strategized on moving forward the best way possible (Demand Better).

Learning about all that this community offers will be an ongoing process and that excites me. I look forward to our connections growing stronger and meeting again at the next Stok Summit to renew those connections in person.

And for those of you reading today, my hope is that you have found, or good find, your own place of belonging.

With love,

Glenna