Anniversary
Happy 2nd birthday, Good Human Partners
AJ Keirans' reflection on two years of Good Human Partners, from a first project worked between hikes in Acadia to Sarajevo, IIEX and Ginger joining the team.
As I move closer to the next big human milestone, I realize the birthdays aren't something I put as much stock in for myself and it is with that in mind that I realize that I missed my opportunity to write a humble and reflective 2nd birthday post for my company Good Human Partners. Writing it today on my son's 15th birthday on what I consider to be my becoming a dad / father's day feels appropriate (Happy Birthday Trey!!).
Over two years ago I was in a situation that many people I know are in, without a job and questioning my journey and career choices. Hocking sample at many firms gives me vacuum cleaner salesperson vibes and even then someone said to me 'getting back on the treadmill?' in regards to selling and it felt tiring. We often do what is safest and won't disrupt the norms of our lives, having a family and kids amplifies that. We live and do a lot of things to give those we love a better life and in that can sacrifice our own dreams and goals. It is natural and many do it honorably.
A good friend and client earmarked some work for me in my new home (wherever that would be) while also saying 'or you just start your own thing.' The two ends of the spectrum from the treadmill to my own thing. I know I made the right choice. With the blessing and support of my friends and family we made the right choice and that has made all the difference. You are lucky if you have someone who sees you differently and encourages you to be more.
Our first project was assigned while I was camping in the beautiful Acadia National Park in Maine, which has made Maine even more special to me (can't wait Tyler Lewtan for next year's adventures). I would leave our tent and work from Bar Harbor between hikes, pay showers and beautiful sunrises. It made me realize that while I had the grey hairs and decades of experience that I was going to do things the good human way and that was very likely going to be different than the norm.
In the last year, GHP has brought me to Bosnia to spend time with Sanjin Bektic and our friends at MR TECH OPS. It allowed me to strengthen the team by hiring an industry legend and friend in Ginger De Stefano to run our operations. I even took the stage at IIEX - thanks Greenbook & Karen Lynch. All of the things and too many things to list, while being a more present human to my family.
We have a few new things that we are working on together with our friends at Dead Rabbit Design Co. and hope to announce in Q4. Stay tuned...
