Welcome to the one hundredth issue of CEE News!

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We are thrilled to mark the occasion of wrapping our 10-year anniversary celebration this month and coincidentally releasing the 100th edition of our monthly newsletter, CEE News! It’s been an honor to celebrate a decade of commitment to our mission – Taking you from what is to what is possible – and making an impact on hundreds of organizations and their teams. As we toast to this double celebration – 100 consecutive newsletters and 10 years of making a difference – we want to express our profound gratitude for your support.

100 Editions of Insightful Contributions
CEE News has been more than just a newsletter. It’s been a journey of growth, learning, and community building. From the very first edition to the 100th, CEE News has evolved into a trusted resource for emerging and seasoned leaders alike, offering solutions to everyday challenges and highlighting stories that inspire.

In addition to the customary “Message From Our Founder,” CEE News has been your companion through thick and thin, providing valuable sections such as “Sticky Solutions” to tackle your everyday business hurdles, a “Business in Focus” segment  spotlighting people-centric organizations, and a “Resources” section brimming with free content, including our contributions to Forbes™, infographics, white papers, and webinars with thought leaders who have shared their insights on pressing issues of the day.

The 10×100 Campaign: 10 Months of Giving Back
In honor of our 10th anniversary, we launched the 10×100 Campaign, a heartfelt initiative designed to give back to a world that has given so much to us. We pledged to donate $100, each, to 10 deserving nonprofits and share Q&A’s with their Executive Directors to spread their message of impact. What a joy it’s been to visit five San Diego-based nonprofits while also donating to five nonprofits that our followers chose through a survey.

This campaign has been our small way of saying ‘thank you’ for the support and trust you’ve bestowed upon us over the years. Together, we’re contributing to the betterment of the world, one donation at a time.

10×100 Campaign kickoff with Ashley Blanc, Executive Director of Girls Rising in March

Dropped in on Gary Weitzman, President of San Diego Humane Society and goodest girl Missy in April

Toured the San Diego Food Bank with CEO Casey Castillo in May

Enjoyed our time with Michael Halterman, Vice President of Operations of The Honor Foundation in June

Caught up with Cheryl Kilmer, Founder & CEO of TERI, Campus of Life, in July

What Lies Ahead
As we embark on the next 100 editions of CEE News and beyond, our commitment to providing you with valuable insights, actionable solutions, and stories that inspire remains unwavering. We are excited about the journey ahead and look forward to continuing to empower you on your leadership and organizational growth journey.

Thank you for being a part of the CEE News family. Your support has been the driving force behind our success, and we’re excited to see what the future holds as we continue to learn, grow, and celebrate together. Cheers to the next 100 editions and another decade of making a difference! 

Sheri Nasim | President & CEO

Welcome to the ninety-ninth issue of CEE News!

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As November unfolds marking an unquestionable change in the seasons, now is the perfect time for leaders to embrace a practice that can transform not only their own lives but also the lives of those they lead. Gratitude, often underestimated in its power, is a quality that can foster positivity, resilience, and stronger connections within your team. Consider these three ways that you can practice and model gratitude this month as a leader, and create a ripple effect of appreciation and well-being.

1. Take note. The daily crush of meetings, emails, and Teams distractions can consume even the most disciplined leader. To pierce through this noise, start a daily practice of “catching” someone doing something right. Maybe a team member showed adaptability – one of your organization’s core values – by pivoting to a change in priorities. Perhaps another covered the workload of a fellow employee who’s dealing with a bought of Covid. The more your eyes and ears catch moments like these, the more you’ll prime yourself – and find – positive ways your team is intrinsically supportive of your culture and each other.

2. Express appreciation. Don’t let an opportunity to express genuine gratitude go to waste. Make time this month to show appreciation for your team’s hard work, creativity, or dedication. Write a heartfelt note, have a one-on-one conversation, or carve out time in your team meetings for a brief gratitude circle. These gestures not only boost morale but also inspire others to adopt a similar attitude of thankfulness.

3. Give back. Leading isn’t just about managing, it’s also about serving. November is an especially easy month to engage in a volunteer activity or initiate a charitable project with your team. When leaders actively participate in supporting the community, they send a powerful message about the importance of appreciation for what they have and compassion for others.

As a leader, most everything you say and do is amplified. Take time this month to cultivate gratitude and set the stage for a more positive workplace. Setting aside time to create a culture of gratitude will help your team develop resilience that will last long after the month is over.

Sheri Nasim | President & CEO

Welcome to the ninety-eighth issue of CEE News!

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When my husband and I were driving our rental car from Hannover to Bremen, Germany, for a family wedding this summer, he used the down time to log into the last few minutes of his daily Team’s meeting. It was 3:12 p.m. in Germany (9:12 a.m. Eastern in the U.S.) I listened quietly on the car’s speaker system as one of the team members spent a few minutes sharing some interesting facts she’d learned about owls. After the owl talk, another team member took the opportunity to share that one of their employees in North Carolina had found a stray dog – he called it Founddog.

No one had answered local posts about the missing stray, and a quick trip to the vet revealed that she had not been microchipped, but that she had heart worms. The team member speaking then said that after treating Founddog for her heartworm condition, their North Carolina employee would look for a forever home for her. “The treatment costs around $1,500,” the speaker said. “If anyone would be willing to help offset the cost, I know that would be greatly appreciated.” In the closing seconds of the call, I heard “I’ll pitch in” and “Count me in” coming from several of the fully-remote participants on the call, including my husband. The speaker thanked everyone and added how proud he was of witnessing the company’s culture in action, ending the meeting on a very satisfying note.

Although my husband had told me about this team-building discipline that his employees had instituted during the last few minutes of their morning “standups”, this was the first opportunity that I’d had to listen in. As my husband answered a call from one of his managers immediately after the Team’s call, I took time to reflect.

I knew that, under my husband’s guidance as CEO, the company was on a hockey stick growth trajectory and that there were massive projects to deliver and commitments to keep. Yet, precious minutes sharing fun facts and personal updates like owl facts and the Founddog story was a way that his team had found to bridge physical distance gaps and create a common ground culture through topics outside of the day-to-day demands.

Although collaborating as a fully remote team can create challenges, setting aside time and energy on small talk can yield big benefits. I’m happy that I got the chance to experience this culture-builder in action. I’m also happy to report that Founddog’s heartworm treatment was successful and that she’ll be wagging her tail in a North Carolina-area forever home soon.

Sheri Nasim | President & CEO

Welcome to the ninety-seventh issue of CEE News!

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It’s budget season for organizations on a calendar-based fiscal year. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or first-time budget manager, submitting a budget for approval during times of economic uncertainty can be a confidence shaker. Being a budget manager isn’t just about creating a wish list and bracing for a 30% cut. It’s about being a strategic thinker and a persuasive communicator. These five questions will help you win the hearts of senior leaders and get your budget approved, even during fiscally fickle times. 

1. What are the organization’s strategic goals? Before diving into the nitty-gritty of spreadsheets and numbers, take a step back and grasp the bigger picture. Understand the organization’s strategic goals and how your budget aligns with them. When you can clearly articulate how your financial plans contribute to the overall success of the company, you’ll earn the respect and support of senior leaders.
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2. Who are the key decision makers? Knowing the lay of the land is crucial. Identify the key decision-makers in your organization, especially those with the final say on budget approvals. Take the time to understand their priorities and tailor your budget proposal to address their needs, where possible. Winning hearts can be just as important as crunching numbers.
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3. What are the major cost drivers? As a budget manager, you’re not just a number cruncher. You’re also a detective. Dive into the data to identify the major cost drivers in your organization. Understanding where the money is going will help you make informed decisions and justify your budget allocations to senior leaders. It’s all about making your case with solid evidence.
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4. Where can we save money? Let’s face it – everyone loves cost-saving superheroes. Look for opportunities to negotiate with vendors and suppliers for better pricing on products and services and document the savings in your proposed budget. This can result in significant savings over time and demonstrate your dedication to saving the organization’s resources.
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5. What’s Plan B? Life is unpredictable, and budgets are no exception. Senior leaders appreciate budget managers who are prepared for unforeseen circumstances. So, create a Plan B – a contingency plan that outlines how you’ll handle unexpected challenges or changes in the financial landscape. Having a backup strategy shows your ability to think ahead and adapt to any situation.

By asking these five questions and incorporating the answers into your budget proposal, you’ll improve the odds of getting the resources you need to help your organization meet the challenges of the coming year.

Sheri Nasim | President & CEO

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