Bettermeant

Imagine leaving a successful corporate career at Nike because you are so compelled to help leaders and workplaces thrive. Imagine starting a company not because you wanted to start a company, but because you saw a need for support the modern workforce requires to be successful, happy, and free from burnout - and knew you could help in an interesting and innovative way. Imagine scaling that company, not for the sake of growth, but to help more people and reduce waitlists. Imagine impacting the lives of thousands in our community and beyond through your work. And now, imagine being honored as one of the top 40 under 40 in our local community, not just for the work and impact, but for the genuine care you bring and who you are. Congratulations to Sarah Walton, my amazing business partner at Bettermeant, on the recognition you so deserve. I'm grateful that we get to build this incredible company together, continually learning and growing side by side.

Here are our final 10 40 Under 40 Honorees! Elizabeth Remley, Partner, Thorn Run Partners Allison Reynolds, Partner, Stoel Rives LLP Angela Rico, Senior Policy Advisor, City of Portland, Office of Commissioner Rubio Eric Seifert, CPA, MAcc, Partner, Aldrich Nicholas Skourtes, VP, Willamette Dental Group Elias Stahl, Co-Founder & CEO, HILOS Rachel Tarver, CPA, Business Assurance Senior Manager, Moss Adams Chabre Vickers, Director of Equity, Policy, and Communications, Prosper Portland Sarah Walton, Founder & Chief Bettermeant Officer, Bettermeant Brenda Weiler, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief of Staff, Life Flight Network Help us congratulate these outstanding individuals, register for the awards event on July 11: https://lnkd.in/grpshBPG

Nike is laying off another 2% of staff today, Intel Corporation just went through their layoffs. Jennifer Gruetzner and I earned our stripes at Nike and Intel so we want to give back to anyone impacted (from other companies as well). We have heard from many alums that they want to offer support, so we're here to offer support, but also to connect you. If you're looking to lend a hand or seeking assistance, click the link below to access resources or offer support. In the prior round of Nike layoffs, I offered support which led to so many wonderful conversations, workshops, coaching, and friendships. Here are some things i learned, observed, or that others had shared: Embrace the full spectrum of emotions. It's okay to feel excitement one day and fear the next. Being kind to yourself through this process is crucial. For many, job loss has sparked excitement for new opportunities. It's a chance to pursue passions that truly ignite their soul. Some are venturing into entrepreneurship, leveraging their skills and networks to embark on new ventures—from writing books to starting businesses. It can be isolating. Connecting with others who've experienced similar challenges provides invaluable support. Many have discovered new hobbies or routines, carving out time for activities they previously neglected. Remember, you're not alone. We're here to support you every step of the way. Reach out if you need assistance or share this message with those who could benefit. Our resources are made available free or at a discounted rate, thanks to the generous support of the bettermeant fund. https://lnkd.in/g5pFq7Ty

Today I turn 39. Below are my learnings, reminders, and lessons from the year. If you're reading this it's because you played some role, big or small in this past year, and for that, I'm incredibly grateful, so thank you. 1. Don't be nice, be kind. Nice is fake - comfortable in the moment, but kind is real and honest and if we want depth in our connections and relationships it comes from kindness, not niceness. 2. Don't confuse carrying for people as caring for people - their sh*t is theirs - show up, listen and help, but don't take their sh*t as yours it burdens you and enables them. 3. We are heavily influenced by the five people we spend the most time with - make sure you're swimming in the right pond. 4. Anxiety and angst can be measured as the space between our reality and our expectations - sometimes our expectations need to change (hello high achievers). Still, sometimes we need to change our reality. 5. So many people strive for perfection, but in reality, we don't like perfect people - just be good enough and get better, but never perfect. 6. Don't forget that time is the real currency, everything else is noise. 7. We put a lot of pressure and importance on milestones (promotions, ages, making $x) that sometimes we forget 99.9% of life is lived between the destinations. Enjoy the journey. 8. Zoom out often - if something feels big at the moment, ask yourself if it'll still matter in 1 month. 1 Year? 10 Years? Based on your answer proceed accordingly. 9. Productive and busy are not the same thing. Be productive, not busy. 10. If it's too mean to say to someone else out loud it's too mean to say to yourself between your ears. 11. Treat everyone like they're going through something because everyone is, whether they tell you or not, and you have the opportunity to help them or burden them, choose wisely. 12. Take time to process - a lot gets thrown at us in a day and if we don't make sense of it a little at a time little things become bigger than they need to be. 13. We don't control other people and we can't change other people, but we do control our reaction and response to other people. Work to receive people and situations differently and your life will change. 14. Don't personalize things that don't need personalizing - feedback about a problem or a situation is much easier to take on than when we over-personalize and make it about us or our worth - it might actually just be about the document. 15. The world will take from you as much as you are willing to give. It's your job to have boundaries and not expect the world to set them for you. 16. In a world of fakes, bots, and AI; be real. Be authentic. Be you. The more time you spend being you, the more comfortable you'll feel. The world needs more of the real you. Trust me. Here's to another year of growth, laughter, and connection. Love, Sarah