Joseph Milana’s Post

This photo doesn’t do the last few days justice. Conferences(Assemble Holidays would be a more appropriate name) often seem to come at a time when you don’t want to be away from your desk etc. BUT wowee was it great to let the hair down over the last few days, get to know people from our sister businesses better and to get the “good oil” from some of the best in the business about what’s helped them be successful in business and to build successful businesses. The common denominators were the importance of hiring good people, with shared values, who will add to an already great culture, be kind and to provide opportunity. Look forward to the next one.

Today marks my 4th anniversary at United Petfood ; what a journey it has been so far! I am truly thankful to all my colleagues and business partners I met along the way for the learning curve they gave me. It is all of you that shape an environment that inspires me and motivates me to do a little better every single day. I wanted to reflect on the past 4 years and share my 4 main learnings with you: 1. Put 80% of your energy in exploiting your strengths and only 20% in improving your weaknesses. Why water the weakest plant if its neighbor is showing strength and resilience? By investing in your strengths, you work towards becoming an asset instead of aiming for sevens in all areas. Besides you have a team to cover your 20. 2. Always strive to avoid stagnation. 'Stilstaan is achteruit gaan' as Flemish modesty would put it. We mustn't rest on our laurels in times of a flat sea. Instead putting our energy and resources in anticipating next waves, moves, possible scenarios and optimizing formations. In good times, seeds are planted for even more fruitful times. 3. Create a circular support base. Moving countries 3 times over 4 years, United Petfood forced me to grab on to the essence of a thriving business: a Team. Set your service mindset 'on', put others first and build relationships. Without having a platform, you are the only one hearing your voice. 4. Contrasting is no criticism, it's being critical. Kids are non-stop asking their parents 'why?' - why is the sky blue and why can planes fly? We should keep asking those questions and contrast any opinion. Don't adopt all information that is given to you without being critical. And in the mindset of staying curious: What would be your takeaways? 👇

🥁🥁 Drum Roll, please... Milestone completed... It's official... We are now 1 year old. It has been an interesting journey of learning, experience, gratitude and discovery. Our year has been as diverse as it has been challenging: - We helped businesses with their Environmental Permit compliance - We engaged in the development of a Horizon scanning tool for Environmental Tax impacts - We helped 15+ businesses with calculating their carbon footprint and define plans to reduce their impact - We forged strong and meaningful relationships with service providers to complement our service offering, allowing our and their clients to benefit from a more holistic and client centric approach to their needs and expectations. So, in summary: What an amazing year. We were positively surprised with the reception and impact that our business has made on local, national and international clients and can't wait to celebrate more milestones ahead with all of you. Time now to crack open the Lemonade and toast our first birthday... 🥂

As I prepare to spread my wings and explore new horizons, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible journey I've had at Owton's. 🙏 Here are some reflections: 🚀 **Learning Beyond Boundaries:** Owton's has been my classroom, my playground, and my launchpad. From tackling complex problems to understanding behavior, I've stretched my mind and skills. Thank you for providing an environment where curiosity thrives. 🌱 **Growth in Every Pixel:** Like a pixel in a high-resolution image, each day at Owton's contributed to my growth. Whether it was tackling a new problem or honing my project management skills, I've evolved in ways I couldn't have imagined. 🌐 **Navigating Challenges:** Owton's isn't just about sunny days; it's about weathering storms together. The challenges we faced—whether it was a tight deadline or a techincal issue —have shaped me. Thank you to my colleagues for being my compass during those times. 🙌 **Colleagues Turned Friends:** To my colleagues—thank you for being more than coworkers. You're my friends, my confidantes, and my cheerleaders. Our coffee breaks, lunchtime banter are etched in my memory forever. 🙏 **To Owton's:** You're not just a company; you're a community. Thank you for believing in me, challenging me, and celebrating with me. I leave with a heart full of memories and a mind eager for what lies ahead.

Last Friday, November 17th, was National Hiking Day! Hiking provides a fun way to get some exercise, improve one’s mental health, and learn about the local plant and animal species. Being a great form of cardio, hiking can help reduce the risk of heart disease, lowers blood pressure, combats diabetes, improves sleep, and helps build strong muscles and bones! Not only does hiking improve one’s physical health, but it may also improve one’s mental health. Exercise allows for the release of endorphins that increase one’s sensitivity to serotonin and norepinephrine which can help ease feelings of depression. Additionally, immersing oneself in the outdoors can increase attention-span and problem-solving skills. Another great benefit of hiking is the ability to learn about the endless plant and animal species all around us. Learning about the distinct ecosystems that surround us gives us a unique perspective on our environment. You can learn about how each plant and animal species affect one another, how certain habitats came to be, and how indigenous tribes have learned to use what is around them to survive. A great way to do this is by joining OCH in one of our guided hikes where we will take you through a trail to learn all about these topics! You can check out our website at OC Habitats | Habitat Conservation Nonprofit | California to take a look into our upcoming guided hikes and sign up! Post Creator: Ellis Waterman-OCH Intern Photo Credits: OCH Interns/Staff Sources: 9 Benefits of Hiking – Cleveland Clinic Mind & Body: What Hiking Does for Your Mental and Physical Health — Washington Trails Association (wta.org)

Since the earliest days of Black Tomato, we’ve brought together an ever-growing, incomparably curious team of travel fanatics – who share a genuine passion for delivering remarkable travel experiences for our clients.    Between us, we’ve got the world at our fingertips.    This is the fourth of five things that shape who we are. To discover the others, head below. https://lnkd.in/gpbFYCNn

Congratulations to Clint Callahan (Parks Drilling Company Inc.,) for celebrating his first year with Vistage Worldwide, Inc. Chief Executive Group 4826. We both agreed it certainly doesn't seem like a year since we met but the calendar doesn't lie! We look forward to celebrating with the rest of the group who could not join us and were sorely missed...Ranjith Yengoti, Monica Varrasso, Carrie Boyd, Stokes McIntyre, Michael Simpson, John Bassett, Mike Nemeth, and David Jarvis. It is amazing to witness the growth of these relentless leaders and the depth of the relationships result from doing this work...that really doesn't feel like work. We were speaking to a prospective member yesterday and she shared that part of the challenge in reaching a decision was overcoming the guilt she would feel if she invested the time and money to join the group. Several members responded to her concern by suggesting she entertain a different cognitive frame. When leader's invest in their own development, it enables them to create a better world for those they care deeply about...starting at home. I believe they were right on target. The foundation of leading a meaningful and impactful life is to: 1. Take care of your own physical, cognitive, and emotional fitness because you can't pour from any empty cup. 2. Attend to and deepen your relationships with your family and friends because those people should get "what's left over". 3. Pour into your people and business because if you take care of #1 and #2, then your cup will literally be running over. I have seen this play out over and over again over the past 9 years. Once someone begins taking care of themselves and those they care deeply about, the work comes almost effortlessly. The reason is perspective. They re-orient their life and begin to care less about work which, paradoxically, enables them to do their very best. It is simple but certainly not easy and it all starts with being surrounded by like-minded individuals who bring out the very best in each other. In my groups we give what we can and get what we need. Don't take my word for it...ask Clint Callahan;) #vistage #peertopeersupport #peerlearning #mindsetmatters #humility #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipmindset #strategicadvisory #strategicthinking #wintheday #overcomeadversity #learningjourney #learningleaders #thrivetogether #leadingwithpurpose

We buy things we don't need, with money we don't have, to impress people we don't like." In the business world, we often find ourselves trapped in a cycle of production and consumption, constantly striving to create products that cater to the desires of our consumers. No wonder so many people have a hard time finding meaning to life. As industry leaders we have to constantly remind ourselves of trying to do better and for a greater purpose. We have a responsibility to promote mindful products and sustainable practices. Our focus should be on creating products and services that genuinely enhance the lives of our stakeholders , rather than perpetuating a culture of unnecessary excess. It is not about impressing others or keeping up with societal expectations, but rather about fulfilling genuine needs and contributing to overall well-being. As we move forward, let's challenge ourselves to reevaluate our business strategies. Let's prioritize creating a culture that values quality over quantity, sustainability over disposability, and real needs over perceived wants. True success is not measured by material possessions, but by the positive impact we make. Happy 6 years anniversary to us @ white avenue real estate

INTERPRETING A SIMPLE LOOKING EQUATION There is a simple looking equation: A + B = Y where A = Present age (in years) B = Year of birth Y = Present year You can check it out. This equation is true for all living beings. This is a linear equation with a slope of -1 and inclination of 135 degrees. Here A is assumed along y axis and B along x axis. Y is the intercept. Thus all the living beings (left side of the equation) are connected through this equation to a central figure Y. That is why celebrating every year together is like celebrating life on earth. I will therefore suggest an entirely new and interesting design of a new year message: HAPPY NEW YEAR A + B = Y CELEBRATING LIFE ON PLANET EARTH

When you can feel the breath of Christmas on your neck, you know it's time to end the year strong. Would you be willing to do it with a ROAR? Our last #CULTUREBites of the year is IN PERSON (and on Zoom) on 21 November, and this is your chance to sit at the Table with our Conversation Leader, Simon Duffy, Executive Director at Taronga Zoo Sydney. You get to ask Simon the questions you want answered, share your thoughts, and connect with others who are leaders and learners just like you. Together, we'll explore how Simon and his team infuse purpose into every aspect of Zoo life and navigate the complexities of running a business true to its values, one with such diverse roles that it's like running a small town. It's a unique workplace focused on conservation, sustainability and the environment, and which, to its 4,000+ animals, is a home, a school, a nursery, a dating service, the first line of defence, and the last resort. It's guaranteed to be thought-provoking, inspiring and practical, with ideas you can take back to your workplace and implement. So, for a chance to connect in person at Taronga's incredible harbourside location - or join the conversation via Zoom - from 12-2pm (Sydney time), grab your seat for the last #CULTUREBites of 2023 here: https://lnkd.in/fzaBwBS Kirsty Lisa Warren Max Charlie Hannah Caroline Martin Emily Matija Leonie Angèle Heather Vanessa Megan RUBEN Louise Danielle Mariane Marian Jennifer Sarah Jack Benjamin Rachael Chantelle Trent Harriet Tony Bernie Kylie Liana Reshmi Julie Lee Jo Cameron saima Olga #changingchange #2mmshift #leadership #companyculture #purpose #culturechange #culture #transformation #values #diversity #conversation #conservation