2018 to 2024... it's been an amazing ride!

I told my mum that Resolute turns 6 today. Her response? "Really? That's gone fast." I wholeheartedly agree! We have some important gratitude to share:

• For our clients. We literally would not exist without the people who hire us!
• For our allies and advocates. These people don't give us money, they give us something at least as precious - they trust us with their reputations, endorsing our work and building our reach.
• For our partners. Working with you allows us to stay in our zone of excellence, providing broad and coordinated services for our clients without diminishing quality.

Resolute thanks every one of you.

I have some personal thanks as well. Many people believed in me before I had proven a thing, and I am so grateful. My parents, John and Sue Simper, have provided a sounding board from before Day One. My husband, Stefan Kozlowski, provides unequivocal support and unfailing belief in my abilities. My son, Ben Hoffschneider, has always had confidence in this endeavor and sometimes even works with me for facilitation and training engagements. Many dear friends provide invaluable support, but those four are my foundation. Thank you!

When I was planning for the company, I called together a group of trusted advisors. Six years (and a pandemic) later, those relationships have ebbed and flowed, but I think often of the wisdom shared that evening. When I went back through the archive, I was also proud of something I did: I asked for help. My amazing (business) friends delivered, but first, there had to be an ask.

Specifically, I sent an email titled A two-pronged "big ask" to my trusted advisors and opened with "I'm writing to you as someone I trust and respect - both personally and professionally - with an ask for both your time and your counsel." I went on to outline exactly what I needed, and the structure of the evening I was asking them to join. Most people said yes, and off we went. Asking is hard. It takes confidence and humility. It also strengthens relationships and builds community. I strongly recommend giving it a try!

May each of you have the partners and cheerleaders you need for your success, and may you be brave enough to ask them for help,

Joanna (Hoffschneider) Kozlowski

Founder, Resolute Consulting LLC

The intentional close | The purposeful open

In 2024, my focus is to savor. Slow down, consolidate, relish... smell the roses! What's your year "in a word"? (we really would like to know)

At our client and friend appreciation workshop earlier in December, we challenged participants to capture their year "in a word". It was difficult! After several exercises, we revisited the challenge. While it wasn't easier, it was more considered and less reactive. Participants were surprised at the shift!

Many of us suffer from recency bias, putting undue emphasis on how the year closed rather than giving balanced consideration to the year as a whole. A structured review can mitigate this risk, allowing for a fuller picture. We played with different lenses through which to consider the year, giving due attention to the complex relationships, needs, and identities we each hold. It was fun, thought-provoking, and deemed worthy of repeating annually. If you would like to be invited to 2024's program, please drop us a line. And, if you're planning ahead, pop a hold on your calendar for Thursday, December 12th!

Our 2024 Partnerships

We deeply appreciate professional associations and partner with them in many ways. This year we're proudly working with, sponsoring, and/or a member of:

• Commercial Real Estate Women, Washington DC Chapter (CREW DC)
• ​Ellevate Network​
• ​Innovation Women​
• The Structural Engineering Association, Metropolitan Washington Chapter, Structural Engineering Engagement and Equity, Structural Engineering Education and Development (SEED) Mentorship Program (SEA-MW SE3 SEED)
• The Society for Marketing Professional Services, DC (SMPS DC) and Maryland Chapters (SMPS Maryland)

Upcoming programming

• 1/23/24 | CREW DC | Shaping your own success - Self-Advocacy in Every Decade of Your Career | A high-engagement panel discussion.
• 1/25/24 | SMPS MD GROW Conference | Owning Your Seat at the Table - Senior Marketers as Internal Consultants |This half-day conference is an action-packed opportunity to connect and learn. We're looking forward to leading a robust discussion about how to make a difference as a marketing leader.

We're also facilitating a leadership retreat, supporting a professional association with a mentorship program, and delivering corporate training. We'd love to talk about how we can help you, and we're currently scheduling a minimum of four weeks out. If you're interested in professional development for your company or industry association email us to learn more about Resolute's approach.

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©2023 Resolute Consulting LLC | www.resoluteconsulting.co I 301 873 9481