Now that it's a new year, I'm thinking about what I'm looking forward to in 2023 that will bring meaning and purpose to my work. Besides connecting with others in meaningful ways, here are five things that I'm excited about in the coming 12 months:
1. Conferences
I love going to conferences. It's where I see people that I've known for years and meet new people. I also have fun, learn a lot, and come back energized.
Those that I plan to attend for sure in 2023 are: Environments for Aging in April, NeoCon in June, and Healthcare Design Expo + Conference in November.
2. Speaking
My very first speaking gig was years ago when I was an associate editor at Contract magazine. I was on a panel with other editors talking about how to get published.
At 26 years old, I was the youngest of the group, uncomfortable and nervous to be up in front of a crowd. My voice wavered and I broke out in a sweat.
Since then, I've spoken to groups hundreds of times and have much more confidence and skill. I enjoy it tremendously.
So, I'm pursuing some speaking gigs in 2023 and some are pursuing me. Check out some of my presentation topics.
3. New Clients/New Projects
Every year brings new clients and new projects, for which I'm grateful. And when it comes to new clients/new projects, I always consider these seven things:
- Integrity. Are these clients good people? Do I respect and like them? Do they respect and like me?
- Growth. Is there an opportunity to learn something new?
- Relationship. What's the potential for a long-term relationship?
- Synergy. Does the project/work fit with the other projects/work I'm doing? Is it in my wheelhouse?
- Efficient. If there are travel requirements, are they reasonable? How are they at working remotely?
- Timing. Can I fit this into my current workload? Are the deadlines reasonable?
- Excitement. Does the project/work seem exciting? Will it in three months?
4. Helping CADRE Have Greater Impact
Last spring, I joined the board of this small nonprofit research organization. In case you didn't know, CADRE is a non-profit founded by a global design firm HKS to advance design research and evaluation on the societal impact of the built environment.
And while I don't think I've contributed much so far, I'm looking forward to using my marketing skills and nonprofit management experience to help CADRE have a greater impact.
5. New Reports and Research
There's so much good stuff being produced by really smart people in the healthcare and senior living design industry. And I'm sure we'll see more of it in 2023.
In the meantime, in no particular order, here is some good stuff that was published in 2022:
- Clinic 20xx Refresh Report: An updated report from CADRE that explores what patients and physicians want from primary care in the post-COVID era.
- Behavioral and Mental Health Room Interactive Diagram: Latest resource from The Center for Health Design linking research and best practice knowledge in a cool interactive format.
- Healthcare Design Guide: A detailed summary of the key phases of designing a hospital from HOK's Andrew Ibrahim and colleagues.
- Changing Perspective -- Transforming Work Spaces in Senior Living: A comprehensive examination from Perkins Eastman of the untapped design possibilities that can better support senior living worker needs, health, safety, and holistic wellness.
- The New Map of Life -- 100 Years to Thrive: A report from the Stanford Center on Longevity identifies ways to enhance the quality of life for those living to 100 or more.
- Investing in Health Pays Back: A research review from the International Well Building Institute summarizes the growing body of knowledge behind the business case for buildings that promote human health and well-being.
What are you looking forward to in 2023? Leave a comment in the box below.
P.S. Please do me a favor -- if you liked this post and like this blog, please share it with others by sending them the link or posting it on your Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Also, don't forget to subscribe, so you'll get emails when new content is posted. Thanks!
