As we take a moment to reflect on our time here at GRIT and settle into the changes in leadership, we asked the GRIT team to share their heartfelt thoughts. Find out what everyone had to say about their favorite memory of working with Julie to celebrate how far we’ve come and read their nuggets of wisdom for Lissa (and Julie, too!) as the new journeys unfold.
ABBY
What is your favorite memory of working with Julie?
I look back with gratitude on so many times I learned from Julie, was encouraged by her, comforted by her, and so many ways she shaped who I am as a team member, marketer, mom, and friend – but what really makes me smile are the car trip adventures, from blindly following GPS to near train collisions and lots of laughs.
What would you like Lissa to know as she embarks on her new leadership journey?
I am so incredibly proud of Lissa and excited for what lies ahead. It has truly been an honor working with her for all these years and I have the utmost confidence in her vision for GRIT for the future.
BETSY
What is your favorite memory of working with Julie?
I absolutely love Julie’s humor! The social events she organized for the team were always wonderful as well. She really cares about the company culture and made sure that everyone had balance and flexibility with their work and home life. Thank you for everything, Julie!
What would you like Lissa to know as she embarks on her new leadership journey?
Taking on a new role has its own learning curve and having a good team can help make it smooth. I am here to help in any way I can.
CASEY
What is your favorite memory of working with Julie?
How much fun she brought to the team every day of the week! She just keeps it real and as much as she would talk business and lead as the president in all the necessary ways, she also made sure we all felt comfortable and close-knit like a family so we could open up with one another, too. She created a great balance in the GRIT working environment!
What would you like Lissa to know as she embarks on her new leadership journey?
I’ve always admired Lissa’s work ethic and character; she is just genuinely a great leader with a good heart. I know that, with her leadership and this team, there is so much potential for GRIT, and it’s exciting and an honor to work for her.
DEVON
What is your favorite memory of working with Julie?
Julie really believes in the team, and she always had our backs – that will be the most important memory for me. But she set the tone for GRIT, and we always felt like we had the ability to joke around with each other. I love that, too. My favorite memory, though, is taking her parking spot whenever I could!
What would you like Lissa to know as she embarks on her new leadership journey?
Although some of it is new territory for Lissa, she still has the same great team that she still not only gets to work with, but also is able to lead now. I’m excited to see the next evolution of GRIT!
KAYLEE
What is your favorite memory of working with Julie?
My favorite memory of working with Julie would be her stories on our morning calls. Julie is very transparent and gives all the details, so she always gave everyone a good laugh to start the day.
What would you like Lissa to know as she embarks on her new leadership journey?
Lissa is kind and thoughtful. She has only been leading the GRIT team for five months and has already gone out of her way to show her appreciation for us (e.g., sending us gift cards to our favorite restaurants). This consideration for both her employees and clients will take her far on her new leadership journey!
VICTORIA
What is your favorite memory of working with Julie?
Julie makes every meeting fun for her team and for her clients. I remember my first check-in Teams meeting with everyone as a newbie being pleasantly taken aback by Julie’s blunt, open-book approach. I never fail to get a chuckle out of her filter-less candid comments and how warmly everyone receives them. Julie is always 100% authentic and fearless when she shares a story or just reflects on a moment.
What would you like Lissa to know as she embarks on her new leadership journey?
We’re all rooting for Lissa to succeed, because she’s the perfect person to lead us forward while preserving the company culture Julie nurtured. Don’t get too bogged down in the weeds, though – make time to see the forest for the trees, check in with everyone on the regular to be sure we’re all playing to our strengths for the greater good!
MALLORY
At the time of this blog publication, Mallory is out on maternity leave with her second bundle of joy! Out of respect for her time with her family, we declined to ask her these questions. We will gladly update her responses upon her return! Congratulations, Mallory!
JULIE
What is your favorite memory of working with the GRIT team?
There are too many to share, honestly. Each team member over the years impacted me in ways they will never fully realize. I learned from each of them (maybe sometimes the learning came after they left) and each person who worked for me played a significant role in me becoming a better leader. That appreciation and all the laughter is what I will remember most.
What would you like Lissa to know as she embarks on her new leadership journey?
Listen to understand first. Ask questions to understand their viewpoint before responding. Remember, they are not you. They will not approach any situation the same way you do because they may not have all the information available or be looking at it from the same viewpoint.
LISSA
What is your favorite memory of working with Julie?
There are so many great memories over the last 13 years, so I tried not to overthink it. Julie brings the fun and keeps it interesting – always! Those are my most fond memories by far. I’ll never forget the day, very early on, when we were still Moxie, and our offices were still on N. George St. We were working away in our office, and she walks in after what was probably a long client meeting, grabbed a Diet Coke from the mini fridge, cracked it and took a swig. Then, she proceeded to lay down in the middle of the floor, spread out like she was about to make a snow angel. We laughed and chatted about her meeting and the events of the day. It was in some ways a simpler time, but regardless of how much older and wiser we all are (ha!), Julie will always be one of the “funnest” people I’ve ever worked with and called friend.
What would you like Julie to know as she embarks on her new journey?
She is always welcome to jump in on a morning check-in! I mean that figuratively and literally, too. What I’m saying is, Julie, you will always be a part of this team. ❤️