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February 2025 |
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Hello
Now that it's the new year, I hope you looked back, looked forward, defined a plan, and are now implementing it. The best way to predict the future, even amidst uncertainty, is to create it. Learn about my strategies below. Let's start a conversation (at no fee) and brainstorm about taking you and your organization to new heights. See me in action! Take a look and like this short video on how I can be the catalyst for your extraordinary results.
Manage Uncertainty in 2025!
In the February 2025 Newsletter New to receiving this newsletter? You can subscribe or unsubscribe anytime. Navigate Uncertainty: Strategies for Resilience and Success
Uncertainty is the state of being uncertain. It's defined as not known or definite, not able to be relied on, not completely confident or sure of something. Uncertainty in business arises from various sources, including market volatility, regulatory changes, geopolitical tensions, and even unexpected crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires. These uncertainties can create significant challenges, but they also present opportunities for those who can adapt quickly and strategically. Read below how I dealt with the pandemic as State CIO. In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, uncertainty has become the norm rather than the exception. Leaders must navigate an unpredictable environment while maintaining stability and growth. The ability to effectively manage uncertainty is now a critical skill for businesses seeking long-term success. Key Strategies for Managing Uncertainty
My Story The COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020 when I was CIO of the State of Colorado. It was a time of great uncertainty. My organization, the Governor's Office of Information Technology, had to be flexible and agile. While staying true to the OIT purpose, "Together, we enhance the lives of all Coloradans," we pivoted to address pandemic challenges. Most of the state's 33,000-person workforce had to go remote. We launched a task force, made data-driven decisions, and quickly created a plan. We drafted remote work guidelines and deployed personal computers, VPN services, conferencing capabilities, and more. We modified the plan in real time as needs evolved. We had to innovate. For example, to handle contact tracing and public health inquiries, we diversified our services and set up seven new cloud-based call centers in a matter of days. We worked to ensure that critical systems, such as unemployment compensation, could meet the huge new traffic loads and comply with ever-changing federal requirements. We knew from our past efforts that if we worked together as an engaged team with the other departments, we would help the state survive and thrive. We did! Summary While uncertainty in business is inevitable, companies that develop adaptive strategies and a resilient mindset will be best positioned for sustainable success. By staying agile, leveraging data, diversifying operations, engaging stakeholders, fostering innovation, reflecting on past successes, and pursuing their purpose, organizations can not only survive but thrive in an unpredictable world. Selected Events February 14, 2025. Happy Valentine's Day. It's time to love you. Be kind to yourself. Spread love and light to others. The world needs this. February 27, 2025. Extending Healthspan: Living better, not just longer. By Julie Thenell, BS/MS/NC/BCHN/CDSP. 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM MT. At the Boulder Rural Fire Rescue, 6320 Lookout Road, Boulder. Register now for free. Be on the lookout for Theresa's upcoming full-day workshop — Chart Your Course: Strategic Leadership Workshop for Business Growth. Let's Talk About Helping You Soar See Theresa in action helping organizations. Theresa's engaging presence, original stories, actionable insights, humor, wide-ranging experiences, and practical pointers have earned her top speaker and consultant rankings at many conferences and events. Let 'the catalyst for extraordinary results' help you and your organization thrive. Programs include speaking, facilitating, coaching, board service, and consulting. Learn more at TMSworld.com and see a sample of Theresa's speaking programs. Reach out and let's brainstorm, at no fee, on how to build your success strategies. As Shawn Parker of Elder Outreach said, "I love how engaging and actionable your session was! I've been looking for a session like this for a long time!" Emily Jarvis at GovLoop said, "Of all the keynoters I've worked with, Theresa is among the best."
Theresa M. Szczurek, Ph.D. Pass it on. Feel free to share this newsletter, using my name and copyright declaration, with your colleagues. |
 Theresa M. Szczurek, Ph.D.
Technology and Management Solutions
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