Behind the Scenes of Rise and Thrive: From Surviving to Thriving
In the face of adversity, innovation often emerges as a beacon of hope. Rise & Thrive, an internal webcast series that was born during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, epitomizes this spirit of resilience and adaptation. Serving as the moderator, I have witnessed its evolution into a groundbreaking platform celebrating over 100 episodes and still going strong.
Initially conceived as a solution to provide managers with timely information, Rise & Thrive swiftly transformed into a vital conduit for disseminating crucial updates, new offers, processes, and insights to our teams during the uncertainty of the pandemic's early days.
The journey was not without its challenges. From tech rehearsal nightmares to missing presenters and disgruntled viewers, every episode became a testament to perseverance and teamwork. Despite the hurdles, Rise & Thrive persisted, celebrating more than 100 episodes and over three years of broadcasting.
Behind the scenes, Rise & Thrive operates like a well-oiled machine. Meticulously planned show flows, rigorous tech checks, and speaker preparations are the norm. Yet, amidst the professionalism, there’s an air of camaraderie and authenticity, exemplified by phrases like "don't touch the purple buttons," "we go where the conversation takes us,” “no last-minute changes!” and the memorable “next slide, Julie.”
Central to the success of Rise & Thrive was its unwavering dedication to our operations teams. Working closely with subject matter experts, the initiative tirelessly advocated for the needs of those in the field, distilling complex information into actionable insights and simple resources, fostering a sense of community and support.
Our production crew, Susan Engel , Chuck Fiacco , and Karl Stein , played pivotal roles in driving the initiative forward. Co-founders William Yaglou , Brigette Philpot , and Jim Kissinger laid the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of Sodexo's communication strategy. And of course, none of it would have been possible without our loyal viewers, whose unwavering support fueled our efforts.
Rise & Thrive transcended its original purpose, spawning spin-off initiatives like Lead & Thrive and Connect & Thrive, becoming a symbol of inspiration and empowerment. It became clear that its impact extended far beyond the confines of the screen, embodying the values of Sodexo and helping people make a difference.
Rise & Thrive is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and community. It has shown that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope, waiting to be transformed into something beautiful. As we look to the future, we carry with us the lessons learned from Rise & Thrive, knowing that together, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way.
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