Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1464710
"Best Ideas & Key Philosophies" from 2020 Business Leaders of the Year this fast-paced world it is even more critical to be succinct in all communications – I always recall an author's excuse for writing a 20 page letter instead of a 5 page letter because he did not have the time to write the shorter more concise letter. Brevity and clarity takes a bit more time, but it ultimately saves time for all. • Teamwork – teamwork is at the heart of all that we do at GRLA and it is always more successful when all of the team is on the same page. Check in with staff on a regular basis to ensure that they understand the what and the why of their part of the project and clarify on an ongoing basis. We value great teamwork skills very highly. • Community Involvement – as architects we become very connected to our clients and their respective communities through the design work that we do. We also become connected to our community through the work we do with local clients and non- profits in our community. GRLA has a long-term commitment to assisting non-profits to support the important work that they do in our community. I am currently the chair of the United Way of Tri-County Board and support them in any way that I can as they play a key role in this area and especially in the critical aspect of food security. • Social Justice – I am passionate about improving the social justice aspects of this country. We have come a long way since the 1600's but we still have a long way to go to recognize people of color as equals and with equal rights for other minorities. I support the Equal Justice Initiative out of Montgomery for the incredible work that they do to free wrongly imprisoned people and work tirelessly to improve the criminal justice system in the USA. • Climate Change – I have been committed to focusing on the world climate crises we have to deal with and am thankful that it is finally getting the exposure that is needed to help solve this crisis. I am a trained speaker of Al Gore's Climate Reality Project and speak on climate reality at various community groups, colleges and industry events. Our GRLA team is equally focused on designing the very best and sustainable projects for our clients. This is a critical problem we all need to fix for our children's children to enjoy a sustainable planet again. • Optimism and Humor – I am usually accused of being the eternal optimist but that is what gets me through every day – I usually can see the upside of any situation and I am always striving for a positive solution for all. And of course, last but not least is to always keep your sense of humor and don't take yourself too seriously – laugh, have fun and get the job done along the way. • Quote – one of my favorite moral compass quotes is by FDR – "the test of our progress is not whether we add to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether we provide for those that have little." Local Business News Worcester Business Journal WBJ Reliable news to your inbox every weekday. SIGN UP HERE >> wbjournal.com/enewsletters