Reflecting on the Year and Honoring Those Close to Our Hearts​

As we finish yet another year (where does the time go?), it invites us to pause and reflect—a chance to look back on all we’ve accomplished, the challenges we’ve faced, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. For Talents ASCEND it’s been a rebuilding year of sorts. Turning five last year, we needed to step back and see where we wanted to go for the next five years. Now another year later, we are grateful to celebrate the victories, big and small, that have brought us to where we are now, and to acknowledge the resilience that has carried us through the trials we’ve encountered. We close out my Founder Friday series with 102 episodes that took us from the very beginning of the idea for a skills-based hiring platform to six and a half years later, over 200 businesses served and thousands of candidate matches. None of which would be possible without our amazing team. ​

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This season is also an opportunity to look forward, to set our sights on the opportunities of the year ahead with hope and determination. Whether it’s in our personal lives, professional endeavors, or commitments to our communities, a new year brings the promise of fresh starts and renewed energy. We kick off the new podcast ASCENDing Beyond Barriers in January with an overwhelming response. We have great guests lined up through mid-May. ASCENDing Beyond Barriers is an inspiring podcast dedicated to showcasing the remarkable journeys of small business founders who have faced and overcome significant challenges on their path to success. Each episode delves into the personal stories of entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, highlighting their unique experiences, struggles, and triumphs.​

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Setting that glee aside, this time of reflection is incomplete without remembering those who cannot celebrate with us. We honor the loved ones who are no longer with us, whose presence and memories continue to shape our lives. Their absence during the holidays reminds us to cherish the moments we share with those we hold dear and to carry forward their legacy in our actions. For me personally, I lost someone who taught me the meaning of unconditional love. My Aunt who I called Mom, protected me throughout my entire life. She was the first investor in my company and believed in me 1000%. She passed away in February, rather suddenly and while no one is ever fully prepared for a loss, this one devastated me. I am still grieving and my encouragement to others who are also grieving and about to have a Christmas with an empty seat at the table, give yourself grace. Cry when you need to as the tears represent your love. Let it out and take care of you.​

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Equally important is acknowledging the sacrifices of those who serve. Across the world, many brave men and women in uniform are deployed, unable to celebrate with their families. Their commitment and courage allow us the freedoms and security we often take for granted. Their absence from home during this special time of year is a profound reminder of the cost of their service. ​

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As we step into the new year, let’s carry with us the values of gratitude, unity, and hope. Let’s honor the sacrifices of those who have served and remember the loved ones who have left lasting imprints on our hearts. And let’s embrace the future with the same determination and courage that inspires us from those we hold in our memories.​

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May this season bring you peace, reflection, and inspiration. Together, let’s honor the past while creating a future filled with promise and purpose. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful end of the year and a hopeful start to the next.​

While hiring the right talent may feel challenging, the payoff is significant. A thoughtful and strategic hiring process is not just about filling roles—it’s about building a team that will drive the business forward. By investing in solutions that streamline the process and open doors to diverse, high-quality candidates, small businesses can set themselves up for long-term success. 

Learn how Talents ASCEND® can help your business find the right talent!

Closing Out 2024: Reflecting on the Year and Looking Ahead to 2025​

As the year comes to a close, we at The ASCEND Collective find ourselves in a familiar yet always transformative season of reflection and preparation. It’s a time to honor the strides we’ve made, the partnerships we’ve built, and, most importantly, the lives we’ve impacted. Each moment of this year has reinforced the importance of our mission and the resilience of the communities we serve.​

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This year has been nothing short of remarkable. We’ve seen communities rally around our cause, supporting veterans, individuals with diverse-abilities, and those seeking second chances. Among the many highlights, our Personal Branding initiatives have empowered countless individuals to reframe their stories and embrace their potential. Our Learning Hub is opening doors to meaningful employment. The success of our first virtual raffle and innovative campaigns such as Difference Dollar have fueled our ability to expand these efforts. These achievements represent real people overcoming obstacles, finding hope, and building better futures.​

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As we look ahead to 2025, our vision remains bold and ambitious. In the coming months, we aim to deepen our impact by expanding our learning management system to streamline skills-based career matching and enhance the resources available to our clients who are Military Spouses. We are also preparing to expand our board, bringing in new perspectives and leadership to further our mission. Additionally, we are excited to roll out unique fundraising efforts, including a raffle and a travel auction, which will offer exciting opportunities for our supporters to engage with our work while making a difference.​

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Transitioning into the new year is not just about setting new goals—it’s about aligning with our mission and building on the foundation we’ve worked so hard to create. As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for our supporters, partners, and, most importantly, the people we’ve had the privilege to serve. Together, we’ve turned aspirations into realities and shown what is possible when communities come together with purpose.​

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As we prepare for 2025, we invite you to join us in making an even greater impact. Whether it’s by sharing our mission, contributing to our programs, or becoming an advocate for change, your involvement is what makes this work possible. Let’s make this coming year one of bold steps forward, transforming barriers into opportunities and challenges into successes.​

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Here’s to closing out 2024 with pride and stepping into 2025 with renewed purpose. ​

Have you subscribed to Tuesdays with Jay yet? Here is your link to do it today, 

2024 Travel Auction! 

Our travel auction is open for bids!

 Disney World Family Adventure 

Nashville Unplugged

Farmhouse Luxury in Napa Vineyards

Tennessee Whiskey Adventure

We’ve got the perfect gift for your holiday season! All this AND you get to support a great cause. 

Small business owners have a lot on their plate. Hiring the right team is imperative to their success. It doesn’t have to be so hard to find the right talent. Find more information in our blog.