In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to you, friends and colleagues, who have joined me on this journey. While there are many more people to whom I am thankful, we’ll save those gratitudeos for another season.
For now, let’s review this season’s takeaways:
Lean on your network
Have passion for your craft
Maintain focus on your goal
Commit to continuous improvement
Bring joy with you, everywhere
Be likable, or surround yourself with likable people
Go forth and chase your dreams
Tap into the power of empathy
Get in on the ground floor
Find your advocate(s), champion(s), and mentor(s)
Understand the importance of the human connection
Embrace the struggle
Give a novice a chance
Find your insider, ally, or guide
Teaching enlightens more than learning
Be more than a sounding board or opinion-giver
Turn rejection into motivation
Carve out the niche where you are the best
Be genuinely curious
See beyond the humble first step
Emanate grace and composure, even when things gets sticky
---
Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career.
Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction.
---
Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn.
For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.
In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to Kevin Nelson, the CEO at Aetna Better Health of New York, my former supervisor at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, and a man who showed me the personification of grace.
Takeaway: Emanate grace and composure, even when things gets sticky
---
Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career.
Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction.
---
Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn.
For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.
In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to Rene Leal, the Director of Properties, Leagues Cup, for Major League Soccer, but also Football Partnerships’ intern more than 15 years ago.
Since assuming that humble role, Rene has gone on to enjoy success with numerous marketing agencies before landing back in New York City.
Takeaway: See beyond the humble first step
---
Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career.
Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction.
---
Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn.
For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.
In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to the late Jason Sheftell, a writer and curious person who engaged people in conversation, even if they were standoff-ish. This made him an incredibly valuable storyteller and journalist, as well as a dear friend.
Takeaway: Be genuinely curious
---
Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career.
Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction.
---
Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn.
For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.
In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to Stephen Constantine, one of the world’s elite soccer coaches and someone with an elite resume…that you might not have ever heard of.
More than 15 years ago, I interviewed Stephen and he graciously accepted my invitation to speak. Do you know the first question I asked him? Check out this episode to find out, and to understand what I learned from the experience.
Takeaway: Carve out the niche where you are the best
---
Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career.
Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction.
---
Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn.
For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.
In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to a person who shall remain nameless…but who played a pivotal role in my launching Football Partnerships, a B2B community for soccer industry professionals.
Years ago, I desperately wanted to work for Major League Soccer. It never happened, but I did receive a gift from this person who told it to me straight.
Takeaway: Turn rejection into motivation
---
Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career.
Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction.
---
Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn.
For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.
In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to Dean Vera. Dean is the Assistant Dean and Director of Rutgers Business School, but many moons ago he was simply an advisor—and an important one to me, as I was standing at the crossroads.
Dean was truly my thought partner, and he helped me to work through an important decision.
Takeaway: Be more than a sounding board or opinion-giver
---
Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career.
Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction.
---
Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn.
For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.
**Please note: This episode is in Spanish**
In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to Elena Andrés. Elena is a friend and former colleague, and she nurtured my passion for Spanish. During lunchtime, we’d meet in the cafeteria and she would patiently practice with me, something that must have been painful for her to endure.
Always patient, she tolerated all of my blurbs and hiccups and mistakes…something I hope you will, too, as this episode is in Spanish (with English subtitles).
Takeaway: Teaching enlightens more than learning
---
Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career.
Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction.
---
Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn.
For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.
In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to Frank DiLorenzo, a production artist and operations specialist at the NY Daily News.
Frank was an invaluable resource and guide during my various stints at the Daily News, and he knew all about “kneeballistics”—a term you could interpret if you knew Frank. Most importantly, Frank was my insider, and this enabled me to thrive.
Takeaway: Find your insider, ally, or guide
---
Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career.
Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction.
---
Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn.
For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.
In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to Jesse Winter, a photographer, director, and the owner of TEN10 Studios in Long Island City. At one point, though, we were both baristas in a coffee shop in Brooklyn, and he made a choice to give me a chance.
Takeaway: Give a novice a chance
---
Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career.
Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction.
---
Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn.
For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.
In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to Julie Lombardi, SVP of Programming at Truly Original...and also my roommate 20+ years ago.
Julie got her start as a film editor, and she exemplified hard work, practice, and learning—investments that, I think, have paid off in her career.
Takeaway: Embrace the struggle
---
Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career.
Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction.
---
Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn.
For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.
In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to Liverpudlian Jamie.
Jamie was a colleague at the Jekyll & Hyde Club, a restaurant, bar, and (briefly) a nightclub in Midtown Manhattan. Jamie, a native of Liverpool, UK, was a singer by trade, but his real talent was connecting with people—me included.
Takeaway: Understand the importance of the human connection
---
Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career.
Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction.
---
Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn.
For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.
In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to Ann McGettigan.
Ann is a dear person to me, who gave me my start at the NY Daily News many moons ago. She was my advocate, champion, and mentor, and I owe much of my early employment years to her.
Takeaway: Find your advocate(s), champion(s), and mentor(s)
---
Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career.
Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction.
---
Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn.
For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.
In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to Scott Citron.
Scott is a graphic designer, software trainer, and Adobe guru who showed me the value of having niche expertise during a transitional moment in time.
Takeaway: Get in on the ground floor
---
Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career.
Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction.
---
Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn.
For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.
In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to Ira Robbins.
Ira is an artist and educator, and one of my instructors at the New School in New York City. I often found his critiques to be generous; then I better understood them as empathetic.
Takeaway: Tap into the power of empathy
---
Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career.
Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction.
---
Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn.
For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.
In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to Dali Singh.
Dali is a professional Muay Thai fighter that I met in Bangkok 25 years ago.
Takeaway: Go forth and chase your dreams
---
Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career.
Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction.
---
Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn.
For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.
In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to Jason Rothman. Jason is a creative director and partner at J2, as well as co-creator of Club Sandwich. Takeaway: Be likable, or surround yourself with likable people --- Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career. Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction. --- Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn. For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.
In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to Oliver Dictado.
Oliver is a training and quality manager for IBM, based in the Philippines.
Takeaway: Bring joy with you, everywhere
P.S. Here's a link to the alternate version of the Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way"
---
Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career.
Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction.
---
Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn.
For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.
In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to Mona Iskander.
Mona is an award-winning producer, director, and on-air correspondent.
Takeaway: Commit to continuous improvement
---
Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career.
Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction.
---
Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn.
For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.
In this gratitudeo, I express my gratitude to Julie Benlevi.
Julie is a successful entrepreneur and the founder of JulieB.com, a trend-spotting and taste-making publication launched more than two decades ago.
Takeaway: Maintain focus on your goal
---
Gratitudinous is a program that’s here to say thank you to the people that have brought me, Alexander Kotler, knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, greater meaning throughout my career.
Each gratitudeo features a learning or takeaway that I gained as a result of my featured person and our interaction.
---
Alchemunity galvanizes people and products to help them reach higher potential. Through our proven process, fast-moving organizations can bring greater meaning to the customer experience while reducing the risk of churn.
For more information, please visit http://www.alchemunity.us.