November 1st, 2020, I had my fist day as an independent consultant. In fairness, for the first few months, it was under the name AIAOA Invest. Eskelund Consulting Services was not officially launched until May 2021. But well, the purpose was still the same. And why not celebrate a birthday twice?
A lot has happened during these two years, and here are some of the areas I like to highlight.
Friends: Yes, I like to use the word friends, not connections, partners, or anything else. When I started as an independent consultant, I had no idea of where the projects would come from. The first few months were quite nerve wrecking. Luckily, it turned out that I know quite a few people. And I do know people who like to help me! This is what I call friends. Some of them are today customers. Some are people I have worked with in projects. Some of you have tipped me to others who are now customers. Some are partners (and there will be some more news in this regard quite soon). Anyway, you know who you are, and I am forever thankful for everything you have done and continue doing for me!
Agile Contract Manifesto: Yes, this post would not be complete without mentioning the Manifesto. Together with my 12 other co-creators from around the world we did it! Creating this manifesto took a huge amount of time, but it is one of the most fulfilling projects I have ever completed. Doing all of this virtually in the middle of a pandemic is something I am immensely proud of and something that will live with me forever.
Values and what I stand for: If you look at my website you will not find a section with “vision and values” or something like that. This is done by purpose. However, I have come to learn that even if I am a one-person company, I do have some values which says who I am, and which I cannot and don’t want to change. For me, words like “openness”, “trustworthy”, “honesty”, “sharing” and similar means a lot. I am a person who like to say and stand for what I mean and to share what I know. If someone like to take advantage of that, be it. But I will not change. Being true to something I believe in, and being the one I am, is something I truly believe in. These two years have taught me the importance of my own values.
This post would not be complete without mention a few low points too.
Personal issues: The last two years have been very though personally. Living alone through two years of a pandemic have been toxic and added some scars. I still struggle with this in my everyday living and hope for better days. Period.
The full-scale invasion of Ukraine: In November 2021 I visited Ukraine and Kyiv for the
first but not last time. Our one-year anniversary was celebrated in a posh Ukrainian restaurant, serving local food, with the best possible company. Seeing pictures from the children’s playground where we played, which is now bombed is immensely hard. One thing is for sure; when we have won the war; Eskelund Consulting Services, will continue to help rebuilding the country.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!
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