As the ball dropped in an eerily quiet and empty Times Square, many of us were watching from the comfort of home – not dressed up and gathered together like in the days of old (Alright. It was only 365 days ago…but it feels like a century.)
As is standard modern practice each January, we kick the past year to the curb and look ahead to the New Year with hope, setting fresh resolutions and goals for ourselves. The only difference this go around is that we’re not just waving off 2020; We are full-on punting it into the oblivion. SEE YA!
It was a tiring, stressful year for many, to say the least. A well-earned ‘good riddance’ to 2020.
For the Centrifuge team, it was the year in which we had to completely shift operations to adapt to COVID-19 lockdowns and safety protocols. Our amazing staff quickly pivoted, taking what they’re already experts in and learned how to make it work on a virtual scale.
While we’re eager to get back to ‘normal’ live events or even hybrid, we understand it’s a waiting game beyond our control. In the meantime, we continue to find success as a Strategic Event Communications Agency by mastering virtual events.
With this in mind, the Centrifuge directors are sharing their 2021 goals for a year of happy clients, prosperity and great productivity.
Brian Rivers
“In this ever-changing world there are few things that many of us may feel in control of, especially as we enter into 2021. This is why focusing on our core values, services and company culture will help us to be optimistic about what tomorrow will bring. We have learned a great deal more this past year, because as a society and within our industry, we had to. These learned experiences have now become the tools and resources that will not only help us now, but also help us in the future to become even more successful. We have always been a culture that adapts, pivots and finds a way through new innovations and technologies. This past year may have put a moment of pause in business, however, it also opened the door for us to really challenge ourselves even greater than ever before. As a result, we are more resilient in our proactivity versus reactivity. In looking ahead, we will continue to provide more viable solutions to our clients. More importantly, consultation for us is imperative with our clients and continuing to build upon those strategic partnerships is of the utmost urgency. Together, looking for opportunities to grow, teach and partner with will be something that, as a company, we will continue to strive for as we have since our inception.”
Jack McDonald
“My resolution for 2021 is the same as it is for every year; we are going to embrace our company values, keep an innovative mindset in our approach to everything we do, and maximize the talent and imagination of our team to continue bringing value to our clients. Virtual, hybrid, or face–to–face, our mission does not change. We are here to drive better business outcomes for life science organizations through Strategic Event Communications. Regardless of the delivery method, clients can count on us to bring creative solutions and the exceptional service they’ve come to rely on for the past 15 years.”
Melanie Gerard
“My yearly resolutions tend to ‘stay the course.’ Since the inception of Centrifuge, one of my goals/resolutions has always been to operate Centrifuge as efficiently as possible. For myself and employees in the finance department, we continuously strive for ways to be more efficient and are constantly looking for ways we can improve. As for Centrifuge overall, I can’t help but go back to some of our original goals that Brian and I set at the inception of the company, which have been consistent through the years. When we began Centrifuge, Brian and I knew we wanted to create a great company with great people who had high work ethics and passion for the work they did in wanting to create the best solutions for our clients. As we continue to evolve in our expertise within the life sciences industry, the above goal is still relevant, and to quote Jack, ‘regardless of the delivery method.’”
Chris Dahnke
“From our core values, I think in 2021 more than ever is the opportunity to continue and expand on ‘Embracing and Initiating Change.’ The more we not only embrace but expand on our expertise of the changing landscape – the better we serve our clients. The past underwhelming experiences clients have had in the virtual setting provides ample opportunity for us to display our expertise while ensuring the client can ‘let us handle the delivery and dissemination of your presentation and message so you can simply focus on the content.’ As far as initiating change, we seek change. Virtual settings aren’t one-size-fits all. The technology is constantly updating with the work-from-home demand. Centrifuge is steeped in being the subject matter experts, and virtual platforms are no exception.”
Steve Welch
“Continuously seeking out new ways to promote virtual engagement through creative and tangible methods. Pre-meeting communications and meeting prep kits will continue to be a big part of uniting the digital space with physical activities. Expanding our interactive services around meetings and events will be more important than ever before as online gatherings have become so monotonous. As we seek out new ways to interact and engage virtually, another primary goal for 2021 is preparing for the most effective and safe transition back to live meetings. There will be challenges with facility accommodations, meeting space and ancillary services that we will prepare to overcome.”
Mike Dowd
“As I look at 2021, my goals are as simple and resolute as ever: to help clients, both existing and new, solve their communication challenges with the ultimate goal of driving better business outcomes. Always keeping in mind, their message is more than just information at a point in time. It is the beginning of a story that needs to be woven into a rich tapestry that will help drive measurable action throughout the year.
The physical distances and disconnects that emerged due to COVID-19 have solidified this goal more clearly than ever. As an organization, we have adapted by pioneering new approaches and embracing new technologies. While the landscape and the medium may have changed, the underlining approach is still the same: listen, understand client challenges, and develop innovative communication solutions that will empower teams, connect with the mission, build empathy for patient populations and drive a clear return on engagement.”
The entire Centrifuge family wishes you a fantastic New Year! We can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together in 2021 and look forward to working with you.
