Category: Current Events

  • Remembering the Fallen

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    Brad Heidemann
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    Hi Everyone, Happy Memorial Day weekend! I want to take a moment to remember our fallen soldiers and give sincere gratitude to families who have sacrificed so much for this country and our freedoms. We owe all of them a tremendous debt. I hope that this weekend is a reminder to all of us that…

  • We Can Do Better

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    Brad Heidemann
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    Hi Everyone, As humans in the very early stages of our cognitive development (as early as two years old), we begin to recognize right from wrong. As we mature through our adolescence, we develop an understanding of morality, a moral compass. What is moral and immoral and how we are expected to respond or act…

  • Lessons Learned in 2020

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    Brad Heidemann
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    Hi Everyone, This will be the last Desk of Brad I send in 2020. Tomorrow is January 1st, 2021!!! It could not come soon enough. Wow, I mean, wow, what a year it’s been! I’ve been around longer than most of you (but not that much longer), and it’s safe to say that we’ve never…

  • The Power of People

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    Brad Heidemann
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    Hi Everyone,  Monday was Memorial Day and, in my DOB, last Friday I shared with you the importance of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. There is a small graveyard on Bainbridge Island and on Monday my children put small American flags on the gravestones of our veterans. My in-laws are buried there and they both…

  • Making the World a Better Place in COVID-19

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    Brad Heidemann
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    Hi everyone,   The effects of COVID-19 are wearing everyone a bit thin these days. I’m seeing great teamwork across the company but I’m also seeing the undercurrent of stress and unhappiness. Totally understandable… just remember that if someone is getting under your skin, take a step back and pull your thoughts together. Everyone is well-intentioned, albeit their communication style may not work for you. Keep…

  • Memorial Day & Lincoln on Leadership

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    Brad Heidemann
    in

    “May we never forget our fallen comrades. Freedom isn’t free.” – Sgt. Major Bill Paxton Hi Everyone,    Happy Friday! I figured it’s not a bad idea to remind everyone of what day of the week it is! We are headed into a holiday weekend, Memorial Day. Often considered the start of the summer season for many of…

  • Gratitude and May Day

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    Brad Heidemann
    in

    “When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” –  Anthony Robbins  Hi Everyone,  Depending on where you live in the country, states are easing the stay at home orders. In Washington State they are opening the state parks, some public places and I’ll even be able to play golf. I had this feeling of excitement and joy…

  • Spreading Optimism while Social Distancing

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    Brad Heidemann
    in

    “Be the light in the dark, be the calm in the storm and be at peace while at war.” – Mike Dolan  Hello everyone,   As I mentioned in previous Desks of Brad, I was supposed to be doing my cross country BBQ drive this week, my how much things have changed in such a short period of time. I…

  • Get Involved and Just Make Sure You Vote!

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    by

    Brad Heidemann
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    I’ve intentionally made the Desk of Brad an apolitical forum. Living and working in D.C. over the last 20+ years has given me a perspective about how the government runs and how politics intersects with policy. When I was working for Microsoft, one of my jobs was managing most of the Cabinet-level agencies. I became…

  • Happy Thanksgiving

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    Brad Heidemann
    in

    Well, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It’s often said that gratefulness is the secret to happiness. I find that if I can spend a few minutes at the end of the day contemplating what I am thankful for, somehow going to sleep is just a little easier. Even if just for a day, Thanksgiving is…