What a great 2 weeks it’s been.  Feels like the Olympics has pulled everyone together –across geographies, gender, political affiliation, professions, etc.   At work we have several large TV screens in common areas and it’s great to see people stop between meetings, or spend their free time watching the games and sharing camaraderie and feelings of favorites, interest and more.  It’s truly been a bonding experience in many ways.

An additional thought I’ve had in reviewing the triumphs and successes we’ve seen is the incredible performances delivered by women.  I’ll be specific to the U.S. for a moment.  The majority of the gold medals won were by our women team members.  From soccer to boxing to volleyball, we’ve seen our women demonstrate the competitive spirit, artistry and strength that men have traditionally held as their birth right.  This has been the best, most comprehensive showing by our global female athletes in history.  I do not mean to take away from men at all.  We should, and do, celebrate their accomplishments equally.  We are filled with pride by all of our athletes efforts, whether they win a medal or not.

The fact that the Olympics is but a period in time, and that years are spent in sacrifice and dedication to their sport, without our attention and recognition is incredible.  There must be a way for us to gather together, not every 4 years, in appreciation and partnership to celebrate the capabilities our people collectively display.   With all the strife, political battles, insurgency and economic turbulence bombarding us daily, how can we all carry a piece of the Olympic spirit and brotherhood with us to do our little part in driving a higher level of meaning and connection around the world?