Dear Includovators, friends and family,  2021 has been another challenging  year. There are many hidden effects of COVID-19 and the measures taken to curb its spread. We have all suffered and struggled publicly or silently to be our best selves in 2021. The mistakes I have made have disturbed my peace of mind more than they should. As we are repeatedly taught, every Mistake is a lesson waiting to be
learnt. I have learnt that I need to spend more time celebrating success, rather than dwelling on mistakes. Includovate completed a half dozen inclusive projects in 2021 with another dozen plus still ongoing. developed a unique competency framework and implemented a performance management
system that celebrates and nurtures our network of researchers and operations staff to innovate for inclusion and to connect with radical candor.

Our growing list of publications with well-known clients such as International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) have been a marked step towards being internationally recognised for the rigorous work that we do. We have worked with X new clients in 2021 and influenced X policies or programs to become more inclusive. Showcasing our amazing team through webinars and blogs, especially the feminist series is something that makes me feel very proud.

Being a role model and leader is harder than I imagined and I am grateful for every Includovator that helps me to grow and develop. I have learnt that leadership works well when we are open – to learning and to being seen (whether vulnerable or strong). I have learnt from Includovators that I need to spend more time on self-care and connecting with people (even if remotely) rather than on efficiency and outputs. This lesson is my new year's
resolution that I need all Includovators to help me achieve.

With vaccine inequality and the increasing number of billionaires in the world it is easy to feel discouraged. However, our successes have made me more aware of the tenacity of the human spirit and that the principles of diversity, inclusion, and equality are more needed than ever. Includovate is thankful to be operating and growing despite the global pandemic and resulting economic recession of the last few years.

Our incredible team, spread out over 20 different nations, has grown considerably, allowing us to explore even more research areas and topics through the critical lenses of diversity and equity.Despite the pandemic and financial stress around the globe, we are immensely grateful to our clients for their continued support and to our team for their work and dedication. Thank you for coming with us on this journey. I am inspired and eager to see what Includovate will do in the next year.

Happy New Year to all.
Kristie Drucza
Founder and CEO of Includovate

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to
achieve that beauty.”
― Maya Angelou

The post January 2022 appeared first on .