As we approach another Thanksgiving, I’ve been reflecting on what it truly means to be thankful and what it means to be grateful. Being thankful is often an immediate emotional response to a specific moment—thanks for picking up lunch, thanks for helping me work through a technical issue, or thanks for listening when I needed to vent. Gratitude, however, runs deeper. It’s a sustained, internalized appreciation that comes from recognizing the people who show up day after day—not because they have to, but because they genuinely care about doing the right thing. They’re willing to grab the trunk handle

Whether it’s age, perspective, or simply the benefit of experience, I’ve become much more aware of that deeper sense of gratitude around us. It’s not always front and center, but it’s there when we’re present enough to notice it. I see it in the colleagues I work alongside and in the relationships with clients that we’ve built—people who face real challenges and still choose kindness, empathy, and support. Not everyone chooses to operate that way, and I’m grateful to be surrounded by a team and by clients who do.

This has been another exciting year for AT. We’ve had our share of changes and plenty of healthy reflection. Some of the conversations we’ve had as an organization have been challenging but they’ve been rooted in a shared commitment to meeting client needs and to building a stronger foundation for future growth. For that, we’re genuinely grateful. Opportunities like these—where we get to rethink, improve, and evolve—are a privilege in themselves.

As we plan for 2026 and beyond, our team continues to push ourselves to become better consultants and better partners. We’re taking the time to reflect on where we’ve been, where we want to go, and how we can best support our clients and one another along the way. That ongoing process of listening, adapting, and growing together is something I deeply appreciate.

With Thanksgiving days away, I encourage all of us to pause and recognize the unique talents, experiences, and perspectives each person brings to your organization. Let’s appreciate not just the moments we’re thankful for, but also the shared gratitude that has shaped our work, our relationships, and our progress throughout the year.