Bay Breeze

As we move into the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on what it truly means to be grateful. Not for the material things that fill our homes or the to-do lists that keep us busy, but for the people, ideas, and conversations that challenge and inspire us to grow. I’m grateful for the moments that have stretched me to become a better person—for myself and for those around me.

When you take a step back and think about what really brings fulfillment, it isn’t the awards, the titles, or the things we collect. It’s the small but powerful exchanges—those genuine talks, acts of kindness, and lessons learned—that leave an imprint on who we are. If we can remember those lessons and put them into practice, day after day, then that is the truest form of a sustainable life. One filled with purpose, resilience, and longevity. That’s the legacy we all hope to leave behind for our families, colleagues, and friends.

Recently, I attended the ICCFA Leadership Conference, which centered on the theme “Healing,” which I will call, “the Healing Journey.”  The entire day focused on renewal—how to cleanse your energy, center your mind, and reconnect with your purpose so that you can face both your work and your relationships with a sense of peace and clarity. For those unfamiliar, ICCFA represents professionals in the Deathcare industry, a field grounded in compassion, service, and understanding.

One of the most powerful reminders from that event was the importance of listening—truly listening—to others. It’s one thing to hear someone speak and wait for your turn to respond, but it’s another to be fully present and engaged in their story. There’s an enormous difference between making small talk and creating space for someone to feel seen and heard. In our industry, and in our daily lives, that kind of listening creates trust, empathy, and connection.

Speaking of connection, we recently held a CLCA Meet & Greet at Fieldwork Brewing in San Mateo. The turnout was fantastic! It was wonderful to see so many new members join us and to reconnect with familiar faces—including CLCA veteran Chris McNairy. Watching conversations unfold, new friendships form, and ideas flow so naturally reminded me of why this association means so much. It’s in these moments—sharing stories, laughter, and collaboration—that we see the real heart of our community. These meet and greets create a safe place to be yourself. No titles, no one to impress, just a place to make friends. My colleague, Paul Kovacik, a Water Management Expert with Davey Tree, always reminds me that we’re not out to meet clients, we’re out to make friends and share our expertise. Wins will come after we build trust. They may not come right away, but when they do, when the time is right, the win is not just a win, but a win, in the form of a partnership.

As we close out the year and move into the holidays, my hope for each of you is that you find time to pause. Reflect on the people and experiences that have helped you grow and carry that gratitude forward today. Don’t wait for the new year. Let’s continue to nurture our relationships, lift one another up, and lead with empathy. That’s where real success and legacy live—not in what we gain, but in what we give and how we make others feel.

Warm regards,
Beth Valdez
President, CLCA SFBA Chapter