As I took a moment to reflect during the holiday season, I was amazed by the stunning contrasts of 2023—it showed me the best and the worst of times. Personally, it was one of the toughest years I’ve ever experienced. Professionally, it was an incredibly fulfilling whirlwind. Countless instances, both minor and major, continually reaffirmed my belief that acquisition entrepreneurship can foster economic self-sufficiency, create diverse and inclusive workplaces, and help bridge the wealth gap.
2023 was a foundational year; I laid the groundwork by:
- Authoring and refining the 200-page EtA Guidebook (soon to be in audio),
- Blogging about current and common issues with ‘Taking the Drop,’
- Completing the Pipeline Prep student portal,
- Flying over 25,000 miles for acquisition entrepreneurship events and conferences to learn, teach, and spread the word,
- Hosting 50 live sessions with guest speakers and students,
- Launching Vault, the first-ever digital video channel for searchers,
- Rebranding Nuts & Bolts to the more aptly named: EtA Launch Hub,
- Reviving the 1 Minute News on my new Fetch Strategies channel.
Looking ahead to 2024, I am thrilled to continue innovating in this field. I am even more eager to accelerate my journey towards becoming an investor in searchers. Last year, in June, I had the privilege of embarking on a year-long fellowship with the Material Change Institute, which prepares diverse business professionals for leadership positions in the investment industry. As the first person from the search fund ecosystem to participate in this intensive program, the exchange of ideas and knowledge with my angel/VC counterparts has been truly enlightening and I know I’ll learn even more over the next six months.
Wishing you great health and much happiness in 2024!
~ Karen