10 Years at CANA

A Decade of Milestones, Memories, and the Magic of In-Person Connection

A decade ago, I embarked on a journey with CANA that I could never have fully imagined. As I reflect on the past ten years, it's clear that the milestones and memories we've created together are intrinsically tied to the power of in-person connection, even while working virtually.

From Humble Beginnings...

I'll never forget our first offsite. There were only 10 of us, squeezed into a small conference room at Rob and Liz's neighborhood clubhouse. It was a scrappy, intimate gathering, buzzing with ideas and a shared sense of purpose.  We were laying the groundwork for what CANA would become.

...To a Growing Community

Fast forward to our most recent offsite. The scene couldn't have been more different. A large conference room filled with an inner and outer "U" of chairs, each occupied by a dedicated CANAer. The growth was astonishing, but the energy remained the same – a palpable excitement about our mission and the camaraderie that only comes from sharing physical space.

Conferences:

Where Connections Spark

CANA has been fortunate to participate in countless conferences over the years. These events have been more than just opportunities to share our work; they've been catalysts for new partnerships, introductions to future CANAers, and the exploration of uncharted territory. The conversations held in bustling exhibit halls or over coffee breaks have often led to breakthroughs that simply wouldn't have happened online.

Small Gatherings, Big Impact

It's not just the large-scale events that have left a mark. The smaller in-person meetings, whether project-focused or our monthly CANA Raleigh Cowork days, have been equally valuable. There's something about sitting across a table from colleagues, sharing a meal, or brainstorming on a whiteboard that fosters a level of trust and collaboration that's hard to replicate virtually.

The Virtual Paradox

Working virtually for the past decade has, in a way, amplified the importance of these in-person moments. When face-to-face interactions are less frequent, they become all the more cherished. We don't take them for granted like we might if we were commuting to an office every day. Instead, each gathering feels like a special occasion, a chance to truly connect on a human level.

Here's to Many More Years of In-Person Magic

As I look ahead to the next chapter of my CANA journey, I'm filled with gratitude for the memories we've made and the friendships we've forged. I'm also keenly aware that it's the in-person experiences that have fueled our growth and shaped our culture. Here's to many more years of offsites, conferences, coworking days, and impromptu gatherings – the moments that make CANA not just a workplace but a community.

Walt DeGrange

Walt DeGrange is the Senior Director of Analytics here at CANA. You can contact Walt via email at wdegrange@canallc.com or on Linkedin.