In some ways, the concept of a “new year” is pretty obviously arbitrary: The weather tends to be about the same Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, anything left on our to-do list at the end of one year is still there at the beginning of the next and the minor aches and pains and cares and woes of everyday life are more than happy to turn the calendar page with us. But there’s something psychologically potent and rewarding about turning that page; seeing the possibilities inherent in the blank weeks and months ahead, embracing the mindset of a fresh start and savoring plans for filling all those days that await.
The current moment represents a new chapter for both Florida Gulf Coast University and its recently appointed president, and Aysegul Timur—an economist, an immigrant and the first female head of the university—has plenty of plans to fill her calendar. In a conversation with Artis Henderson on page 74, Timur explains how she intends to make use of her strength in building community partnerships, especially with prominent local employers, such as Arthrex, and develop programs that focus on innovation, resiliency and sustainability under her leadership.
On the topic of leadership, principles of sustainability are also on the minds of several local executives, specifically how they can be applied to corporations in order to keep a business robust and ready for the next quarter-century, as well as the next quarter. The panoply of disruptions to the workforce in recent years, from a pandemic to hurricanes to fluctuations in the marketplace, have made resiliency and stability higher priorities than ever, and Bill Wasinger talks with a suite of area experts about some inspirations and innovations helpful in navigating these economic straits in “Regenerative Leadership” on page 30. Changes in the status quo, it turns out, can be quite beneficial.
Of course, there’s no need for a fresh start if you’re already on the right track, and sometimes the old ways are still the right ways. While substantial new developments including Kingston, Florida Farms Development Project, Rivergrass Village and Bellmar Village are in the works to bring more housing, retail and services to Southwest Florida, the state and its inhabitants (people and wildlife alike) are best served by maintaining a balance between growth and conservation. In “Florida Forever?” on page 42, Artis Henderson looks at the concept of conservation easements, a powerful tool for preserving ranchland and protecting wildlife and water resources, limiting the spread of suburban sprawl while enabling family-owned acreages to continue producing as they have for decades; in essence, learning from the past to help create the future we want.
Welcome to 2024. Let’s make it a good one.
