Tampa!

 First leg of this trip was incredible. I like travelling in business class, with the lounge etc. But there were crazy lines in the airport, so took a long time to get to the lounge. But while there, they upgraded me to a row with no one in front of me (originally they upgraded me to a middle seat with more leg room), so I had a ton of space in front of me and a window. It was a very enjoyable flight, slept a ton which I needed and hung out with the lovely couple next to me. I landed and then headed to rent a car. I had an amazing 4.5 road trip on the way, speaking to people, joining work calls, country music, Lions podcast, stopping for a slurpee and snacks etc. Florida is stunning, I don't know why people in America live anywhere else.

I got to the hotel, checked in, showered, and walked 20 minutes to our office. It was great and productive with Reagan and Jon.  From there, we went to a tea shop, where R was disappointed I couldn't eat anything since it wasn't kosher. In fact, there was no where kosher in tampa at all that could deliver. (note to self next time). Reagan also bought me a lightning hat and earphones. 

From there, we went to publix to get me some dinner (more reeses and cookies). And then we walked to the Lightning game. The game was super fun, we were able to get down to 15 rows from the ice, and we had a great view of the goals. Lightning won 4-1.

From there R dropped me back at my hotel and I showered and went to sleep. 

In the morning I woke up at 530, took care of a few things, and went to walk the riverwalk to watch sunrise on the bay. It was stunning. I then jogged back to the hotel, ran to my room, and went into the pool (brought bad boxers so I could just leave them there instead of bringing wet bathing suit in my suitcase. It was so peaceful and beautiful in there. From there I walked to the office, listening to a work call. I stopped at publix to get bagels (I picked up some cream cheese at breakfast and also had some cereals). 

Work was great, got to interview Kristi in person, got to go through my tasks and roadmap with Reagan. Then we had our performance review. 

It was very positive. His main feedback for me was don't always answer even if you know the answer - sometimes better to ask more qualifying questions. Also to work on collaboration with other dpts where needed. 

Here was his actual feedback:

Zacks has taken on many projects and help onboard Myself, Scott, Derrick, Jon, Eric, Dana and Neil. He is truly our enablement function on the sales side

He also has helped build out our budget and plan for 2026 - helped us build our investor decks and data - relaunched our gong functionality

Most importantly has built out our ICP - persona and ABM program! Which is a massive undertaking...

- As discussed the goal is to fully rollout a project. Start to finish. From Dream to Actual even if we do less. Don't change too much because your speed is a power too. Get alignment with reagan if you feel quality may slip for the sake of another project

Act as an owner: Many examples of taking on projects (Like ABM) and fully owning it as if it was your own org/company.

Then at the end I asked for a 4k raise and director title. He largely approved and said he needs to go through HR but he has no qualms about it. Just that we will go through new expectations when that happens. Amazing. 

Then I walked/jogged back to hotel to get car, drove, thought I was in more of a rush than I was, brought car back, realized I owed 277 USD if I didn't fill the car up, so then I drove out with the car to go fill up myself (43 USD). Then rushed back, and then went to do check in and boarding. Turns out domestic is much shorter, but was extra nervous because of the lines yesterday. 

Now on a flight to Newark and very excited about the next few days. Bar and Bat Mitzvah, CKO, etc. Should be amazing (though cold).

I love Tampa and south Florida, hope to come back.