Page 28 - GS230302

Education

StreetSmarts SM

A fond farewell

By Natasa Cvijanovic This is my final Street Smarts article before I hand over
Tesla Payments the reins to someone else and ride off into the sunset to
follow a new dream and start a new story.
Editor's note: Throughout the past year Natasa Cvijanovic has brought
excellent information and insights to Street Smarts in a conversa- I contemplated what may be an appropriate topic for the
SM
tional, approachable way. It's easy to imagine sitting down with her final issue and how I would like to leave you with a good
ending. Endings are often viewed as something to mourn,
to have a fireside chat during which she tells of a life's journey that yet they are not always negative. Often, the conclusion of
makes bravery seem easy. She doesn't toot her own horn, though; she one chapter—be it a business closing, the conclusion of a
tells it like it is in a firm but gentle way. Seeing what's on her mind from business venture or partnership, the end of a relationship,
article to article has been a delight, and we'll miss the unique voice she or something else—signals the beginning of the next.
has brought to the Street Smarts column. But like she says in this, her
last article as the author of this column, "Often, the conclusion of one What end are you working toward?
chapter—be it a business closing, the conclusion of a business venture
or partnership, the end of a relationship, or something else—signals In one of my first articles, I discussed how, like many of
the beginning of the next." So it is that Natasa is embarking on her next my colleagues, I became an accidental entrepreneur, but
I didn't discuss why we do what we do or our ultimate
adventure, and we wish her the best of luck. And we will begin a new and business end goals. Have you thought about yours?
adventure at The Green Sheet, too, with the inimitable Nick Cucci, What is your "why"? Yes, I will get philosophical with
co-founder and chief operating officer of Fluid Pay. He is stepping up you, so bear with me. Have you put careful thought into
to take over Street Smarts starting with our April 10 issue. We'll tell you what your business and life are working toward? Having
more about him in our next issue. career and financial goals is one thing, but life needs a
deeper purpose.
can't thank everyone enough—from the Street
Smarts editor to industry colleagues and con- Imagine having a life goal so well suited to your needs and
SM
tributors—I've learned valuable lessons from all of skills that every experience you have feels purposeful and
I them. Writing for Street Smarts not only helped me important. Internalizing the term "life goal" will change
learn, but also made me a better writer and a better leader. your perspective and why you do things.

Although it was challenging, 2020 is now a few years A life goal is so powerful and important to you that you
behind us, and it taught us many unexpected lessons, cannot fail to achieve it. It is what keeps you going when
such as the importance of not taking anything for granted things are tough and what keeps you grounded when you
and trying something new. This was one of the reasons I win. It's the image you envision when you fast-forward to
decided to embark on this journey with you all. However, the end of your life and the reflection you crave when you
as it is with everything else in life, all good things must look back. What do you want to be able to think about?
come to an end. The pursuit of a good ending, your good ending is the
philosophy of life goals.
28