Editors Voice – July 2020

By Anthony Dunams, PE, VMA – Editor, Value World

(Writing from COVID-free Iceland)

As you will see in the other articles written, everything is focused on this virtual state we are in.  Virtual studies, virtual conferences, virtual happy hours – virtual is our current way of functioning as we all are in the same boat to comply and follow societal rules to minimize the spread and impact of COVID-19.  

We had quite a successful virtual Value Summit with great meaningful topics.  My congratulations to Mike Pearsall, Javier Masini, and the Summit Planning Committee on a well-run three-day event.  To all the presenters, well done and a specific acknowledgement to Jeff Rude and his unique and invigorating presentation on appealing for the creative application of the Value Methodology (VM). Let us all not stay stuck in using the 8-phase methodology as we did yesterday; let’s apply this to any and every problem we are faced with and let’s make headway on expanding the reach of VM.

I am coming to this position as Editor of Value World after spending two years with a very effective and positive SAVE International Board of Directors led by Renee Hoekstra and her vision (and the grit to hold us to delivery of materials and programs), Rob Stewart’s leadership in driving the Value Methodology Guide, Jacqueline Fahmy and her tireless and effective approach to spreading VM, and to the rest of the Board as they/we continue this challenging but necessary effort of spreading the word and ensuring the future of SAVE and the VM.

I tell this story often about how I ended up joining the organization. I read about a meeting for the SAVE National Capital Chapter at Normandie Farm Restaurant in Potomac, MD.  The topic sounded interesting and the concept of SAVE and VM was illuminating to me as an Economic and Business Analytics Associate with Booz Allen Hamilton.  At the restaurant there were two meetings occurring: one by SAVE NCC and one by an unremarkable organization (I cannot recall what the organization was or the topic).  I was flummoxed as I watched and listened to this unremarkable group from the glass door and thinking to myself why I drove an hour for this, as I walked out I saw the SAVE NCC sign on another door and listened a little from outside.  The topic was very interesting (I think Michael Holt was engaging the room with his dynamic style) and I walked in smiled and had a riveting discussion with those in attendance.

To this day, I say the two drivers I have about SAVE is the unique business advisory tool we use to drive value and the intelligent, funny and unique people that are members of this organization.  This is why I stay engaged and interested in VM – the people and the technique.

I hoped that all who attended the virtual Summit learned something, that you reached out to discuss concepts presented to get more detail, and that everyone is being safe and sane as we trudge along under the current circumstances.