just an intranet

In 2012, I wrote a project charter for what was seemingly a relatively simple intranet redesign. Little did I know that project would significantly impact my life, both on a professional and personal level.

Today, nearly three years later and amidst the chaos of the soft launch, it was hard not to smile and feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for that intranet. Despite how difficult the project proved to be and how many f-bombs were dropped as a prefix to its name, I wouldn’t take back any of it – not the sleepless nights, the stress, the frequent impacts to my social life – none of it.

You may be thinking, um, Nicole, it’s just an intranet. But, over the past three years that intranet has pushed me to become a stronger person, tested me in more ways than I can count, taught me innumerable lessons, served as a catalyst for the meeting and surpassing of a number of career milestones and provided an avenue for the creation of many new friendships. That intranet also helped open my eyes to different parts of my company and enabled me to meet so many amazing people, whom I am proud to call coworkers. And, while I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m sad to see this phase of the project come to an end, it is bittersweet.

On a related note, I’m thinking of spending my forthcoming free time writing a series of books based on lessons learned and how NOT to design and build an intranet. I’m fairly certain it will be a best seller; I have A LOT of valuable content.