Post by Kellie Bogardus

To say today is bittersweet is an understatement. On my last day at Coupa, I reflect on the life changing experience these last 6 years have been, and how I have grown in both my career and as a person. I did nothing in these last 6 years alone. The foundation, the unshakeable ground work was laid for me by people like Kim B. Chandar Pattabhiram Michael Schanker Nicole R. Stefanie Gordish Sally A. Stephens Tom Gavin. They had the unwavering confidence in me that I could take this role head-on and succeed. I took chances, I experimented, I failed, I cried, I got back up and tried again, and I learned. And through all of this I found irreplaceable support, partners, teachers, mentors and most importantly friends in Laura Bell Ilana Myerson Kristina Mullen Denise Jack Veronica Santo Tania Darzi Nicole Beck Kevin Pantaleon Sophie Warwick Alexi (Foster) Superko Alanna Gatto Kelly Pitt Cindy Thompson, CMM Erica Poulos Bianca Clivio, CMP, CEM Lauren Cushing Lisa DeBord Amie Wozniak and so so many others. Nothing can replace the bonds that form when traveling the world together, all while planning and executing these crazy events. You all kept me sane and drove me forward every single day. Some days I feel like my whole identity is wrapped up in Inspire. And to say that I am scared of severing that tie is another understatement. But I also know that this is a pivotal moment of growth for both of us, and I am very excited for the next chapter. So before I jump into my next adventure, I am going to take a few weeks off to reset and recharge, something I have NEVER done in my career. So wish me luck and hope that this type-A, social butterfly can handle a couple of weeks without structure and a to-do list 🤗 Ciao Coupa 💙