Why 30 Years?
Cheryl Grimaldi
Why 30 Years?
At a recent staff meeting, someone asked me a simple but weighty question:
“Why do you think you’ve stayed in business for 30 years?”
I’ve been reflecting on that ever since. The truth is, there isn’t one neat answer. But I do know what I’ve learned along the way.
A Story from the Mountains
For my husband’s 40th birthday, I gave him a trek to Everest Base Camp. His group included his childhood best friend, an experienced guide, a woman from California, a couple from Evergreen, and an older ski instructor in his late 60s.
On the first night in Kathmandu, the couple worried the ski instructor would hold them back. He overheard but said nothing. He also avoided eating what everyone else was eating.
Over the first two days, the Evergreen couple rushed ahead while my husband and the ski instructor arrived last. On day three, the wife developed pulmonary edema—a life-threatening condition at altitude—and had to be helicoptered out. Her husband wanted to stay and finish the climb. My husband and his friend told him: “You go with her, or you don’t stay with us.”
The climb went on. Everyone but the ski instructor indulged in local foods and got violently ill. The ski instructor stayed steady. My husband pushed through the sickness and reached the summit first—followed closely by the man so many had doubted.
The Parallel to Business
That story has lived in my mind for years. Because it mirrors my own journey.
Like my husband, I’ve “eaten the local cuisine” at times and paid the price. I’ve listened to others instead of my own voice. I’ve stumbled and learned.
But where I stand today feels closer to the ski instructor: steady, clear, guided by my own voice, unwavering in purpose.
What 30 Years Have Taught Me
Here’s what the path with Tangent West has shown me:
And most importantly: honesty, authenticity, and gratitude are the only ways forward.
The Real Answer
So, why 30 years?
Because I’ve kept showing up. Because people matter. Because I’ve stayed curious, steady, and open to learning.
Some days, that means climbing mountains. Other days, it means staying in my pajamas. But every day, it means moving forward.
Cheryl Grimaldi, CPC
Founder/President
Tangent West
Go Back At a recent staff meeting, someone asked me a simple but weighty question:
“Why do you think you’ve stayed in business for 30 years?”
I’ve been reflecting on that ever since. The truth is, there isn’t one neat answer. But I do know what I’ve learned along the way.
A Story from the Mountains
For my husband’s 40th birthday, I gave him a trek to Everest Base Camp. His group included his childhood best friend, an experienced guide, a woman from California, a couple from Evergreen, and an older ski instructor in his late 60s.
On the first night in Kathmandu, the couple worried the ski instructor would hold them back. He overheard but said nothing. He also avoided eating what everyone else was eating.
Over the first two days, the Evergreen couple rushed ahead while my husband and the ski instructor arrived last. On day three, the wife developed pulmonary edema—a life-threatening condition at altitude—and had to be helicoptered out. Her husband wanted to stay and finish the climb. My husband and his friend told him: “You go with her, or you don’t stay with us.”
The climb went on. Everyone but the ski instructor indulged in local foods and got violently ill. The ski instructor stayed steady. My husband pushed through the sickness and reached the summit first—followed closely by the man so many had doubted.
The Parallel to Business
That story has lived in my mind for years. Because it mirrors my own journey.
Like my husband, I’ve “eaten the local cuisine” at times and paid the price. I’ve listened to others instead of my own voice. I’ve stumbled and learned.
But where I stand today feels closer to the ski instructor: steady, clear, guided by my own voice, unwavering in purpose.
What 30 Years Have Taught Me
Here’s what the path with Tangent West has shown me:
- Better questions matter more than having all the answers.
- Listening carries greater weight than talking. (That one’s from my dad, John Tanberg—the greatest salesman I’ve ever known.)
- As long as I’m breathing, I have a responsibility to use my skills to make the world better.
- Letting go creates space for new beginnings.
- The darkest moments often deliver the greatest gifts.
- No matter how technology evolves—AI, LinkedIn, job boards—people matter. Their stories matter.
- Showing up, again and again, with excellence is the only way to endure.
- Surrounding myself with people who elevate me is the greatest gift I can give myself.
- Boundaries protect me. Toxicity has no place.
- Giving will always outweigh receiving.
- Honoring my talents is how I honor myself—and the world.
- Fear is not a stop sign. It means:
- Face
- Everything
- And
- Rise
- Potential is always bigger than the problem.
- If I could tell my younger self three words: Everything’s inside you.
- The key to life is balancing the pursuit of what you want with openness to what comes your way.
And most importantly: honesty, authenticity, and gratitude are the only ways forward.
The Real Answer
So, why 30 years?
Because I’ve kept showing up. Because people matter. Because I’ve stayed curious, steady, and open to learning.
Some days, that means climbing mountains. Other days, it means staying in my pajamas. But every day, it means moving forward.
- To my colleagues, clients, and community—thank you for walking this journey with me. Here’s to the next climb.
Cheryl Grimaldi, CPC
Founder/President
Tangent West