As 2023 wraps up, McConnell Marketing is taking some time for themselves before the new year rolls in. Reflecting on the last year, relaxing to enjoy the holidays, and recharging for 2024. The year 2023 marked a pivotal moment for McConnell Marketing, witnessing the transition of leadership as Katie Swain and Megan Magnetta gracefully handed over the reins to Carson Lisko and Deanna Clement. This significant shift sets the stage for new perspectives and opportunities, and we eagerly anticipate the exciting developments that lie ahead.

What accomplishments are you giving yourself credit for this year?

Carson: Securing McConnell Marketing alongside Deanna represents a significant personal achievement for me, an ongoing journey of learning and growth. This experience compelled me to embrace risk and venture beyond my comfort zone.
Deanna: My acquisition of McConnell Marketing is my proudest achievement thus far. It has created a lot of excitement and new opportunities. I can’t wait to see what the next year holds.
Angie: I’m proud to have joined the McConnell team this year! Also, I traveled back to the city where I was born, Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the first time since 1996.
Megan: Biggest accomplishment has been letting go of the reins of McConnell Marketing and watching Deanna and Carson take ownership with such grace and confidence. It’s been an honor to work alongside them for so long and I’m excited to see what the future brings for McConnell Marketing.
Katie: I have been learning to ride and take care of my horse Tucker. We went to our first horse show in December. It didn’t go great, but I stuck with it, stayed on, humbly walked off, laughed and had a blast cheering on my sister who did amazing. It was a day of lessons: learning new things takes time and humility, encouraging someone is more fun and rewarding than most anything else, it’s good to laugh, especially at yourself, being in the arena is hard, much harder than being in the stands (both with horses and in life)!
Aly: I am most proud of how much I’ve leaned into my creative side this year! I started making art with no expectations of a final result and have been enjoying it so much more. It has really helped me go with the flow and not be so self critical.

Where do you find yourself when it’s time to unwind and relax?

Carson: I love curling up with a big bowl of popcorn and a good book when I need to relax (current read is Fourth Wing, upcoming is Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros).
Deanna: I eat my nightly Yasso Bar and watch Vanderpump Rules. If I’ve had a rough day, I like to unwind by aggressively serving tennis balls.
Angie: I like to read to relax. I’m currently reading Emma by Jane Austen. I also find creating art and meditating helps me relax immensely.
Megan: Relax with a hot bath and a glass of wine. Of course you have to have lots of bath salts, bubble bath and great music.
Katie: Go for a long walk with friends, my husband Steve or alone with my furry friend Millie.
Aly: Reading, lounging, walking my dogs, or cooking. It depends on if I feel like being still or using my body!

Did you have any resolutions for 2023 that fell off the radar?

Carson: I would have loved to travel somewhere we haven’t been before but didn’t get the chance to. Next year though we will be traveling to Milan, Italy and I could not be more excited!
Deanna: I wanted to make a children’s book for my kids and didn’t make the time, I want to set out to do it in 2024.
Angie: I minored in printmaking when I went to YSU, but I haven’t created any prints since graduating. I have this woodblock that I want to finish carving, roll it up with ink and try to print it at home this year, but I keep putting it off. To make time for it in 2024, I think I’ll set aside time each weekend to work on it for 30 minutes at a time to slowly but steadily make progress.
Megan: Travel to new places. Throughout 2023, I revisited some of my old favorites, but I’d like to discover new places in the new year.
Katie: I wanted to spend less time reading nonsense on my phone and more time reading good books. Before 2024, I’m going to take off apps on my phone that are distracting.
Aly: I had all intentions of joining a book club, but ultimately never got around to it because of my schedule. I think I’d be open to doing an online book club in 2024 so that I can interact without the pressure of time constraints.

Where will you be when the ball drops?

Carson: That is TBD! Maybe my husband and I will go out and do something fun since we’ll have a babysitter this year!
Deanna: I will probably be at home with family.
Angie: I will be at my house with my husband surrounded by our friends!
Megan: Celebrating at home with friends and family.
Katie: Gosh probably in bed, or close to it.
Aly: I will toasting a glass of bubbly with my family!

If you’re celebrating at home or out with friends and family, we hope you are welcoming the New Year with joy and excitement! Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday!