Letters From Leadership: We’re All in This Together

Recently, while boarding a flight, I noticed a small interaction that highlighted a tension I have been feeling lately: The push and pull between collaboration and individual contribution.

As I sat in my seat, a young, able-bodied woman approached to put her bag in the overhead compartment. She was fully capable and didn’t appear to need help. Regardless, a man in my row offered to assist her. To my surprise, she responded, "Yes, please."

This caught my attention because I would have expected her to say no. Perhaps I have become jaded and accustomed to a world where people tend to look out for themselves.

This simple act of kindness, followed by gratitude and human connection, left a positive sentiment in the air. Not just for the people involved in the interaction, but for those in the surrounding seats.

In a moment when she didn’t need to accept help, she did. And I was reminded that asking for help (and accepting it) doesn’t just lead to better outcomes—it creates an environment of empathy and human connection. 

At Indie, we’re deep in the throes of a growth chapter, blending uncertainty with excitement as we face the collective pressure that comes with lofty goals. In times of change, it can be tempting to prioritize individual contribution in an effort to prove one's worth. I think we’re all a little guilty of that. 

But when this happens, we can forget to ask for help or be hesitant to accept it. This aversion to help can stand in the way of progress.

While writing this letter, I am six months pregnant and expecting my third child at the end of December. This pregnancy is a reminder that sometimes, life’s circumstances force us to accept help from others.

As my due date draws near, I am surprised by how calm I am in the face of a three-month leave. While I feel the same sense of guilt knowing I will close my laptop for three months, this time feels different. Perhaps it comes with experience. But in reflection, I think this is a result of our team at Indie. I feel confident they will have my back in my absence, lending a helping hand and granting me the gift of time with our third child. 

So, as we enter into the final quarter of the year, I encourage us all to remember that individual success and collective progress are intertwined. By offering help, accepting it, and working together with humility, I hope we can all enjoy a workplace experience that is personally and professionally fulfilling.

Maggie Harber | Client Strategy Director