A look back at 2020: lessons, challenges, and resilience
A look back at 2020 brings one word to mind: unprecedented. The expression “stranger than fiction” fits perfectly. In my view, it was the longest year in memory. It felt packed with surreal events that seemed too bizarre to be true. Yet, it was undeniably real. At the same time, it flew by. From our first lockdown in March to the holiday season, days blurred into a monotonous haze of remote work and social distancing.
Few of us escaped 2020 unscathed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some suffered Zoom fatigue. Others saw their health or the health of loved ones impacted. This year left a mark on everyone. However, as we reflect, 2020 also offers valuable lessons we should carry forward.
A world in turmoil
Taking a closer look back at 2020 reveals how fragile our world truly is. Foreign affairs captured our attention with concern. We saw authoritarianism rise, free speech face attacks, fake news spread, and a cascade of events unfold beyond our control. These issues sparked global unease, as a Pew Research Center study highlights. It explores how people in 14 countries viewed the state of the world during this extraordinary year.
2020 was more than a difficult year. It was the result of unresolved problems building up over time. Financial vulnerabilities, environmental crises, and undervaluing community connections all became painfully clear. To ensure the sacrifices of this year are meaningful, we must address these pressing issues.
BY Foods: resilience amidst adversity
For BY Foods, a look back at 2020 highlights resilience. The food service industry faced unprecedented challenges, including decreased footfall and dramatic channel shifts. Retail, however, surged and offered some relief. Despite the difficulties, we managed to expand our team.
We welcomed two more members to our team: Ricardo, who now leads our independent Quality Control department. and Marta, propelling our Marketing Department forward with her strategic insights and operational expertise. Downtime encouraged creativity, enabling us to develop new operational pipelines and enhance after-sales support.
Although 2020 wasn’t an easy year for BY Foods, it was, given the circumstances, the best year it could have been.
Moving forward
Looking back at 2020, we see lessons that can shape a better future. Tragedies remind us that race, religion, and ideology should not divide us. Instead, they highlight our shared humanity. Let this year serve as a wake-up call to unite against forces that seek to divide us.
With 2021 around the corner, it’s time to apply what we’ve learned, endured, and gained. Let’s move into a brighter future together. See you there!