Cultivate Wrapped: Our 2021 Cultivator Mixtape
In early December, something happened on Slack that caused the whole of Team Cultivate to drop what they were doing and pay attention. What happened? Spotify Wrapped, of course. In a growing thread, we shared our top artists, songs, podcasts, genres, and in that sharing, we got to know each other a little bit better. Sharing something you love is vulnerable, which is why it’s also powerful. It builds new bonds and gives us new insights, opening us up to different perspectives.
And because we learned so much about each other in that process, we decided to bring the experience to you, dear Cultivator. In an effort to share more of who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going, we’ve created a Cultivator Mixtape. Each team member chose a song to represent 2021 and a song to represent their dreams for 2022. We hope you’ll listen to it when you need some inspiration and a way forward.
In celebration of the year that was, and with hope for the year that will be, we present you with the 2021 End of Year Cultivator Mixtape!
Team Cultivate’s Songs of 2021
Rivers and Roads by The Head and the Heart:
“Thinking of moving to a new state in 2022 has me in this nostalgic place. Lots of things have changed in 2021 for me, my family, and my friends. ‘Rivers and Roads’ just reminds me that there are always ways back to the ones we love, whether it be spiritually or physically. That connection still lives and there is a way to reach them again.”
-Colleen, Learning Designer & Facilitator
Unstoppable by Koryn Hawthorne:
“2021 was a whirlwind of highs & lows but in the end I was unstoppable! I underwent major foot surgery and was on bed rest for three months while still managing motherhood, businesses, and life in general. Somehow I still found time to travel the world and went on nine vacations, which is the most I've ever traveled in one year. This song is an ode to my faith journey during this unprecedented time.”
-Erica, Operations & Automation Assistant
Good Day by Nappy Roots:
“I mean, who doesn’t love Nappy Roots? This was a great song to have in the rotation throughout 2021 because if I need a little happiness-injection, it never fails to make me smile when that bouncy little hook starts up and the chorus of kid voices comes in strong for the refrain. It’s also a helpful reminder to appreciate the little things in life… a fish fry, a new set of Nikes, a great pair of shades, a day off to just hang out… and it’s so hopeful in this very down-to-earth way that isn’t about imagining big shiny futures but just about trying to have one good day with no drama and no reason to cry.”
-Kris, Head of Research
A Little Respect by Erasure:
“I spent part of 2021 in a job search that invited me to get really clear around my values and what I am looking for in the organizations I am a part of. That journey of checking in with myself and being honest about my needs and values was all about self-respect and ultimately led me to Cultivate. This song was on repeat for me all summer and will always remind me of a time in which I really stood in my own integrity and it led me to exactly where I was supposed to be.”
-Lisa, Community Engagement Manager
And She Was by The Talking Heads:
“2021 was a year of changes for me. I bought a new house in a new state and left a 10+ year career in academia! There were so many unknowns I was facing and sometimes I felt overwhelmed. Any time I listened to this song I was struck by how it conveys a feeling of joyfulness in uncertainty. It was exactly the vibe I needed in 2021!”
-Maureen, Measurement & Analytics Lead
For Island Fires and Family by Dermot Kennedy:
On January 8th, 2021, I moved to the Virgin Islands. It was meant to be temporary, but here we are, on the precipice of a new year. And I'm still here. I came to the island to feel closer to nature and build a stronger sense of community, which is exactly what I found. Besides, you don't need too many reasons to feature Dermott Kennedy on any playlist.
-Molly, Head of Marketing
Texas Sun by Khruangbin ft. Leon Bridges:
“This song really puts me in a mellow mood to just take life as it comes, which has really been necessary the past couple of years. Additionally, my partner and I did a Texas road trip in May of 2021 when there was some hope about the pandemic ending and this was the official theme song (obviously) so it also elicits that feeling of a potential adventure.”
-Stephanie, Learning Designer
Team Cultivate’s Songs of 2022
Resilient by Rising Appalachia:
“‘I trust the movement’ of life. 2022 will be a big year to finish up my classes, move my family to a new area (ahem.. nod to the artist name), and find a new everyday routine. Resiliency is key, and I hope to continue to lean into the chaos and ride the ups and downs of life while putting our roots down in a new place. Also, I just like the cathartic release of roaring at the end of the song. :) “
-Colleen, Learning Designer & Facilitator
Roar by Katy Perry:
“So this isn't a new song but I feel it's a great representation of my mindset for 2022. I am more focused, confident, and intentional than ever. I have a clear vision of who I am becoming and I'm ready to roar!”
-Erica, Operations & Automation Assistant
Alright by Supergrass:
“The 90’s are back, and I love me some low-rise jeans and mid-90’s Brit-rock. Usually, I come to the Brits for the angst, but you can’t really get angsty in a song that’s on the Clueless soundtrack, so this may be a little against type for me, but it feels like the right way to welcome in the new year. We are indeed young, and strange, and I hope this is the kind of year that gives us the chance to see our friends, see the sights, and feel alright.”
-Kris, Head of Research
We Can Build a Fire by Autoheart:
“At its (auto)heart, this track is about imagination and collective action, building into something bigger than the sum of its parts. It's about abandoning the way things have been done, the fear that can come along with that, and the grit and community you need to keep going. Building a collective fire of change is what I want for the Cultivators Community in 2022.”
-Lisa, Community Engagement Manager
This Will Be Our Year by The Zombies:
“I'm leaning into a mellow mood for 2022. I have hope that making all those big changes in 2021 will let me enjoy simple things like time with loved ones, travel, and exploration in 2022.”
-Maureen, Measurement & Analytics Lead
Happiness in Liquid Form by Alfie Templeman:
“Described by one fan as a colorful sugary disco-pop song, this is the kind of dance-pop energy I want to bring into the new year!”
-Molly, Head of Marketing
Dance For Love by Zella Day:
“For me, it seems every year starts with the hope that the coming year will have more dancing, and this year I also want 2022 to be a year of 'celebrating just because.' “
-Stephanie, Learning Designer
You can listen to our collaborative playlist here. Have a song of the year you’d like to share? Let us know in the Cultivators Community and we’ll add it to the playlist!
Happy New Year & “Let all the children boogie”,
Team Cultivate
Share your ideas. Solve problems. Make a difference.
We’re building a community where your voice is heard, solutions are shared, and changemakers around the world can mobilize for change. If you are passionate about change, culture, and innovation, this is the place for you.