Reflecting on 2023 - a Year of Gratitude and Growth
A Letter to Leaders 001
As I wrap up my year, I want to reflect with gratitude on the work you have allowed me to do with you and your teams. What a privilege it has been.
2023 began with the awarding of my Order of Australia Medal. People's response to this incredible honour flawed me a little - and I am deeply thankful to have been recognised. Since then, I've managed time away by the sea, two short trips overseas to warmer climes and a week at the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne with 15,000 of my friends ;)
Taking a break to restore and reflect - to model what I teach - is vital for me.
This year, I have worked with executives and managers in some of Australia's leading corporations, award-winning higher education institutes, all tiers of government, and dedicated for-purpose organisations.
More than any other of the nine years I have run my business, I have observed people's desire and need to think more reflectively.
You have told me you have appreciated the 'not so gentle' nudges to be more curious, understand yourselves, and practice what you learn.
Some clients have won significant awards and see their investment in their teams' development as instrumental to this success.
So - what’s coming in 2024?
The new year will likely see people working hard to avoid returning to the habits they developed this year.
I have witnessed an explosion of dissatisfaction with tiredness, feeling micro-managed, and working longer hours than is healthy. The pushback is strong, and it won't go away any time soon.
We are well beyond the great resignation and the great reset. People want to feel energised, enthused and in love with their work. A number of them already do.
In 2024, organisations must deal with how their people feel and how they show up, not just what they do.
Forbes contributor Bernard Marr predicts that 2024 employee experience such as "work/life balance, wellness, intellectual challenge, and personal growth and development" will be paramount to organisational success.
Lifelong learning across a person's career, refining emotional intelligence, and coaching for senior executives remain critical for leaders as the workplace continues to become less centralised and more hybrid.
And, as we encounter more prolific generative AI in our work and home lives, we want connection to real people - not training or coaching from on-screen bots.
That's why, in 2024, I am consolidating my offerings to be consistent with the latest thinking - services that will embed your people's learning so they can implement quickly and sustain new habits through practice.
I want real connection - whether face-to-face or online - where there will be time to think and not 'content overkill.'
I want to measure the impact of our work together through live evaluations in the room and with questionnaires and surveys to check progress - and I want you to be crystal clear about your objectives. Hence, we know what we are measuring right from the start.
I want to give people meaningful exercises, activities and resources that match what they learn in person.
I want to trust that you are up for the journey, as my work is not for the faint-hearted.
Would you like to work with me next year?
Here's what's coming up in my Service Guide for 2024.
Leadership Coaching
Individual and group executive coaching programs - 6 or 12 months
Corporate Training
Corporate leadership programs using my trademarked Pillars of Possibility®️ modules - executives through to mid-management
Mentoring
Individual and group executive mentoring programs - 6 months
Vantage™️ VIP Days - effectively condensing a six-month mentoring program into a day - four days reserved for 2024 in this premium program for individuals in the C-suite.
The Uplift™️ Program for women - intakes will be in April and September, and wait lists are open now.
Of course, as always, if there's something more bespoke you'd like to discuss, especially for long-standing clients, I'm all ears and let's talk about your ideas. You know I love designing a program with you, side by side, as we invent the future together.
While I am definitely, like you, looking forward to the summer break, I am eager to get back and start work with you all.
The year is already filling, and I want to make sure I hold space for the people who have been most loyal to me. I can't wait to hear from you about your plans.
Go gently and thoughtfully into December - and see you soon.
