Wrapping Up 2024: A Year of Growth, Challenges, and Reconnection 🌟

As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year filled with milestones that shaped me both personally and professionally. It was a year of growth, challenges, and reconnection.

Professional Milestones

This year has felt deeply aligned with my personal story and experiences: I leaned into #transitions as a core focus in my coaching. Transitions take many forms—some imposed, like restructures or unexpected role changes; others self-imposed, such as stepping up as a #CEO or into #leadership, driven by a desire to pivot in life or career (many of my clients transitioned into #entrepreneurship); and then there are quieter shifts, like hitting a wall or feeling stuck (these are my clients who appear extremely successful to the outside). Each presents challenges but also opportunities to pause, recalibrate, and move forward with clarity.

Themes such as personal branding, networking, executive presence, values and vision work, as well as finding purpose have become the cornerstones of my work. They resonate naturally in this space, allowing me to go deeper with clients who are ready to create meaningful, lasting change.

One of my proudest achievements this year was completing my Neuro-Transformational Coach certification. This amazing programme not only deepened my understanding of the neuroscience behind coaching but also enhanced how I support my clients.

Another significant milestone was surpassing 2,000 coaching hours—each session a testament to the trust and transformative work shared with clients around the globe. This accomplishment has brought me closer to a dream I once thought unattainable: my MCC accreditation, is now within reach.

This year I also completed a group coaching certification, which sparked the idea for a mastermind programme. While still in development, I’m excited to see how it can make a positive impact in the near future.

Expanding further my client base into the Middle East has been another highlight. Working with leaders in this region has been incredibly rewarding, providing fresh perspectives and exciting opportunities. Alongside this, I’ve made it a priority to travel more, immersing myself in different cultures and environments, which I love.

Hosting masterclasses with my friend and colleague Karla Benske on executive presence, personal branding, and networking was our way of giving back to our clients and sharing our expertise, and walking the talk when it comes to #visibility. These sessions provided leaders worldwide with practical tools they could apply immediately, and the positive feedback we received was truly rewarding.

Adding mentor coaching to my services was another step forward. Supporting fellow coaches in honing their skills, building their confidence, and deepening their practice has been both energising and fulfilling. This journey has been enriched by attending the Mentor Coach Certification Programme. This great programme has not only sharpened my mentorship approach but also strengthened my ability to guide others with clarity and confidence.

Very rewarding also was weaving together my past as a business development professional in the Finance World with my present as a business owner, coach and consultant. Reconnecting these two worlds brought fresh energy and creativity to everything I do.

Lessons from Challenges

Not everything unfolded as planned. Earlier this year, I took on a project that didn’t align with my strengths and values, and the outcome was not what I had hoped. This experience served as a powerful reminder that failure is often the best teacher, reinforcing the importance of trusting my instincts and saying “no” to opportunities that don’t feel right.

Another proud moment that turned into a humbling experience was losing my LinkedIn Executive Coaching Top Voice badge—a reminder of how consistency and focus are crucial to maintaining achievements.

Exploring AI in Coaching & Training

This year also deepened my understanding of how AI can complement executive coaching, training and facilitation. While it offers useful insights and frameworks, it cannot replace the human connection that is the foundation of coaching. Trust, empathy, and creating a safe space remain uniquely human qualities that no AI tool can replicate. This realisation reaffirmed for me the value of the coach’s role in fostering meaningful transformation.

Personal Milestones

On a personal level, supporting my son’s transition to secondary school was both challenging and rewarding. It reminded me of the importance of being patient and present during times of change.

Travel continued to inspire and provide new perspectives, while swimming and meditation remained my lifelines. Both practices offered clarity, balance, and creativity—whether during early morning laps in the pool or moments of stillness amidst a busy schedule.

I’ve also benefited immensely from working with my own mentors and coaches. Their guidance has sharpened my skills and helped me reflect deeply on my practice. Coaching, even as a coach, remains a collaborative journey, and I’m deeply grateful for the insights and growth these partnerships have brought.

Key Lessons from 2024

Trust Your Instincts

Saying “no” to opportunities that don’t align with your values is just as important as saying “yes.” This has been a lesson in letting go of the fear of not making it or not being enough.

Consistency is Key

Small, steady efforts in work, personal growth, or routines often yield the greatest rewards.

Resilience Matters

Flexibility and patience are vital for navigating challenges and thriving in uncertain times. And staying resilient requires focus.

Support is Essential

Even—or perhaps especially—coaches benefit from having someone in their corner. I could not have navigated this year without the support of my mentors, coaches, friends, and family.

Connection is Irreplaceable

While AI offers exciting possibilities, it cannot replicate the human touch central to coaching relationships.

Let Go of Fear

The fear of not being enough or failing can be overwhelming, but learning to trust the process and embrace uncertainty has been liberating. My mentors played a pivotal role in helping me move past these barriers.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As I look ahead, my guiding words are Courage, Curiosity, and Calmness. These reflect my intention to embrace challenges, stay open to new ideas, and bring fresh energy to everything I do, while honouring the need for balance and space.

My focus will be on continuing to serve my clients who inspire me every day, strengthening existing relationships, and launching new offerings like the mastermind programme. I also plan to take further steps towards my MCC accreditation.

On a personal front, my family remains a priority, and I sense changes ahead—perhaps even in how and where we live!?

What about you? What lessons has 2024 taught you, and what words will guide you into 2025?

#Reflection #Growth #PersonalDevelopment #KBCcoaching