As the dust settles on a whirlwind year, I’ve been taking a quiet moment to pause. I meant to publish this reflection back in January — but life got in the way. And maybe that’s the point: not everything needs to be on time, but it does need to be honest.
So here’s a personal look back at 2024, what I’m letting go of, what I’m learning, and what I’m carrying forward into 2025.
“Reflection isn’t about the past — it’s how we shape the future with more intention.”
🌱 Letting go to grow
- I’m letting go of the belief that I need to solve everything myself. Trusting others, letting go of control — those were the real turning points this year.
- I’m cutting ties with the urge to juggle too many priorities. 2025 is about focus.
🗨 “Letting go isn’t failure — it’s making room for what matters most.”
💛 Gratitude for 2024
- The resilience and creativity of the People & Change team.
- The openness of colleagues during the consultation — even when things were hard.
- Small wins that reminded me why this work matters.
“Gratitude grows in the cracks — especially when change feels tough.”
✨ Highlights from the year
- Leading the People & Change directorate and seeing real collaboration.
- Launching our Mission Board approach — it felt like something shifted.
- Watching the team lean into agility, and witnessing those lightbulb moments.
“2024 taught me that participation isn’t just a process — it’s a way of being.”
🌻 Who I’m becoming
This year shaped me. I’ve grown into a leader who leans into adaptability, who balances strategy with humanity. I want to keep becoming someone who creates space for others to shine.
“Leadership isn’t about holding the torch — it’s about lighting others’ paths.”
🧘♀️ A commitment to myself
- Take proper lunch breaks. Go for more walks. Make space to breathe.
- Keep journaling — it helps me make sense of things.
- Stay present, focus on what matters, and celebrate the small stuff.
“Rest is resistance. Reflection is fuel.”
🌍 A commitment to the planet
- Less printing. More digital-first thinking.
- Keep embedding sustainability into how we deliver projects.
Who’s with me? My brilliant peers in my team and beyond.
🤝 A commitment to community
- Strengthen collaboration between the council and community groups.
- Keep pushing for inclusion and equity so everyone feels seen and heard.
- Embed systems that future generations can be proud of.
“Sustainable change grows in partnership.”
✨ Where I found joy
- Seeing colleagues grow and connect.
- Celebrating the tiny moments of progress.
- Laughing with friends and team mates after long days.
How I’ll find joy next year? Build in more moments to celebrate, reflect and smile.
💌 Pleasure, kindness and feeling seen
- I find pleasure in ideas coming to life. In meaningful connection. In recognition.
- I’ll keep writing and sharing reflections, and I’ll hold space for others to feel heard.
“We all want to feel seen. Sometimes the simplest kindness makes it possible.”
🌓 Holding the hard stuff
- The emotional weight of redundancy processes was heavy.
- I’ve learned it’s OK to lean on others — and that difficult decisions can lead to better futures.
🧠 Power, privilege and perspective
- I deepened my awareness of privilege — through the work, and through listening.
- I’ll keep asking: Who’s missing? Who has power in this space? Who needs a louder voice?
💞 Healing and solidarity
- I want to protect the team’s spirit and my own energy.
- I’ll pace myself — and help others do the same.
- I’ll keep showing up for people, especially when change gets tough.
🔁 Relationships and behaviour shifts
- I will stop: Trying to do it all.
- I will start: Prioritising what matters.
- I will continue: Advocating for participation, collaboration and inclusion.
“Boundaries protect what we value. Behaviour shapes what we become.”
🌟 Looking ahead to 2025
- What I want to seed: A more participatory, resilient culture.
- What I want to spark: Confidence in every team member to lead change.
My goals:
- For myself: Stay curious, recharge more.
- For work: Deliver meaningful change with care and clarity.
- For the collective: Deepen connections across teams and communities.
And the soundtrack for 2025? “Intro” by The xx — because it builds slowly, invites you in, and reminds me that every small step has power.
If any of this resonates, let me know. If you’re holding similar intentions, I’d love to hear them.
“We don’t leave years behind — we carry what matters forward. Let’s walk into 2025 with heart, hope, and a little more space to breathe.”
