2019 Reflections for a New Decade

As we prepare for the holiday period, it is a good time to reflect on the year, make plans for 2020 and at least, spare a thought of vulnerable people and those who struggle for what should be basic human rights like shelter, food and security. And as we prepare for the next decade, it is fair to say that we have just had a fascinating year!

Looking back on 2019, I have been lucky to visit Argentina, Brazil, Chile, as well as USA and Europe. Wherever I go, the connection with entrepreneurs, business and humanity transcends national boundaries. I meet lots of fantastic entrepreneurs and CEOs who are living their dreams. Many of these leaders are acutely aware of the potential to create opportunities and wealth not only for themselves but for all stakeholders including the broader community. 

I always love going back to San Francisco and in November, was inspired to hear Marc Benioff talk about the power of embracing a culture in which your values permeate everything you do. Marc’s latest book is worth putting on your holiday reading list. Whilst in San Fran, I was shocked and dismayed with the level of homeless people in this beautiful city and respect business leaders like Marc on their leadership seeking to make lives of these homeless people better and support our vulnerable fellow human beings. However, there is so much more to do in all our communities. This is where the power of entrepreneurs not only creates jobs, opportunities, wealth for the few but creates the platform for sharing to create a more inclusive, connected society with opportunities and prosperity for all.

At this time of year especially, I applaud the entrepreneurs who pursue a labor of love to build their businesses. From the high street retailers that stay open until late on Christmas Eve for all the last-minute holiday shoppers, to the chef at the local bar pulling double shifts on Christmas Day to give families a memorable meal together. Please spare a thought for the many small business owners who don’t stop working just because it’s the holidays – if anything, the pressure escalates as they try to juggle the demands of the busy holiday season with spending time with family and friends, even for those who don't observe Christmas.

One of the most satisfying aspects of 2019 for my good friend and co-investor, Steve Garnett and me, has been mentoring CEOs and entrepreneurs. This is a small part of the overall mission to champion these future business leaders – these heroes of the economy who provide 2/3 of the world’s jobs. For example, this year in the UK, nearly half a million small business owners will work every day during the holiday period, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day – with 34% saying it’s because they can’t afford the time off, and 17% not having enough staff to share the load.

For most of us, the festive season is a time of celebration — especially for the people, values, and traditions that matter to us. But so often, hard-working small business owners have to sacrifice time with family and friends to keep the lights. It is always an honor to shine a light on the entrepreneurs who work tirelessly to make other people’s holidays so special that they miss out on their own.

So, as we approach the end of this decade, it’s worth taking stock. Consider what has worked well in 2019 and what needs to change for 2020. As the next decade approaches, it will be invaluable to horizon scan into the ‘twenties’ starting in January and sketch out the plans for growth and sustained success – there are some pointers in blogs that I have shared through the year.

Most of all, press the pause button over the holidays even if you struggle like me to do so! Please be kind to yourselves and share time with the people around you who you love and have supported your ambitions. Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones and see you back, rested, recharged and raring to go in the Twenties - a new decade and new chapter of your adventures.