2020 into 2021 - Vision and Purpose

According to the Chinese, Feb 2020 was the year of the Metal Rat and typically represents new beginnings and renewals, symbolising wealth and plenty. It was also the start of a new 12-year cycle of the Chinese calendar. So, going into 2020 we could be forgiven for thinking it would be a prosperous year full of fresh starts - not the ‘new normal’ we have all been experiencing.

One thing was certain for the payments industry: change. Whether it was the increase to the contactless limit or the accelerated move to more cashless transactions, ‘change’ has been our constant. As many of us began working from home, sharing the home-office space at the dining table while family life continued around us, we have had to work twice as hard just to hold our course. While we had no say over the change forced upon us, we learned to adapt and ride the wave. For me, the silver lining has been to recognise what we could control, and to that effect, seeing how well we have been able to pull together. Empathy has been the keyword. Empathy towards our teams and our customers as we learn to recognise what we can control and take the necessary steps to realise our place in this ‘new normal’.

So on to 2021 – year of the Metal Ox. Synonymous with hard work, discipline and loyalty. Let’s heed the advice of ‘measure twice, cut once’ as we move in a more considered manner, empathetic to others, and cognisant of the fact that there is some great work to be done. It’s in our nature to fear the unknown, but growth lies beyond our comfort zones and it’s up to us to make it happen and enable the vision.

The importance of vision and sense of purpose, that’s what will I take with me into next year.