2022 reflections: the hardest year of my career (so far...)

The end of the year is a great time for reflection and gratitude and 2022 has been one of the toughest and strangest years of my career (so far, I’m sure…)?

We started the year on the highest of highs with an exciting opportunity that would change the sector (and our lives) that vanished in one email.

We saw the return of in-person events that seemed to kick the sector back into decision freezes about virtual. Basically setting our whole strategy on fire and then chucking it into the sea…

And for a short while after an unexpected bill, me and my business partner went without pay to make sure our staff/the future of the company were secure - working three jobs for months to make sure my family was looked after (we're doing great now and recruiting two new roles in the new year!)

But as I reflect on the year, I’m incredibly grateful for what I get to do and immensely proud of how we’ve done it.

I know that if we have come out of this year stronger than ever and excited about what 2023 will bring, I know we can face -? and nail -? anything that comes our way.

Here are some of my key learnings as a founder from one of the hardest years of my career:?

1. Being vulnerable is ok

For a few months over the summer, things were really tough for business and for me personally. I’m usually a ‘head down, grind on’ person but this time I reached out to people and asked for help - and I’m so glad I did.

It hasn’t made me ‘weak’ or have people doubt my abilities, in fact, it’s helped me grow as a human and be able to spot when others are having a bad time and be proactive in offering support.

2. Help people in times of abundance

Linked to the above, the people that were there for me when I needed it were people that I’d helped during the pandemic and had worked hard on our friendships and relationships ever since.

I’m not saying give to receive, but definitely give when you have too much to keep for yourself.

3. Progress doesn’t have to be fast-paced

When you work with tech there’s this feeling you have to work long hours and long weeks, and at the start of the year, I started to believe it.

Thankfully we got off that investment rollercoaster before it left the station and focused on bootstrapped growth that we could control - good job too because we’d be screwed now with all of the funding cuts!

4. You don’t have to do things alone

2022 has been a year of hard and uncomfortable reflection, and difficult conversations.

I’ve noticed the beauty in transparent and open communication with your team and the people you exist for - it builds trust, gains perspective, and helps solve problems before they get out of control.

5. I work best when I’m not working

This isn’t me saying that my days are filled with tea and turbo naps (I wish) but I’ve realised that I’m at my most creative and best at communicating when I’m not sitting at a desk.

I feel like this year I’ve been busy doing nothing and I’ve really missed being on the sea and up hills. Next year I’m going to find a balance between the two.

6. Building a people-first company is slow but amazing

Most of the tools and advice out there for founders are focused on rapid growth and profit - often at the expense of your team and customers.

It’s taken us longer, and cost a lot more money, to build two companies that don’t shaft people in the process but at least I can sleep at night and be authentic with our purpose and approach.

7. It's ok to say no

I found immense freedom in saying no to feelings of inadequacy, people that were killing my vibe, and opportunities that weren't filling my cup.

But there were also some harder no's to new ideas and opportunities that, whilst amazing, would have taken us off-track of the ultimate end goal.

8. I can do anything

Honestly, if this year hasn’t been the end of me then I’m convinced that I can do anything.

And I will.

I hope your own end-of-year reflections help you spot the brilliance in the bigger picture.

Happy Christmas and thank you to everyone that has been there throughout the year ??