2024 - What a year!

(Was always going to write an end of year post, but am loving this little LinkedIn rewind AI tool that's popped up on my feed in the last few days - am trying it out!)

After years of designing and delivering workplaces while working inside traditional design firms, I'll be honest and admit that I was frustrated over the past few years that I wasn't creating the difference I knew I was able to, built on my belief that genuine change is deeply needed on both sides of the tenant/occupier/leader and developer/landlord/supplier side of the commercial real estate spectrum. BAU just isn't working, and continuing to provide the same answers to a question that isn't being asked or answered properly just seemed like such a waste of time.

Many of you know that it was at this time 12 months ago that I 'cracked it', then took a few months to figure out how I could make good on my deeply held belief that work (and by extension, workplaces) should be more human. This period of time and all the support that was offered to me led to the biggest decision I've made yet - founding my (now thriving) consulting business Placeology - and offering what I think is a unique service: independent strategic guidance on modern work and workplace design, using a combination of highly experienced design leadership and expertise with a human-centered, change centric lens.

Key moments that shaped my 2024:

? Being able to shape HOW, WHEN and WHERE I work in ways that suit me and my family and that allow me to be an authentic and passionate advocate for new ways of working - no leave forms, no need to ask for permission to do things my way, challenging myself and learning enormously every single day

? Launched keynote speaking program covering the future of work, designing for neurodiversity, and the value of beauty in design

? Invited on a wide range of podcasts and contributing written content about the Future of Work for a diverse global audience

? Delivered talks at Workplace Strategy Summit Melbourne, CoreNet Global Canberra, the StepTwo Digital Employee Experience Conference and for the ATO amongst other highlights

? Connected F2F or virtually with more than 230 extraordinary, diverse, wonderful people from all corners of the world who have strengthened my belief that a team isn't defined by sharing a common email address, nor by working at the same time in the same place

? Participated in Lynda Gratton's 48-hour Productivity Jam exploring the future of work in new and innovative ways

? Became a member of two incredible, global alliances of independent Future of Work thinkers, writers and practitioners including Julia Hobsbawm's WORKATHON and Denise Brouder's The Future of Work Alliance, and more locally here in Australia with Ken Mullins 's Property Intel Collective

? Started working from Hub Australia at 44 Martin Place - finally experiencing working in a workplace I helped design!

? Supporting a myriad of friends and colleagues who are searching, like I was, for a better way of working and living with purpose

? Collaborating with, and doing meaningful work for and with so many lovely organisations and individuals including Optus, Resolve XO, Stockland, Active Metal, Happy Place, 3XN, RAAF, BGIS, BVN, CBUS, University of Newcastle, Next Workplace, Spitfire, Snowy Hydro, Wool & Hay, SDA Architects, Mace, Viva Health at Work, Puzzle Partners, Banco Group, Advisory Studio, the ATO and more ?

I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me in this transition - from former colleagues and co-workers to new clients and collaborators who trust and value my independent guidance. Special thanks to the growing community of workplace thinkers committed to making work more human all over the world. I feel so energised and alive after the last 6 months of work that for the first time in years, I don't feel like I will fall into an exhausted heap right before Christmas and spend two weeks just barely existing before starting all over again??

Looking ahead to 2025: I'm excited to grow Placeology's impact while continuing to advocate for workplaces and increasingly, work practices that embrace neurodiversity, foster genuine connection, and celebrate beauty in design. I'm also incredibly impatient and excited about becoming a published author - having contributed to "Good Work Design: Conceptualisation and Practice for Sustainable Futures" which will launch in 2025.

To everyone working hard to make workplaces, indeed, all places be more human: thank you for being part of this community and I hope you all get a wonderfully festive break. Here's to a fab 2025 and creating spaces where everyone can thrive.

#futureofwork

#futureofworkplaces

#makingworkmorehuman

#LinkedInRewind

--

Get your 2024 LinkedIn Rewind at https://coauthor.studio/rewind