2025, scary things and some More with Less

Happy New Year! I’m looking forward to 2025…the start of a new year is a great time for an optimist! Probably more than any other time of the year, the start of January allows us to think about the future, to pontificate, to propose, to plan. I love it. I try to be kind to my past (2024) self and not worry so much that, by now, I might be heavier, less talented and poorer than I’d hoped…and focus my energies on tweaking and challenging my current (2025) self to have some fun, not take myself too seriously and set up that demanding future (2026) self for world domination!

In my house, we have some serious musical ambitions to achieve this year (some Grade 8, some beginner), some tough & muddy physical tests, some archery targets (yup, the puns have not stopped, sorry) and, of course, I really do need to make that Bitcoin fortune this year!

Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t find the time – Ann Landers

Late last year, I made some predictions: (i) People still Matter More, (ii) AI & Digital will ‘come of age’ and (iii) Old Op Models will Evolve or Die. I still agree with my 2024 self. And I’m going to have some serious fun proving myself absolutely correct. (What was that thing about hubris?)

Scanning the FT today, I notice many ETF ups-and-downs, PE flexing their muscles and stockpicking funds suffering outflows…as expected. But nothing, unfortunately, to pique my interest more vigorously…it’s early in the year, we’re just warming up!

Do one thing every day that scares you – Eleanor Roosevelt

Oh yes, let’s do more scary things. These podcasts with Fundipedia (or even my home-grown rustic versions) may be more scary for the viewer, I appreciate, but they will continue to dig a little deeper in conversation with smart folk.

I’m sticking my neck out on gnarly fund accounting & TA topics with FundGuard . Don’t forget #FOBO kicking off in earnest this Jan 22nd!

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are– J P Morgan

So, I don’t have formal Resolutions. But I do have Intent:

More Thinking, More Debate, More Commentary, More Insights, More Expertise, More Collaboration, More Proactivity

Less Sitting-On-The-Fence, Less Guessing, Less Procrastination, Less Ultra Processed Food, Less Waiting, Less Doing-What-We’ve-Always-Done, Fewer Excuses

Have fun out there!

Audere est facere.