End-of-Year Reflections 2023

As 2023 draws to a close and the holiday spirit fills the air, it's the perfect time to reflect on my journey since that unexpected turn in summer when redundancy hit. I joined Magnetic in September marking a new start, one filled with learning, collaboration, and personal growth.?Here's a look back at the past few months.

Embracing Change and New Learning

The period of redundancy was a test of resilience. It taught me the value of adaptability and the importance of staying positive and proactive. During this time, I focused on upskilling, reflecting on my career goals, and networking, which paved the way to Magnetic –?a world of Design Thinking and collaborative problem-solving. The vibrant culture here not only embraced my ideas but also pushed me to constantly evolve.

Diverse Team Dynamics

Embracing the essence of diversity at Magnetic, I've had the opportunity to collaborate with an array of talented professionals from various backgrounds. This mix of perspectives and experiences has been pivotal in enriching our projects. Working in such a dynamic environment has taught me the value of different viewpoints and the strength that comes from a team where every voice is valued. It’s here that I’ve seen ideas flourish not in spite of our differences, but because of them.

Expanding Horizons

My journey over the last three to four months has been one of continuous growth and exploration. Tackling projects across different sectors, from healthcare to retail, has broadened my understanding of various industries. Each project brings its own set of challenges and learning opportunities, pushing me to think laterally and apply my skills in new and innovative ways. It's been an evolving process of adapting, learning, and growing in ways I hadn’t previously considered.

Community and Knowledge Sharing

One of the most exciting aspects of recent months has been the emphasis on knowledge sharing and community building. Participating in internal events, sharing sessions, and workshops has not only enhanced my professional skills but also helped in forging a strong sense of community. This culture of sharing knowledge and experiences has openly created a collaborative learning environment where we all grow together.

Work-Life Harmony

The recognition of the importance of balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being is deeply ingrained in our work ethos. This approach has allowed me to deliver my best work without compromising my personal life. The flexibility and understanding from the team mean that deadlines and project work are managed in a way that respects our personal time and commitments. This harmonious balance encourages a healthier, more productive work environment, and I've found that it significantly boosts creativity and job satisfaction.

Celebrating a Positive Work Culture at Magnetic

Reflecting on my?time in this industry, I've come to realise the impact a positive work environment has on personal and professional growth. We have a culture that supports creativity, innovation, and individual development.

What sets us apart is our strong focus on leadership and coaching. This approach creates an environment where feedback is constructive, leadership is inspiring, and every team member feels genuinely valued.

This positive atmosphere has played a crucial role in my own growth. It's refreshing to be part of a company that invests in its people, providing the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive.

In essence, what binds us together is our shared commitment and passion for design and innovation. We unite as a team to drive creative solutions and make a meaningful impact. It's not just about our people; it's about our collective drive to embrace diversity and leverage everyone's unique perspectives. We believe in the strength of collaboration, where every team member plays a crucial role in our journey. We're not just a workforce; we're a united force working toward "Designing a better future".

Here are some highlights?from the last three months

Empowering through Education: Magnetic launched the Innovation Academy strengthening our commitment to equipping individuals and businesses with essential knowledge and skills for an ever-changing landscape.

Supporting Through Experience: Shared five insights gained from navigating redundancy, offering guidance to others facing similar challenges.

Team Collaboration: Engaged in numerous team sessions covering diverse initiatives, from shaping new business strategies to coaching sessions and preparing for an upcoming Lunch and Learn event focused on predictive AI.

Local Initiatives: Partnered with Manchester team on initiatives taking shape in Manchester and the North West.

AI and Design Thinking: Explored how AI could enhance the Design Thinking process, streamlining innovation efforts to work smarter.

Microsoft HAX Toolkit: Wrote the Microsoft HAX Toolkit and highlighted its value for those working with AI.

Research Master Classes: Joined various Master Classes, engaging in discussions on research methodologies, experimentation and much more.

New Additions: Welcomed five new joiners as valuable additions through our Jumpstart program.

World Mental Health Day: Hosted a Tea and Talk event, raising awareness and promoting positive change in mental health.

Squad Meets: Hosted squad meetings diving into projects, initiatives, and well-being and learning more about my colleagues.

Projects: Collaborated on a healthcare service design project, motivated by the potential to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. Teamed up with other Designers to work on human-centred design for a client's internal platform. Plus a blended team across Manchester and London to focus on optimising communication across various digital touch-points and much more.

Looking ahead to 2024

I'm eager to connect with fellow innovators, practitioners, and leaders, as well as anyone passionate about making a positive impact through design.

If you see an opportunity for collaboration in the coming year or simply want to engage in a conversation about design and innovation, feel free to reach out.

Wishing everyone happy holidays and looking forward to a creative and inspiring 2024! ????