A first time for everything - A yearly summary, 2023.

I've stopped quarterly updates since 2022 as workload has ramped up post COVID-19 and shall only do a yearly summary during EOY to reflect and chart new strategies heading into the next year based on previous year learnings. This year's summary is named "A first time for everything" as I've learnt so much about myself while given new opportunities to expand markets, build businesses and thrive in an ever changing landscape of adtech and business locally and regionally.

The first time that this quote that was used on me and it got ingrained in my head was during the Armani SS19 show as I was about to do something that I've never done before. Fast forward 4 years, I realised that I've been doing many things for the first time and improving on system processes. (So its counted as a first time yeah?)

I've been blessed by my mentors and clients in 2023 and they have facilitated my growth again. Growth means change — but it doesn’t mean you change your intrinsic nature or characteristics. It doesn’t change who or what you are.

1. Change. People react differently to change. Well change is reality and change equals opportunity. If you embrace it, you'll see that if I respond to this change and others don't, I'm going to turn that into shareholder value. Its amazing how much new tech there is this year with the new buzzword AI. Either you embrace it and leverage it for your personal and business growth or get left behind
2. Confidence. When things change, people often lose confidence. Everyone is afraid of the unknown and self doubts usually happen. But confidence is always about preparation, so the more you prepare the more you can win. Looking back, I've ventured into new markets since 2016 exploring and building businesses. The product might be different, but the execution is always the same, hence I'm prepared. Learn, reflect and implement.
3. Clarity and Simplicity. The hardest thing in the world is the keep things simple. True elegance is in simplicity. I can't lead, if you can't understand and I can't sell a product if you don't understand its value it brings as well. So it's up to me to keep things simple and clear.

This year was amazing, increased sales driven revenue in ANZ. Onboarded new markets in North Asia ramping up revenue from my first trip there. Made new friends and found out who the real ones are. And continuing the push for 2024. Builders always build.

P.s. finally changed my linkedin photo for the first time after much persuasion from colleagues and clients. Had the opportunity for a shot by Lodovico Colli di Felizzano during a Zegna event. Yz signing off, LFG 2024!