Goodbye 2019, a year with many achievements

2019. New Year’s Eve. As I stand at the edge of the year in contemplation, I find that I have many reasons to be grateful. This year has been an incredible journey for me. New milestones were reached and I’ve seen growth in almost every area of my life. I recall how, on January 1st 2019, I wrote down a number of things which were at the time just a dream. I was incredibly nervous putting down those ideas and goals on paper…I never imagine I would actually spent the rest of the year watching most of them, as far-fetched as they seemed, manifest to reality and become remarkable achievements. 

Perhaps the most remarkable was launching my new book ‘Leading Speakers’ (available on Amazon UAE) - a book where I share my experience speaking internationally and providing a masterclass for intending and current public speakers either in the workplace, for online audiences or global events. The book launch was part of breaking the Guinness World Book of Records at the Sharjah Book Fair. And even more, I am now working with my team to publish and offer a collaborative book, titled: Your Dose of Motivation. We will be setting the pace with that as it is first of its kind in the MENA region.

Another milestone for the year was MENA Speakers and Knowho Market receiving a number of impressive awards and nominations. MENA Speakers not only won the "Best Speakers & MC Bureau 2019 - Middle East" at the 2019 GCC Enterprise Awards by MEA Markets, but was also highlighted as one of 3 nominees at the Stars of Business Leaders Awards. KnoWho Market, on the other hand was also shortlisted for the upcoming ‘Arabian Business Startup Awards 2019’ for hard work in delivering innovation in learning, development and impact in the region. Even more, at MENA Speakers, we crossed the Atlantic Ocean and broke ground in the USA, one of the toughest and most competitive speakers' markets, where one of our Speakers, Cheyenne Kamran held a workshop in Miami. For this achievement, I must solidly reference the input of my amazing team (which I also expanded this year to include staff from other continents of the world). 

On a personal level, I turned 32 this year, studied at Harvard Extension School and joined the soon-to-be mom crew! The hormonal rollercoaster of pregnancy has been an exciting but surprising ride…one I would not trade for anything else.

Of course there were some low points in the year as well. It was rough sometimes, and I did not hit a full bull’s eye on all my 36 targets…but I have learned to focus on taking small steps, and take them in faith. There is no end if I choose to analyze and over-analyze on my thoughts, feelings, actions, words, behaviors and results. I avoid dwelling on my mistakes, flaws and insecure thoughts. It’s a miserable place to live in, so I consciously shift into states of gratitude and appreciation. That said, I am elated that I actually hit a nice 50% of my targets this year. Some of the things that will be rolled over to 2020 is to expand MENA Speakers even more and have exposure out in Africa and South America. Also, I hope to finally learn how to surf. Actually, I am breaking the Swedish Jante lag in every possible way by writing this …but my firm belief is that if you can dream it then you can do it and I hope that your ambition for 2020 is to dream big.

Concluding, 2019 has been another amazing year for me and I am grateful to everyone I have connected with in any form - through work, conferences or online. Have a wonderful Christmas (or holiday season) and a fabulous start of 2020!