Gratitude is the Attitude End of the Year Reflection.

As I step into the cozy recording studio located in Toronto's historic west-end neighborhood, I’m greeted with a warm and familiar, “AJ!”. The space feels inviting, with its comfy chairs, gray soundproof walls, and an array of technical sound equipment. A flat-screen TV hovers above, displaying a crackling fireplace that adds to the festive atmosphere. A box of Timbits and candy on the table instantly catches my eye, but I pause to go around, exchanging hugs and cheerful greetings with the faithful few who could make it.?

Inside the booth, Christopher is fine-tuning his deep lower-register harmony to layer seamlessly over Jason’s sweet melody. Meanwhile, I settle onto one of the oversized couches, opening my laptop to jot down notes for the interviews ahead. As I reflect on the year gone by, I think: What stories and insights can we share to inspire others for the future??

With a few questions drafted, I pull my first interviewee, Helen Mekonen, into the hallway, away from the hum of production. Her genuine enthusiasm for this reflection piece instantly draws me in, shifting me into full journalist mode, ready for an honest, insightful conversation. Throughout the afternoon, I cycle through multiple team members, asking each the same series of questions. Those unable to make it to our in-studio session answered via email submissions.?

“After collectively surviving what many would say was a very emotionally, physically, and financially draining year, it’s no question that gratitude is at the top of everyone’s mind. I’m curious to know, in the context of work, what are you most grateful for?”?

Helen Mekonen (Partner): “People, the team, connection, and the unwavering commitment… even after so many years.”?

Christopher Lee (Executive Recruiter & Consultant): “Grateful for grace, coworkers, clients, candidates, and people I feel comfortable being vulnerable with.”?

Melissa Sumnauth (Partner): “I’m grateful that I get to wear different hats, whether it’s an advisor hat, coaching, facilitation hat—I get to be ‘the hat lady.’ I’m grateful for the people I get to do the work with and want to shift things for the better. It’s important in the world we live in. I’m grateful for continuing to try new things, [such as] getting in the studio, planning, eating together, BES Fest—something we’ve never done before—and the power of collective unity.”?

Erica Ing (Vice President, Operations): “Being a part of this journey, seeing the team grow, seeing the organization grow, and seeing each other grow, contribute, and change for the better. It’s all very rewarding, and it’s [only] been four and a half years!”?

Jason Murray (President & Managing Partner): "I’m most grateful for the continued opportunity to have an impact on organizations and on people’s lives."

Stacy Ann-Buchanan (Director, Marketing & Content): “I am most grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven organization that amplifies the voices and talents of BIPOC professionals. Working with a team so committed to doing the work is not only fulfilling but inspiring. Plus, I value the space to use my creativity and leadership to add to our company's vision.”?

As we conclude Q4, companies begin the process of calculating their success, whether it be qualitative or quantitative. How do you measure success at the end of the year??

Zo (Community Relations Specialist & Researcher): “Hmm, I think measuring success in relation to community engagement work is slightly paradoxical. Success, in this context (to me), means building relationships with community members, organizations, allies, and comrades doing work we admire and are in collective dialogue and commitment with. I think we've done a beautiful job of that this year, although much, much more work remains to connect in the greater Tkaronto area and continue to action change together.”?

Melissa Sumnauth: “I measure success when a candidate says, ‘Will you speak to a family member of mine or a partner?’ Repeat business. [Or] the number of times clients come back. Referrals. I am grateful to be given the privilege of being the caretaker of people’s stories.”?

Jason Murray: "I measure success by the number of organizations that the firm is able to work alongside to inject positive change, and by the stories that we hear from clients, candidates, and the broader community about how our work has moved and inspired them."

Annual goal-setting is a tool individuals use to feel accomplished, productive, or simply have something to share or talk about once the year is over. I know for myself, my goals are not always physical rewards or reliant on a strict timeline but rather feelings or emotions I hope to embody.

Whether that’s gaining more confidence, contentment, or peace of mind. Did you achieve your 2024 work/career goal??

Stacy Ann-Buchanan: “Yes, 100%! And it’s collective too—spearheading impactful marketing campaigns, content strategies, and initiatives like the I Am Human campaign, the Youth Leaders Lounge mini-series, and, of course, the unparalleled BES Fest. These have truly been my highlights. While there’s always room for growth, I’m incredibly proud of the strides we’ve made together.”?

Christopher Lee: “I’m grateful for what I’ve achieved—staying in this company for over a year, leading my own search, and overcoming tough situations. In my mind, I still have more that I could have done. So as much as I think I did these things, I wish I had done more. In the context of starting with gratitude, each of us faces imposter syndrome or generational trauma, so countering critical or negative thought patterns and behaviors can be challenging.”?

Melissa Sumnauth: “My work goals are around sustaining culture. Are my colleagues happy working alongside me? Do candidates feel safe? Do clients feel they were held throughout an intentional process and supported, guided, and advised, even if the process was bumpy. We will figure it out together.”

What are you hoping to achieve in the new year??

Helen Mekonen: “Prosperity through new clients and long-standing services through search. Plus, new and old clients on our new portal.”?

Christopher Lee: “I would really like to dedicate time to language learning, specifically French—there is room for growth.”?

Melissa Sumnauth: “…Opposing perfectionism and understanding why we often feel the need to overachieve. [Remembering] I’m on a path that the generations before me survived so I can thrive.”?

Zo: “All of what 2024 entailed—but doubled!”?

Stacy Ann-Buchanan: “In 2025, I aim to deepen the impact of our work by developing more innovative content strategies that resonate strongly with our community. On a personal level, I’m focused on further honing my leadership skills while contributing to our culture of excellence and community care within our organization.”?

Jason Murray: "My focus is set on having a strong roll-out of our client portal, and maturing the product over the 2025 calendar year (so that we have updated versions in the hands of our clients and users soon after its launch). I’m also looking forward to seeing our impact spread throughout all parts of Canada and south of the border, which our client portal will enable us to achieve."

Sarah Khan: “I want to spend more time connecting with my community—whether that’s through volunteering or finding other ways to get involved and give back.” ?

Erica Ing: “I’m hoping to foster an innovative work environment by embracing change, suggesting creative solutions, and promoting flexibility in how tasks are approached.”?

While we all may have our predictions for the future, positive or negative, what are some words of wisdom you have for folks as we enter 2025??

Helen Mekonen: “Pedal to the metal. Even if the world is changing, your intentions should still be true to who you are. I heard a quote: ‘You can’t add days to your life, but you can add life to your days.”?

Jason Murray: "Life’s fleeting nature reminds us to cherish the time that we get, where its impermanence gives every experience its beauty and every connection its depth. Enjoy ‘every moment’ of 2025!"

Christopher Lee: “In a time of adversity, we must practice adaptability, mindfulness, and compassion, which center around the self, loved ones, and, by extension, our community and those we touch.”?

Melissa Sumnauth: “Be an angel’s advocate because the devil’s got too many. The only way through this is together. Give a compliment, get to know your neighbors, create a list of your trusted people, and keep them close. Find your communities and be around them. That is going to be the only way through. Sing and dance when you can. Fill up your cup.”?

Zo: “Be where your feet are! I keep noticing this saying making its way back to me, and it's something I'll continue to pass on too. To remain present, keep kin close, and take action in ways that care for yourself, your community, and our collective futures.”?

Sarah Khan: “Don’t focus so much on balancing your time—focus on balancing your energy. Make space for rest, play, and the things that bring you joy.”?

Erica Ing: “Celebrate your wins, big or small. Life can be unpredictable, so being adaptable can help you stay aligned with your goals.”?

As I look back on the year, I can’t help but marvel at the threads that have woven this journey together—threads of resilience, connection, and purpose. This wasn’t just a year of checking boxes or meeting targets; it was a year of growth, both personal and collective. It was about the small victories—the laughter during shared meals, the creativity sparked in our studio sessions, and the quiet but profound moments of trust and collaboration. Hearing everyone’s reflections has reminded me that success isn’t just about what we achieve but how we show up for one another and the communities we serve. As we step into 2025, I carry with me not only the lessons of this year but also the excitement for what’s to come—new stories to tell, new challenges to embrace, and, most importantly, new opportunities to inspire and be inspired.?

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Author: Avery Jackman (they/them) - Influencer Marketing Specialist & Project Coordinator