January notes

The start of the year always feels like a mix of fresh energy and possibility. For me, January has brought a clear focus and permission to explore some new ideas, seting the tone for the year ahead.

I’ve been diving into some exciting new research, watching the planet parade light up the night sky, and making the most of the snow. There’s something about the new start of January that makes you appreciate the small moments even as the world around us keeps shifting.

Being on the right side of the boom

A big focus this month has been bid and tender work, but the kind where you get really excited about the potential of helping some great organisation tackle challenges in the right ways. I actually worked on my first funding bid with the wonderful Hilary Stephenson and Cameron Spilman FRSA , focused on putting the power of AI in the hands of tenants. Alongside that, I’ve been working on another AI-focused bid with our Swedish business unit Nexer Insight. After a great experience working with Carl T?nseth and Patrik Hallsj?, PhD last month for a large national Charity, I'm feeling really excited at the prospect of this.

The real challenge isn’t just 'doing AI', it’s doing it right. There’s a lot of noise about AI and I keep seeing people dismiss it outright, usually because they’ve thrown it at a wall, expecting magic, and been disappointed when it didn’t stick. But like anything in life, there’s no silver bullet. The real work is in the approach, of prioritising ethics, sustainability, and human impact. AI isn’t inherently good or bad, it’s a reflection of how we choose to use it. That’s what I’m focused on this year, making sure we’re on the right side of the AI boom.

Finding time to pause

Amongst all of this, I made sure to carve out some time with colleagues in our lovely Macclesfield office. I organised a Fika (a nice nod to our Swedish roots and a reminder that work is also about connection). It’s easy to get lost in deadlines, but at the start of the year I made a promise to spend more non-work-related time with my colleagues). Theres never a time when I won't enjoy a Tunnocks teacake. Shout out to Emma Urquhart Megan Thomason and special guest for the day David Macarthur !

Getting back out there

Spending the day in at our friends Auto Trader UK Manchester for The Carbon Literacy Project Digital and Tech sector toolkit launch reminded me just how much I love getting out and about, meeting people, and sharing ideas. It’s easy to get stuck behind a screen, deep in the world of bids and strategy, but events bring a different kind of energy. Hearing Alex Beasley talk so rawly about Patagonia 's journey to be more responsible, rather than sustainable, really gave me food for thought about our journey at Nexer Digital. Key takeaway: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. I just love that. Looking forward to launching the toolkit with our teams in the coming months.

In the coming months, I’m looking forward to getting out to more events, making new connections, and being part of the conversations shaping our industry. I’ve also been working with Cat Cutmore to organise some of our own events, continuing our Accessibility roundtable seried with the housing sector and, of course, Camp Digital. I can’t wait to see these plans come to life.

Remembering the past and speaking up

I spent some time reflecting on Holocaust Memorial Day. Like many around the world, I lit my candle in my window and thought about my ancestors, and of course all who were affected by the Holocaust. I spent time looking over my Grandmas diary, where she took time to write down her brutal struggles of escaping WW2 Poland, where she spent time in concentration camps. She wrote down her experiences so that we never forget the horrors.

It’s impossible to look at what’s happening in the world right now, namely America, and not feel the weight and anxiety of history repeating itself. The language, the propaganda, the division, it’s a reminder that we have to stay vigilant. “Never again” only means something if we actively stand up and challenge the forces that seek to rewrite history. When governments start deciding what information people can and cannot access, whether through censorship, propaganda, or controlling platforms like TikTok, it’s a reminder of how easily freedoms can be eroded if we’re not paying attention.

Moving forward

Now that we're through the darkest 10 weeks of the year, and I can start to see spring bulbs sprouting up through the soil, I'm feeling well and truly out of the woods. Next week I’m taking some time off to celebrate a milestone birthday (eek) to do what I love most, travelling. I’m heading to Romania, and visiting the largest spa in Europe. A pretty good way to start February, I think.