Looking forward to 2023

I often end the year with a reflective message about what I have learnt or experienced…but this year I am taking a different approach.?

It’s likely that the final weeks of 2022 will be packed full of reflections– what we learned along with what we lost, amazing innovation as well as what we hope we never have to experience again. Rather than add to that well-stocked inventory, I want to concentrate on things I'm looking forward to and excited about, in the coming year.?

I’m going to do that by entering 2023 with a collective sense of perspective – and a new ability to prioritise what really matters. We have learnt so much over the last couple of years about what we value and I want to take that new found gratitude and perspective into every aspect of my life and work - starting with what’s closest at hand, personal relationships and the value of communities and the networks in our home and work lives.??

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Russel Howcroft, many of you may know him from the ABC TV series The Gruen Transfer. He was explaining that 95% of five year olds are creative, whereas only 20% of 18 year olds are. Sadly our creativity basically gets taught out of us. It’s easy in times of uncertainty and upheaval for leaders to try to close ranks and take greater control but this is often the time where we need to create a culture that celebrates creativity and encourages new ideas and ways of working. That’s my goal in 2023 to unleash the inner five year old in me and those around me in the hope that we continue to drive innovation, and an idea rich culture.? Being open to mistakes and learnings and continuing to develop both personally and professionally.

Check out Russel’s book The Right Brain Workout for inspiration and ideas on how to think more like an uninhibited child and let me know how you rekindle some of that creativity in the new year.

In 2023 accelerating efforts to take greater responsibility for climate change is also very high on my list. While aggressive action by world governments is essential, it must be wholeheartedly supported by commercial enterprise, and business leaders have a strong role to play.? In fact, we all have a role to play in making a difference, otherwise the net zero targets will never be achieved.

Xero has set near term targets to reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions that align with the recommendations of the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). These targets support the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Xero will work towards achieving these targets by focusing on the areas of increased renewable energy uptake, being more strategic about business travel, and switching to more sustainable catering wherever possible. You will see me personally looking for ways to engage with our teams and our customers in a much more considered way in the coming year.??

So as you wind down, relax and take a well earned break with family and friends…ciao to 2022 and bravo to all the champions out there who kicked goals during the year - both in work and personally.? Special mention to my middle child, Madeline (Maddie) who completed her last year of high school and is onto the next chapter of her life - you go girl.? Aim high! And to all those next generation leaders out there who have navigated the challenges of the last few years whilst completing their studies and maturing into adulthood. It has been tough and I admire you all for your tenacity and resilience.??

Let’s now look ahead at what might be possible and embrace the uncertainty with excitement and vigor - cheers to 2023 and all it has to offer!