Open the Year with Strategic Tempo
Hey, ShoryuWill newsletter readers,
Happy New Year! I wish the break were longer. The final weeks of December can often feel like a tug-of-war: You know you should rest, but you also sense the opportunity to pull ahead while many others dial back. Last month, I spoke about “How the Elite Win in the ‘Separation Season,’” emphasising that end-of-year quiet time is an incredible chance to build momentum. Yet, in a twist of irony, I also decided to take my own advice in a way I rarely had before—by stepping away from the grind for a solid week.
I spent those days in Noosa and Forster, allowing myself to step off the treadmill of endless to-do lists. I went easy on food and drink restrictions, filled my days with family gatherings, and caught up with old friends, peers, and clients. The extra breathing room led me to an unexpected place of clarity. Also, put on a few kilos... But there, on the beach or over relaxed holiday meals, I began asking myself:
It might sound counterintuitive to describe holiday indulgence as a path to professional epiphany, but the mental “reset” genuinely paved the way for sharper insights. Instead of feeling behind in January, I found myself excited—almost itching—to take on the new year. And that enthusiasm quickly turned into an actionable plan.
#ShoryuWill Newsletter #48 By William Zhang
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We rarely stop to notice, but our lives run on natural, repeating cycles—days, years, and even entire life stages that guide how we spend our time and energy. Mornings look different from evenings, we plan our vacations with the seasons in mind, and we redirect our focus at different phases in our careers. Without these underlying rhythms, life would feel chaotic, and we’d struggle to create shared experiences with the people around us.
A new calendar year is a powerful reminder that organisations also thrive on rhythm. Some of that cadence comes from the natural world, financial reporting deadlines, or broader social norms. But ultimately, leaders have to supply the remaining “music” that reassures investors, employees, and customers that there’s a consistent beat behind everything the organization does.
Looking Forward: Creating Impact and Structure
As soon as the calendar flipped, I got to work on my core initiatives. First up is a push for greater industry impact: This includes organising or contributing to RADIUS events—where we’ll be exploring technical advancements and educational opportunities within structural engineering and beyond. There’s something energising about bringing bright minds together for deeper conversations, and I’m confident these gatherings will help push the envelope in our field.
Then there’s the all-important budgeting process. It’s not just about revenue targets or EBITDA margins, though those metrics do matter. I’m also making deliberate choices about where to re-invest, whether it’s in fresh technology, new team members, or expanded training programs. In an era where AI can automate budgeting forecasts in minutes, it’s easier than ever to run scenarios—but it still takes thoughtful leadership to decide which path is worth pursuing.
People and Partnerships
Another major piece involves talent acquisition: Who do I hire next to solidify the foundation of our consultancy? Which new roles will help us innovate faster in 2025? Identifying these needs is only half the job—finding and onboarding the right individuals is the tricky part. That’s why staff training comes in tandem. Once people join our team, they need a clear structure, consistent development pathways, and access to partnership resources that empower them to do their best work.
Btw, Palantir Consulting has a senior position open: Senior Structural Engineer (Modelling and Calc.) - Lead Technical Excellence
Speaking of partnerships, I’ve never been more convinced that long-term, mutually beneficial alliances can accelerate success. Over the holidays, I had candid chats with potential partners who share similar values and complementary skill sets. Strengthening these relationships—whether they’re fellow consultants, clients, or technology providers—is my priority for the year. The results of those easygoing December catch-ups could be the seeds of significant joint ventures or co-branded projects in the months ahead.
Technology, AI, and Measurement
From a technology standpoint, I’m pushing forward with AI development and smart investments in data-driven tools. Although AI can feel like a buzzword, the practical applications in structural engineering—especially around project planning, cost tracking, and real-time risk management—are massive. It’s all about weaving these tools into day-to-day operations so they don’t become yet another shiny object that nobody really uses.
Part of this approach involves finalising the Alfred AI website, which is now coming together in exciting ways. In fact, we’re aiming to publicly launch the AlfredAI Chatbot by the end of February 2025, following a series of successful pilot projects that prove its real-world value. This chatbot will help teams handle everyday queries and automate repetitive tasks, freeing up professionals to focus on deeper problem-solving and client relationships.
The Beta test version is now free to use. https://beta.alfredai.bot/
Finally, a word about measurement: If December was about opening my mind and heart to new possibilities, January is about locking down specific metrics. I’m mapping out a handful of KPIs for each key initiative—think of them as guideposts. Whether I’m tracking how many partnerships lead to actual deals or how quickly the team can adapt to new AI-based workflows, these numbers help keep me (and everyone else) accountable.
Why a Holiday Reset Matters
As I compare this start to the year with others I’ve had, I notice a big difference: I’m more focused and less frantic. You often hear that stepping away creates space for personal reflection, but I’ve learned it also helps shape an entire year’s priorities. It might seem paradoxical that the best way to move your business forward is to step back for a bit, but the mental clarity I gained in Noosa and Forster is tangible.
领英推荐
Moreover, conversations with relatives, friends, and colleagues over the holiday period are some of the most honest ones you can have. There’s something about Christmas and New Year’s that makes people open up—whether it’s about personal struggles or big career goals. Those heart-to-heart talks inspired new ideas for collaboration, and a renewed sense of purpose in my own work.
Final Words
For those still feeling the “January rush,” remember that there’s no universal rule saying you can’t carve out reflective moments now. If you missed out on a holiday break, you can still schedule time in your calendar—maybe just a day or two—to step off the hamster wheel. During that time, ask yourself the big questions. Identify which relationships you need to strengthen and what measures will define your success this year.
If you want some structured guidance, consider books like “Essentialism” by Greg McKeown or “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, which can help clarify your thinking and break down changes into bite-size steps. Simon Sinek’s “Leaders Eat Last” also offers a great perspective on why investing in your team’s well-being pays dividends not just in morale, but in tangible business results.
As I look ahead to the rest of 2025, I’m reminded that real progress often starts where intentional reflection and purposeful action meet. That balance of rest and reinvention—of letting go and stepping up—sets the tone for a year of growth. I’m energised by the projects on the horizon, from expanding AI-driven solutions to strengthening the partnerships that make innovation possible. Above all, I’m excited to continue refining what matters most: serving clients, empowering my team, and striving to bring valuable change to our industry.
3 Book Recommendations
Strengthen Your Leadership Approach by John C. Maxwell
Key Insight: Elevate your leadership skills by focusing on clarity, empathy, and accountability.
Why It’s Relevant: Leaders who invest in personal growth set the tone for their entire organisation, inspiring trust and higher performance.
Cultivate Innovation in Your Team by Tom Kelley
Key Insight: Encourage creative thinking and experimentation to stay ahead in a rapidly changing market.
Why It’s Relevant: Teams that feel empowered to innovate can drive breakthroughs, solve complex problems, and adapt more quickly to new challenges.
Build Unstoppable Momentum by Brendon Burchard
Key Insight: Align goals with consistent action to maintain steady progress over time.
Why It’s Relevant: Sustained momentum helps organisations weather obstacles, seize opportunities, and remain resilient in competitive environments.
1-2-3 Punch
1 Quote
“The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence—it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” – Peter Drucker
2 Questions
Which new initiative, if prioritised this year, would transform your organisation the most?
How can you foster a culture that wholeheartedly embraces both the people and the technology you invest in?
3 Actions
Map It Out (create a basic timeline for your top three priorities)
Automate One Task (use an AI tool like AlfredAI)
Schedule Reflective Time (set aside one hour each week to refine goals).
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About Me: I'm William Zhang—an engineer, creator, and business strategist with a deep passion for AI technology and digital innovation. As a business owner in engineering consulting, I also focus on helping others with personal development, financial awareness, startup coaching, business strategy, AI implementation, and building effective teams and partnerships. I believe strong relationships and the advancement of technology can create a better future, and I'm excited to share my insights with you.
Your friend, William Zhang