Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Connection, Growth, and Impact

As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year marked by shared insights, personal growth, and meaningful connections. Through my weekly newsletter articles, I had the privilege of engaging with a global community of readers, exploring topics ranging from leadership and personal development to cultural dynamics and self-discovery.

Newsletter Highlights - Leadership and Decision Making

This year, I published an article every week, amassing a total of 5,025,013 views—an average of approximately 100,000 views per article. With 27% of my 377,000 subscribers consistently engaging with my content, I am deeply grateful for the vibrant and thoughtful audience that has made this journey so rewarding.

Among the top-performing articles were:

• Picasso’s Bull and Leadership
• Oppenheimer
• Being Yourself or Belonging: Two Paths to Growth
• Power Shift: China’s EV Industry and Global Implications
• The Rise and Fall of Industry Titans

Each of these articles resonated with readers in unique ways, sparking conversations about leadership, innovation, and the evolving global landscape.

Leadership and Self-Discovery Workshops

In addition to writing, I conducted fifteen workshops and webinars throughout the year, focusing on leadership and self-discovery themes based on my book. These sessions brought together diverse audiences, including business leaders, university students, and professional clubs. Each event was an opportunity to dive deeper into topics such as navigating change, fostering resilience, and unlocking personal growth. The dialogues and questions from participants enriched my understanding and reinforced the universal relevance of these principles.

Sharing Unique Perspectives on China’s Business Landscape

This year, I shared unique insights into the rapidly evolving business environment in China, including the fast-changing electric vehicle (EV) industry and the country’s energy transition. I explored how China’s approach to innovation and sustainability is reshaping global markets and discussed the broader implications for businesses worldwide.

These perspectives led to invitations to speak on the contrasting strategies of Western companies doing business in China versus the approaches Chinese companies can adopt to succeed in overseas markets. These sessions provided a platform to address critical cultural, strategic, and operational factors that influence business success in a globalized world.

Continuing the Photography Journey

Photography has remained an integral part of my life in 2024. I continue to learn and refine my skills, including attending a Santa Fe Photography workshop that deepened my appreciation for black-and-white imaging. I am also working on two photography books showcasing the beauty and culture of China. To share my evolving portfolio, I have developed a dedicated website, providing a space to connect with others through the lens of photography.

Personal Milestones

On a personal level, 2024 has been a year filled with memorable experiences and accomplishments:

- Travel Adventures: I enjoyed remarkable journeys with my family, including trekking the Mont Blanc in France, Italy and Switzerland, self-guided driving tripping through France, and two visits to China. These travels allowed me to immerse myself in different cultures and capture the beauty of the world through my lens.

- Running Achievements: My commitment to fitness remained steadfast. According to Strava, I ran for 173 hours over 189 days, covering a total of 1,044 miles. My runs took me through Paris, Tours, Shanghai, Taiyuan, and of course Texas, contributing to an impressive 4.7 million steps for the year—an average of 13,000 steps daily. Highlights included completing The Woodlands Marathon in March and a half marathon in Washington, D.C., alongside my son, Daniel.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we step into 2025, I will continue to share my thoughts and reflections on a weekly basis, focusing on what I observe, learn, and experience. The increasingly interconnected and dynamic nature of our world demands fresh perspectives, and I aim to provide insights on topics such as leadership, personal growth, and cultural connections. My goal is to illuminate how events and developments in one part of the world can ripple across borders, shaping lives and communities everywhere. As we move into 2025, let us carry forward the lessons and connections of this year, embracing opportunities to grow, learn, and contribute to a brighter future.

In addition to our travel plans to Egypt and Europe in 2025, I am also considering participating in the Shanghai Marathon with the Wharton Shanghai Marathon Club, further blending my passion for travel and running. Additionally, I plan to continue mentoring young entrepreneurs, supporting their journeys with insights drawn from both successes and lessons learned.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to a year of hope, resilience, and shared purpose.

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