Reflecting on a Whirlwind Year

Every week we pull our full team together for a Team Huddle. Our remote team join us via Zoom, and our local team gather in our main conference room. The focus of these Huddles change depending on the month and the time of year.?

Last week was our last full team Huddle for the year. Diana, our People & Culture Champion asked us all to come prepared to the Huddle with three things:

1. Something we are proud of
2. Something we are thankful for
3. Something we are looking forward to

In light of that, I reflected on the last twelve months. 2023…what a year.

Business owners across the country have gone through huge change this year – we have faced inflation, changing market conditions, major weather events, election uncertainty, and absolute tests of resilience, both personal, and business balance sheet!

Here at Sudburys, we have gone through change just the same as everyone else…Justin Moore joined Steve and I as a Director in March (it’s fair to say the quality of his jokes is finally starting to improve) and in May, I was asked to speak at the Annual Mindshop Australasian conference. In true Suds style, I took my props along - a Paw Patrol Jenga tower and a tin of tomatoes - to demonstrate why a solid culture foundation is critical when implementing strategy.?

On the topic of culture, our team supported each other like champs while Steve took a well-deserved sabbatical mid-year. They ensured Justin and I stayed afloat, even if it meant deploying inflatable life rafts at times. We celebrated significant achievements, including Claire Lee's CPA, Boyd Wiggins' CA, and Steve's remarkable 40 years as a CA—a source of pride for them and us.

At our Annual Team Day, we asked some of our clients to come in and share with the team about their businesses, their challenges, and why they choose us to be a part of their journey – it was a humbling experience and a great reminder of why we do what we do.

Later in the year, we partnered with ReSport Charitable Trust, and proudly have their pātaka collection container displayed in our reception area ready for donations of preloved but fit for purpose sports gear for those in our community.?

Cam Bagrie joined us right here in Northland for our October ‘On Point’ event, talking us through some of the likely flow on effects of the general election that had happened just a few days earlier and possible global impacts.?

On the lighter side of things, we had to revise our “Office Pets” policy – with visits from puppies, goat kids, and nearly spring lambs this year! Our team are passionate animal lovers and occasional visits from our respective four-legged friends was great for staff wellbeing.?

We celebrated the Rugby World Cup in style – with some impressively themed desks, plenty of banter and lunch inspired from around the globe. We’re thankful that our South African team members treated the rest of us with grace the Monday following our AB’s loss…?

For our Sudburys Christmas celebration, our team joined forces with I Have a Dream for a working bee at Te Kura o Otangarei – moving bark and mulch, building pergolas and garden beds, operating power tools, and generally getting our hands dirty to contribute in a small but immensely rewarding way to their big vision of a Garden Oasis.?

Just like so many others this year, our team faced their own mountains behind the scenes. And when asked at our Huddle this week what I was most proud of, it was simply us. Not just for the way that we each tackled our own mountains, but the grace with which we supported each other. As leaders in our business, it has been our vision to build a team that truly cares about each other, about our community, and about our clients. A group of people that celebrates uniqueness and different strengths, and tackles challenges as a team. And this year in particular, this shone through.?

I have been really intentional in the latter half of this year about being thankful for the small things. Sun on my face, fresh strawberries, tomatoes from my garden, time with loved ones, and being present. If I can encourage you in one thing – really appreciate the small moments, this life is incredibly short, and it goes by in a blink. Take time to soak up each day.

And what am I looking forward to? There are some absolutely epic things in the pipeline for Sudburys next year – for us, and of course our clients. We are here to absolutely make a difference, and to empower our clients in their growth aspirations. And I think, just quietly – next year might be our best yet.?So, from us to you - take time this holiday season to reflect on what you are proud of, be thankful for those small, beautiful moments, and look forward to what is ahead. We wish you a wonderful holiday season.?