Reflecting on the Year That Was and Embracing Active Hope in 2025

As the year draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the journeys we’ve taken, both individually and collectively, and the challenges, transformations, and lessons along the way.

For me, it’s been a year of deeper connections, inner growth, and refocusing underscored by a powerful reminder: we navigate life’s complexities by cultivating our inner capacities. We will then be better equipped to make responsible decisions at work and home.

This year, I revisited the idea of Active Hope, beautifully described by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone in their revised 2022 book edition by the same title. In times of uncertainty, active hope is not about passive optimism or waiting for someone else to act. It’s about choosing to participate actively in co-creating the future we hope for. It begins with three simple yet profound steps:

1. Taking a clear view of reality: candidly acknowledging where we are, what we see, and how we feel.
2. Identifying what we hope for: the direction we’d like to move toward and the values we wish to embody.
3. Taking steps forward: no matter how small, toward that vision of a better future.

I’ve found solace and strength in these principles, especially as I continue my regenerative journey following the loss of my husband. Active Hope became my anchor - reminding me that even in grief, we can choose to nurture healing and transformation, for ourselves and the world around us.

This year, I especially cherished the beauty of communities of practice and collaboration. Whether it was shepherding the Shaping Tomorrow Playbook, or partnering within the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) community on various initiatives, these experiences reaffirmed the healing and synergistic power of caring for others and for the world.

In working together, we prepared fertile ground where new ideas could be planted and cultivated; ideas that are guiding us toward meaningful, systemic progress.

Looking ahead to 2025, my hope for all of us is this:

May we continue to embrace our unique roles, shaped by our strengths, qualities, and life experiences. May we find the courage to step forward, again and again, for the sake of life on this shared planet.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Whether we’ve crossed paths through coaching, collaborations, or conversations, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and explore alongside you.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, restful Festive Season. Here’s to the possibilities of Active Hope in the year ahead!

Warm regards,

Ruby

Dr. Ruby Campbell is an executive, leadership, sustainability, systemic team coach, and advisor specialising in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths, and Medicine (STEMM) fields.

She is the author of the ground-breaking book Scientists in Every Boardroom: Harnessing the Power of STEMM Leaders in an Irrational World.

She is the Chief Editor and lead author of Shaping Tomorrow: A Playbook for Coaching Leaders in Sustainable Decision-Making and Policy.

Dr Ruby Campbell is the founder and CEO/Principal at ProVeritas Leadership Pty Ltd.

She is a Fellow at the Institute of Coaching, a Harvard Medical School Affiliate, and the Association for Coaches.

She holds a Master of Coaching Psychology, a PhD in Science (Physical Chemistry), an MBA (Exec), and a Bachelor of Applied Science (1st Class Hons).