Reflections on Growth, Transformation and the Year of the Snake...

Many of you may know my heart belongs to Japan, or more correctly to my Japanese husband Kazi and our 2 Irish-Japanese sons. We celebrate 2025, the Year of the Snake, a time traditionally associated with wisdom, transformation, and shedding old skin for new growth. This theme of transformation has been on my mind lately, looking at the journey of owning my own career, as I shed my old executive snake skin, and embrace new advisory and board opportunities.

A Personal Thread: From Japan to Ireland

My connection to Japan is deeply personal, woven through my family by my wonderful mother-in-law, Yoshi. As a young mother, she embarked on a courageous adventure, leaving Japan to build a new life in Ireland. This journey, filled with its own set of challenges and triumphs, required immense resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the unknown—qualities that resonate deeply for me with the spirit of the Year of the Snake.

From the Fields to the Boardroom (and Beyond):

Growing up on a busy farm in Ireland the seasons changed quickly, from planting to growing, to harvesting and resting/replanting. Being at the mercy of the weather builds strengths applicable in any business and boardroom; being able to adapt and persevere, learning to be patient and observe while problem solving through all weathers and challenges.

My Personal Harvest:

Taking ownership of my career has been like cultivating my own field. It requires consistent effort, planning, and the willingness to adapt to changing conditions. It's not always easy; there are weeds to pull and unexpected weather patterns to navigate. But the rewards—the personal and professional growth—are incredibly fulfilling. This journey has reinforced the importance of being "all-in" when pursuing a goal. Half-measures rarely yield a great harvest.

The Magnetic Pull of Growth Industries:

Just as certain crops thrive in good conditions, many of us thrive in growth industries. They offer fertile ground for innovation, learning, and acceleratd career development. The energy and momentum they promote is contagious, fostering a sense of endless possibilities and opportunities. Follow the growth- it will open up new perspectives, experiences beyond your current industy, market or sector.

Onko Chisin is a Japanese proverb, which literally translated means Reviewing the Old and Knowing the New. A great way to embrace the start of a new year.

In this Year of the Snake, think about shedding some old skin, take some time to reflect and take ownership of your own career, identify the areas to grow and transform, and commit to being "all-in" in 2025!

Yoshi's decision to travel to Ireland, led to a life well lived, and an amazing legacy of caring for the Japanese collection at the Chester Beatty in Dublin and publishing her memoir in 2017.

#YearOfTheSnake #Growth #Japan #Ireland #Leadership #Inspiration #Culture

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