The Tara Birch Newsletter #9

A Year-End Reflection… What A Year!

Wow, can you believe it’s almost the end of 2024? It feels like just yesterday when I gathered my little family and asked…

“Do you trust me? Do you believe in me? Are you ready to give me the time and patience to start my own business?”?

Spoiler alert: they didn’t run for the hills!

This year has been quite the rollercoaster for us. We’ve had our fair share of sacrifices and hard work, but the outpouring of love and support from my immediate family has kept my sanity in check(ish)!?

No words can fully capture my gratitude for Abigail and Peter Bouvier. Without their unwavering support, I truly don’t know where I’d be - both personally and professionally. They saw me, listened to me, and stood by my side through thick and thin. They lifted me up, offered guidance, and shared invaluable gifts of time and wisdom. I am forever grateful to them and feel incredibly privileged to call them my friends.

Honestly, my little family and the Bouviers all believed in me before I believed in myself. Without their encouragement, I might have thrown in the towel and taken up Tik Tok dancing or GRWM videos instead - I dread to think!?

In seriousness though, the lessons I’ve learned along this journey have been priceless, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to continue to share them all with you.

One of the biggest highlights for me this year was the launch of my website, ‘The Tara Birch’, on 27 March; a date that holds a special place in my heart as also it marks the day I met my husband back in 2009. Speaking of my husband, he’s also given us a remarkable new moment to celebrate and cherish: he was invited to Buckingham Palace to receive a medal for the King’s Coronation in recognition of his dedicated LFB service - a very proud moment for our family!

Anyway, back to business. If you’re wondering why I chose the name ‘The Tara Birch’, it’s because I wanted something I was fully accountable for. Friends and colleagues called me the ‘secret ingredient’ for engagement and trust, so with ‘tarabirch.com’ taken (somehow!), it was a no-brainer - The Tara Birch was born! My logo? … Those trusty red glasses have been my signature for so long they deserve a seat at my boardroom (home office) table!?

The first few months were nerve-wracking - think rollercoaster without the seatbelt - a white knuckle ride indeed! I found myself feeling impatient, eager to see the fruits of my “labour of love.” There were certainly some moments of self-doubt, and I asked myself (more than once) if I had done the right thing. But as I started networking and sharing my vulnerabilities, I began to make real connections. I was amazed by how many of you were on similar paths.?

I deliberately chose not to knock too hard on the doors of former employers or close connections. I wanted to earn my place in the business world by finding my own clients, rather than leaning on contacts or calling in favours. It was a little like those old dating days, those awkward first interactions but with fewer drinks and no bouquets of flowers! Of course, I chatted with familiar faces, but breaking into new circles has felt like being the first one on the dance floor: the brave and carefree influencer who is happy to dance to their own beat and irresistibly draw others into the rhythm.?

I come armed with what has been described as a Mary Poppins bag of skills, qualifications, and experiences, with a passion for driving change by helping people and organisations tap into those core human skills that keep us grounded and connected.

In just the last few months, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to deliver my EVOLVE and bespoke training sessions to over 1,200 people. Seriously, that blows my mind! One head and one heart at a time, I’m committed to creating happier and healthier workplaces, and lives.?

On a slightly more personal note (pun intended), many of you have told me how much you’ve enjoyed the revival of my #NapkinNotes_byTara series; little snippets that spark joy and perhaps more. Your feedback keeps me inspired, so thank you for that!

As we gear up for 2025, I’d love to connect more with you! If you’re curious about how I can help you, whether as an individual, within your organisation or a potential collaboration, let’s schedule a chat in the new year; I’ll update the ‘Book A Chat’ link in my profile bio. There are so many exciting opportunities waiting for us to drive positive change together.?Pop in a call to explore!

Thank you for being part of such a wonderful support system this year; there’s just too many of you to mention by name. I’m genuinely grateful for each of you who appreciates the work I do. Wishing you all the happiest of holidays and a healthy, exciting new year ahead - let’s make it a great one together!

Sending love and light to you all,??

Tara ?