The year that changed everything

As we wrap up our year, I wanted to take time to reflect on 2024. I have always operated on the basis of honesty as I strongly believe we need to see more of this in business, particularly with female leaders. So, here goes…

Mitso has been in business for over 8 years, and this has without doubt been our most challenging year to date.?

Over those years, I worked hard to organically build a team and client base that I was proud of. And it was exactly that, organic. Not forced or “for show.” We built a great client roster and a brilliant team and we were doing really well. Ironically, in those years nothing ever felt too overbearing, even in the midst of having three smallies. ?

And then suddenly, things became difficult for a myriad of reasons, and I felt like I hit a brick wall. Writers block if you like.

We’re inching closer to a decade in business and I was thinking about what the next ‘phase' of Mitso would look like, which is always a challenge. Then, some of our team members decided to move on, and I really started to question my every decision.

We talk about work-life balance but the truth is there’s never quite a balance – we simply cannot have it all, all the time.

I was trying to do school runs every day and be there for my kids, which meant being in and out of the office like a yo-yo. I was always trying to please everyone. I was burnt out. Most notably, I had lost some of my passion for my work and that's simply not me.

I questioned many times whether I even wanted to run a business anymore, which is sad to admit. In truth, I was very close to giving up.

But a wise woman (my mother!) said to me “I will be so cross with you if you give up! You have worked too hard to throw it all in now”. And she was right.?I also had great conversations with Patricia Smyth and Siobhan Mooney from Invest NI (with a few tears thrown in) who inspired me to stick with it.

And so, I dug deep. Really deep.??

Firstly, I wanted to make sure our lovely clients were happy and that we continued to do great work for them. I’m proud to say we ended the year with our ongoing client relationships never better, and a few new ones starting strong.

We also brought on board the lovely Cait – I couldn’t have asked for more in a new team member. Despite it being a time of transition for the business, Cait has gotten stuck in and is already helping me shape the future of Mitso.

I also began selling more, something we’ve been (very!) fortunate not to need to do much of to date. And now, here we are with some incredible opportunities we’re about to embark on in 2025. Some that I could only have ever dreamed of before now and that we can’t wait to announce!?

This year has been a journey, but it was necessary. I read a quote recently that said "Most people in business give up right before the miracle happens" and I couldn't agree more.

With a such a positive end to the year, I am so glad I stuck it out and made changes both personally and professionally.

I know now that I needed to reset. I'm clearer now than I've ever been and much stronger knowing that I didn't walk away and that's because I love what I do.

As we enter the new year, I look forward to the opportunity to rebuild and reshape more consciously than before. I am also really mindful that work is in many cases a necessary and it's a bonus if you love what you do.

However, really all that matters is your family and your health.

With that in mind, I'm off to have a few mince pies with mine. Have a safe, healthy and happy Christmas everyone.

Adh mor ort!

Maeve