Reflecting on 2024: Navigating Challenges and Building Connections

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more." – Melody Beattie

As we approach the end of 2024, I am reminded of how much growth often emerges from moments of challenge. This year brought its share of obstacles, but it also brought incredible opportunities for learning, gratitude, and connection. I have embraced each moment - the comfortable and the uncomfortable - because they all helped build a deeper sense of purpose and resilience. Here are a few highlights, insights, and book-bites from 2024.

Breaking Patterns and Reaching New Horizons

One of the biggest highlights of this year has been celebrating the first anniversary of Campfire Lessons for Leaders. Seeing the impact this book has made has been deeply fulfilling. From the ideas in the book, I created a program called Campfires of Connection, which brought leaders together in powerful ways. Witnessing the transformation in those gatherings reminded me why I do this work.

This year has also been about stepping into new experiences and embracing the unknown:

• I was honored to be a guest lecturer at Harvard University, sharing my thoughts on leadership and grounded connection.

• I became part of several amazing communities, including the Catalyst Leadership Trust, Outthinkers, and the House of Beautiful Business. These spaces were places of collaboration, new friendships, and exciting opportunities.

• I took on new certifications, becoming a Late Nite Art Certified Facilitator and a Key Polarity Practitioner. Thank you to my Late-Nite family, Adam, Lotus, Elizabeth, Gani, and the Fantastic Forces crew, for helping me grow.

• I attended my first SXSW Conference and had incredible experiences in Palm Springs and Miami with the High Achievers Mastermind (thank you, Jeffrey Shaw) and time in Miami and NYC with the incomparable Dorie Clark and our mastermind group.

These moments, experiences, and people were powerful reminders that stepping out of our comfort zone leads to the most meaningful connections and growth.

Books That Shaped My Year

As you know by now, I am an avid reader, always searching for insights that challenge my thinking and deepen my understanding. Here are some of the books that shaped my 2024:

• Infectious Generosity by Chris Anderson

• The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Montell

• Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

• The Bonfire Moment by Martin Gonzalez & Joshua Yellin

• The Connection Cure by Julia Hotz

• Mind Magic by James Doty

• The Creative Spark by Agustin Fuentes

• The Friction Project by Bob Sutton & Huggy Rao

• Fluke by Brian Klaas

• Ask by Jeff Wetzler

These works offered guidance, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of leadership, connection, and the human experience.

Questions for Reflection

As we prepare to enter 2025, I invite you to take a moment to reflect on the past year. Here are some questions inspired by my friend Jerry Anathan that have helped me look back with intention and gratitude. I hope they do the same for you:

• Who did you meet this year that enhanced your life, and how are you different as a result of meeting them?

• What is one challenge you faced this year, and how did that challenge shape or strengthen you as a leader?

• What is one habit or mindset you would leave behind, and what do you want to bring into the new year?

These reflections are about embracing both the struggles and the victories, the lessons that enriched us, and the relationships that brought meaning.

2025 is full of possibilities. The seeds of growth and connection planted this year are ready to bloom. I am excited to continue the journey with you - facilitating leadership programs, building new bridges, and finding magic in every connection we create. The spirit of Campfire Lessons and Campfires of Connection will continue to inspire new endeavors, and I can't wait to see what unfolds.

I'd love to hear about your reflections from 2024. Let's inspire each other by sharing our stories and intentions for the coming year.