There is always a reaction to an action

As is customary on the last day of the year I have been spending some time reflecting on what has been an amazing year. But, I wouldn’t have thought that 364 days ago, although unknowingly I had paved the way for this back in 2020 by taking the time to reflect and focus on myself.

A couple of much needed decisions in 2021, set me on the path to the successes I achieved in 2022.

• July 2021 – I had racked up a lot of annual leave and decided to take an extended 6-week holiday (a lot of unused holidays!)
• August 2021 – After 10 long and successful years, I decided to leave my leadership position at ForwardPMX and started a new search for professional growth

As a result of these decisions, in 2022, several of my dreams came to fruition

A number of my dreams came to fruition

This is how my year has gone:

• 28th January 2022 – I became a Founder and set up Connect Growth, to help brands agencies and leaders achieve their growth potential.
• 22nd February 2022 – I signed my first client – The Unknown Agency, working with a young talented entrepreneur
• 1st April 2022 – I signed one on my dream clients – Givenchy, where I got to work with some amazing people and leaders within Luxury.

I signed one on my dream clients – Givenchy,

• 5th of May 2022 – hosted my first event bringing together talent from across my network of colleagues, clients, and friends – and what a huge success it was
• 30th May 2022 – Took up the position of advisor at Addesu, a growing partnerships platform
• 20th September – Took up a leadership role at my dream organisation – Microsoft
• 1st November 2022 – Connect Growth signed a second dream client! Wella, working on a fantastic project, and excited to see where we can help them on their journey. 

Connect Growth signed a second dream client! Wella

• December 2022 – spent in Bangladesh reconnecting with my roots.

And that was just my professional life. In my personal life I had many firsts too:

• Scripted, directed and executed a dance drama with live music (amateur of course)
• Became more health conscious
• Executed a first of its kind 3 day music event (with a 24 hour session - Bangladesh meets the UK)
• Scuba diving for the first time
• Rafting for the first time

What did I learn:

• I massively benefited from regularly spending time reflecting and reconnecting, whether that’s a day, a week or more!
• Taking time out for inspiration supported creativity in my day to day – galleries, reading, walks, museums, conferences, and networking.
• Figuring out what I like/don’t like and what I want to do – IKIGAI all the way!
• Coming out of my comfort zone was scary but I learnt so much about myself and pushed myself professionally.
• I don’t sell, I build relationships, which out-live contracts!
• Be kind to myself and wholeheartedly celebrating my wins
• Appreciate everything, even my losses as they taught me something new
• I have been fortunate enough to have mentees, who have given me a valuable alternative prospective
• Nothing is impossible, you just need to find a new route

I don’t sell, I build relationships, which out-live contracts!

If I am working for my dream organisation, you might ask why I still have Connect Growth?

Over time I have realised that I am a problem-solver at heart, and that’s what I set up Connect Growth to do. We help our clients understand what their challenges are and then bring together the talent and processes to solve and grow. I also get to experience new situations, work work with more people and put my problem-solving skills to work.

More importantly, Connect Growth allows me to express myself, bring to life my entrepreneurial spirit and I’m proud of everything that I have achieved this year, big and small.

What am I looking forward to in 2023:

• Continuing my personal growth journey
• Making new connections and learning from diverse opinions
• Breaking barriers and achieving new heights personally and professionally

Have a fantastic 2023!