Reader,

How is it December already? I find myself asking this every year these days.

Here's what I've learned in 2024:

1. Trust yourself more

I started this newsletter in 2020 talking about personal finance. It was something I wanted to get better at so I was sharing all my lessons. Money led me to career and business building since work and money are intricately connected. Leaning into sharing career advice felt great since it's the foundation of my 2-decade long career in HR. Through it all, I've always been guided by taking inspired action - meaning, taking action on what feels good and that energizes me. It's always led me to better things, even when doing it sometimes feels scary and risky. It's shown me how trusting myself is always the right move for me.

2. Do work you're passionate about

Love what you do and never work another day in your life, right? Some people think this is unrealistic and impractical. I think it's only that if you expect this process to be linear. Finding and doing work you're passionate about isn't straightforward. It involves detours, steps back and to the side. For me, it's meant saying no to promotions and accepting salary 'caps' in my job. And then creating other income streams through my side business so I can continue doing work I love and make a good living. Doing work you're passionate about is possible when you keep an open-mind and remain flexible and adaptable.

3. Live your life

Seems obvious, but ambitious women like us can get fixated on our work. Our work ethic is what makes us accomplish what we do. And when you love your work, it doesn't even feel like work. But, we don't live in a bubble and what we do or don't do affects the people around us. I made an intentional effort in 2024 to be less obsessed about my business and more present with family and friends. It wasn't always easy to step away from working on my business, but I've always been glad I did each time because it helped me come back with even better ideas and ways of doing things.

4. Set your intention for 2025

Come January, you're going to be seeing lots of 'new year, new you', and 'goal setting' messages everywhere. These days, I prefer intention setting. It's more flexible and practical for working moms like me. It gives me broad direction and focus, yet room to manoeuvre when life happens during the year which it always does. My intention for 2025 is to remain focused on what matters to me most:

• Family time
• Financial resilience
• A fulfilling career

To this end, I'm filling up my 1:1 coaching spots for 2025. If you're an ambitious woman or mom who wants my help creating a career that's rewarding without compromising time with your kids and important priorities in your life, then submit an application form or book a call and let's explore working together.

Sharon