January 14th, 2025

As the new year rolls in, it's natural to close one chapter and begin another. I always find value in reflecting on the past year—both the highs and the lows. I took some time to jot down 8 lessons from 2024 that I'm planning to carry forward into 2025 and beyond.

8 Lessons from 2024:

Trust Your Gut: Sometimes, that inner feeling knows best.
Focus on Growth Over Regret: I've learned that my time is much better spent on moving forward rather than looking back.
Set Clear Boundaries: Building a successful team means sometimes you have to make the tough decisions that prioritize the business.
Invest in the Right People: Finding the right team members has been the best investment, paying off in immediate returns and making work much easier.
Decisive Team Management: Hire quickly and let go quickly to keep the team dynamic strong and functional.
Relationships Over Speed in Marketing: There’s no shortcut in marketing. Building genuine relationships by putting people first has proven to be the most effective strategy.
Embrace Consistency: A consistent plan is better than a perfect plan not upheld consistently. I’ve learned to set a plan, stick to it, and keep things simple.
Value-Aligned Mentorship: Having a mentor who shares your values can profoundly guide your decisions and growth.

As you can see, most of these lessons tie back to team dynamics. 2024 was a landmark year for me in my leadership role—it was the first time where I felt we truly found our stride and established a harmonious working environment. This positive change has not only enhanced our team dynamics but also boosted our productivity and spurred creativity. It's underscored the importance of setting clear boundaries and having the right people in place.

What about you? Any lessons from the past year?

Stay Inspired,

Sydney Addis