The Year of Rethinking "Success"

Around this time of year, I have a tradition of preparing an Annual Report. I brought the practice with me from my experience in nonprofit organizations: I'm a mission-driven individual. Even though I'm not an organization, I wonder what would it look like to create a report on my personal mission impact and growth?

That report has looked different over the years. In the beginning, there were a lot of stats. My pride soared as the numbers grew. I showed that I doubled my revenue and the number of leaders I worked with year over year.

After a few years, the metrics became routine. So many of them showed how much I (and the business' reach) had grown.

When I sent ​last year's report​ off into the world, I had a feeling that something was off. I was starting to question the simplistic but widely accepted capitalist notion that success = growth = more clients = more revenue = more team members.

This year, for me, has been about rethinking all of that.

It's been about ​growing better, not bigger​.

About learning how to right-size the challenges I take on with the resources and capacity I have. Getting to know myself on ​a whole new level​. And ​re-learning​ how to navigate work and leadership with that new knowledge.

2023 Annual Report

This year's annual report looks a little different from years past.

For one, I brought in support! My part was the deep reflection on rethinking my growth and impact, and it was a joy to bring in a leader (and former client) who specializes in graphic design and data visualization to bring it all to life. (Thanks to Taylor Schenker of Schenker Creative Co. You can learn more about her work on her ​website​ and on ​Instagram​)!

Second, I found what really mattered this year was not growing bigger, but growing my ability to do quality work and sustain myself while doing it. It's simpler. More human, I think.

Here's my 2023 Annual Report:

Thank you!

Thanks to all of you incredible leaders, clients, and readers who have trusted me as a resource and guide on your professional journeys this year! It is a joy to serve you.