Written by: Yasmin Walter, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, my heart is filled with a collection of emotions—a melange of lessons learned, victories celebrated, losses graciously accepted, and dreams cautiously set for 2024. I felt compelled to share this journey with you, my fellow trailblazers, in the hopes that our collective experiences might resonate and ignite the fires of inspiration within.
Learning from mistakes
Oh, the dance of missteps and wrong turns we've all taken. Each stumble, a testament to our courage in the face of uncertainty. As we approach 2024, let's not view these missteps as detours but as intricate choreography shaping our unique narrative. Our mistakes are the heartbeat of innovation, the very pulse that propels us forward. Embrace them, my friends, for they are the stepping stones toward our grandest achievements.
Celebrating wins
In the quiet moments, take stock of your victories, both profound and modest. Feel the warmth of that accomplishment, the sheer joy that emanates from overcoming hurdles. We are architects of our triumphs, and in 2024, let's revel in them—savour every win, no matter how small. They are the constellations guiding us through the dark, lighting the path for others to follow.
Gratitude for losses
In the hush of reflection, let's express gratitude for the losses, the heartaches, and the setbacks. These are not signs of weakness but markers of our courage to dare greatly. Each loss, a silent teacher nudging us toward growth. It's okay to mourn what could have been, but let's also appreciate the fertile ground it creates for resilience to bloom. In 2024, let's navigate forward with grace, acknowledging that our journey is as much about the falls as it is about the rises.
Moving ahead in life and business
As we embark on this new chapter, let's craft our plans with intention and authenticity. Set goals that resonate with the beating of your heart, not just the metrics on a page. Embrace the transformative power of self-care, acknowledging that the essence of our leadership lies in a healthy, nurtured soul. Let's be the authors of our stories, penning narratives that inspire and uplift, weaving connections that transcend business into the very fabric of our lives.
Fostering diversity and inclusion
In the world of entrepreneurship, let's actively create bouts of inclusivity and diversity. In 2024, let our businesses be the canvases that showcase the brilliance of varied perspectives. Advocate for equality, not just in words but in actions. Nurture an environment where every voice, every story, every journey is celebrated, for it is in our collective diversity that we find strength.
Dear sisters in entrepreneurship, may the year ahead be a symphony of shared experiences, a celebration of triumphs, and a sanctuary for growth. Here's to an emotional, personal, and profound 2024—an era where our stories, intricately woven, inspire and connect us all. I've hopped on board with this fantastic group of women in the process of crafting my latest book, "Curiosity Killed the Nine to Five (curiositykilledthe9to5book.com)." This crew is all about celebrating female founders at every phase of life, without tearing another woman down for self gain. They're keen on sharing what's getting ditched in 2023 and what's lighting up their excitement for the ride in 2024.
What's one thing you are leaving behind in 2023?
“I am leaving behind the constraints of outdated expectations and opening myself up to a new era of innovation, creativity, and authentic leadership. I am bidding farewell to self-doubt, choosing instead to place greater trust in myself and my intuition.” – Yasmin Walter “2023 was the toughest year yet for me in business not because of my lack of passion for what I do and the demand for our services, but because I arrived at a juxtaposition where my family needed my full attention for half the year and I dropped a few balls. So for 2023 I am happy to leave behind a year of what seems like fails but I also now see the future success in the declutter. 2023 is now almost past and we're on the way back up, with refreshed and recalibrated energy in 2024. “ – Karen McDermott “Negative thought patterns and internal barriers to success” – Laura Goldberg “Having no time for myself. Juggling too many things and sacrificing valuable time needed for myself.” – Sarah Maconachie
“This year has tested me in ways I never thought were even possible both in business and in my personal life. In 2023 I’m leaving behind any self-doubt as if this year has taught me anything it’s that I’m widely capable of achieving anything I set my mind too even when life throws me some massive challenges and curveballs. In the new year I just need to focus on my purpose and trust my intuition.” – Jenny Wheeler
“Playing small and risk adverse thinking.” – Lisa Walker “Not stick to my boundaries because I don't want to disappoint people!” – Elyssa Giedraitis
What's one thing you are going to explore in 2024?
“ Taking back my power! I'm opting to invest my energy, time, dedication, and support where they're genuinely valued, appreciated, and reciprocated. By prioritising those who recognise and honour my contributions, I'm cultivating a life filled with meaningful connections and mutual growth. It's a potent decision to channel my resources into endeavours that uplift and inspire, creating a path of fulfilment and positive impact.” – Yasmin Walter
“Docufilms and setting up our own streaming channel.” – Karen McDermott
“I’m going to continue my journey as a speaker. It’s my year to inspire the next generation of women thought leaders and change makers.” – Laura Goldberg “My own business- Work Hard parent hard is going to be offering life changing programs for parents and I am so excited!!” – Sarah Maconachie “My motto for 2024 is to “go all in” I’m going to explore growing and scaling my Healthy Eating Hype Gal Membership and Real Nourish meal prep mixes so I can reach and help more women. I have so many new projects I want to explore and have a whiteboard full of new ideas that I have brain dumped ready for me to action on in the new year!” Jenny Wheeler “Taking National, National!!!” – Lisa Walker “Backing myself more!” – Elyssa Giedraitis
What is some good advice to give someone in business about adapting to the current trends of their market?
“Remain adaptable while staying true to your values and core messaging, ensuring alignment with your product. Embrace and understand new trends without letting them overshadow your brand identity. Maintain flexibility and a commitment to innovation in order to evolve strategically.” – Yasmin Walter
“There will always be ebbs and flows in business and you need to be able to both go with the flow and prioritize. You will have good years and you will have not so good years, the important thing is to keep progressional. “ – Karen Mcdermott “My advice to someone in business is to ignore the trends. Don’t get bogged down by what the competition is doing, rather stay true to your own story and to your brand values.” – Laura Goldberg “In 3 or less sentences, what is some good advice to give someone in business about adapting to the current trends of their market. Don’t let external factors hold you back, talk of recessions, prices increasing etc. People are still purchasing so keep going and don’t get pulled into worrying about it.” – Sarah Maconachie “ Business and marketing are forever changing so it’s important to stay in the loop with what’s new and how it can impact and support your business. You don’t need to master it straight away just be open and flexible to trialling and integrating new trends into your business and learn and improve on them as you go. Find a trusted source or social media page too that you can follow so you can easily keep up to date with the new and current trends.” – Jenny Wheeler “Know your market, know your product and know what makes you the best – stick to your lane and do what you do well, because you are you and not everyone can do the same thing! Your point of differentiation will keep you alive in a downward market but stay true to your own brand values and mission!” – Lisa walker “You NEED to have an open mind when new things pop up or things change. If you are closed off to new ideas you are going to get left behind. Before you turn away from a new idea, take the time to explore its potential and really know the in's and outs of it. “ – Elyssa Giedraitis
Are you a female founder looking for some inspiration? Explore the enlightening business book "Curiosity Killed the Nine to Five" by Yasmin Walter, available now here.
Yasmin Walter, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Yasmin Walter of KMD Books is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, international bestselling author and modern publisher based in Australia.
