Reflecting on 2023 and looking ahead to 2024
I’m a bit late to writing up what I’ve learnt from 2023 as there’s been so much to digest. 2023 was a year of big change for me and I’ve been struggling to summarise everything that I learnt and happened. I lost myself a bit after having Eddie as I threw everything into becoming a mother. A before Eddie, I’d always defined myself by the work I do, so it took me some time rediscover who I am outside of work and motherhood. It’s definitely been a crash course but I’ve come out the other side feeling so much stronger and much more authentically myself. Working on having a life outside of work has also made me a better leader, consultant, mother and wife.
2023 - Achievements and lesson’s learnt
Work
🌟 I started my own contracting and consultancy business. Something I’ve always wanted to do, I’m nearly a year in and still going!
❤️ I learnt to balance work and life…and still learning. I’m currently working a 4 day week and have a whole day to myself. I’d highly recommend it 🙂
🥰 I started growing my network again. This had taken a bit of a back seat recently but is so important. My business wouldn’t be where it is today without people like Vimla, Rebekah and my Ladies that UX network.
💪 I built my confidence in UX and Leadership after focusing on raising a toddler. I want to say a huge thank you to all my amazing clients for being patient with me while I figured out how to balance the two. I’ve applied my experience to a wide variety of clients and tailored my approach to fit with leading remote teams, facilitating Discovery workshops & UX Designs for a start up and facilitating and service blueprints for charities.
👩👩👧👧 I started attending meet ups and conferences again. I also headlined UXCon Vienna which was an amazing experience. I’d love to go again.
Life
🪡 I learnt that hobbies are vital for my wellbeing and mental health and I’ve not had any for a long time outside of running Ladies that UX. I’ve picked up embroidery and find it so therapeutic. It’s also easy to pick up and put down when working around Eddie’s naps.
🚴♀️I joined the gym and started lifting weights, swimming and spin classes. Turns out I love spin classes! Who knew?! It’s still early days but I plan to keep this up.
🏊♀️ I’ve dabbled in cold water therapy and find it invigorating. I’m signing up to do a 1 mile open water swim in The Lakes and really need to start training.
🧠 I invested in my mental health. I know that we should look after our minds in the same way we do our bodies but 2023 was the year I actually started doing this with intention.
2024
I’m looking forward to seeing what 2024 brings me, especially enjoying a healthy work life balance and growing my business.
This year I plan to:
🎯 Focus on building on my business strategy and achieving my smart goals. I have some big ideas and hope to share more on this soon.
📣 Speak at more conferences and meet ups. Get in touch if you’d me to give a talk or run a workshop on anything related to UX. I specialise in UX Strategy, Design thinking, UX Leadership and Women in Tech.
📧 Writing 2 blogs a month - sharing my opinions on anything UX and Women in Tech related.
👩🏻💻I started Ladies that UX over 10 years ago now and groups like this are still vital. I hope to support them more over the coming year.
👨👩👧👧 Continuing to grow my network. If we’ve not caught up in a while and you fancy a coffee and a catch up then drop me a message. I’d love to hear from you.
⚖️ Continue maintaining a healthy work life balance.
🏊♀️ Complete my 1 mile open water swim challenge.
🎨 Find new ways to be creative outside of work.
Phew! I love reading other people’s reflections and seeing their goals but find it challenging writing and sharing my own.
What did you learn from 2023 and what are you most excited for in for 2024?