My 2022 Review: Highs and Lows from a Founder and Managing Director
What would you say was a major highlight for you this year? What about a low? Do you want to know mine?
In this week’s episode - the last one for 2022 - I thought it would be fun to reflect on 2022 and do a year in review with you.
You should know: this isn’t a practical change management ‘how to’.
Instead, in this week’s episode, I’m opening up as the founder and managing director of a growing small business, and sharing some of the biggest ups and downs of the past year.
I share 2 big lows and a few of my favourite things that happened this year in our business, EVER Change and Communication.
Each low came with its own silver lining and resulted in incredible growth - but at the time, these experiences were absolutely gut wrenching and I was challenged in a way I’d never been before.
I love listening to these types of episodes when other folks are brave enough to do them. I hope you do too!
If you’re a leader, a people manager, if you work with stakeholders of all kinds in your role, or if you’re a founder or consultant - I’m hoping that there’ll be plenty in here that you’ll relate to.
I’ve never shared anything like this on this show before. This is the most personal episode I’ve ever recorded.
I had to take a deep breath before recording this episode.
Take a listen now to hear why!
TOPICS DISCUSSED AND WHERE TO FIND THEM:
[2:15]: Every low experience came with a silver lining and resulted in growth, but there were two challenges that really tested me this year.
[3:45]: I’ve experienced many challenging conversations and situations over the years, but one conversation at the beginning of the year still makes my heart drop. I got clear on my key messages and managed to hold it together. That conversation and subsequent fallout really tested me.
[4:55]: After this experience, I personally stepped up in many ways. I refined a lot of my systems, processes and policies and doubled down on my desire to help people thrive.
[5:50]: In the final phases of negotiating a contract, the change manager pulled out. We had 48 hours to find a replacement which we did but then at the 11th hour, the deal didn’t work. I felt embarrassed that we weren’t able to deliver on our promise.
[8:15]: Even though the circumstance was out of my control, I took it personally and was feeling dreadful because I also had covid. This was a big reminder to rest when I’m sick, which is something I preach to everyone.
[9:20]: Out of this, we evolved our internal workflow and tightened up our processes, policies and boundaries around the entire contract negotiation process.
[9:55]: One of the highs has been partnering with a team of exceptional humans. We’ve grown in just the right way this year. The personal growth I’ve witnessed this year has been amazing.
[11:50]: Working in the change making industry is a tough gig because it comes with a lot of emotion attached for people who have been through a failed process before.
[12:40]: A special shout out to Matt Hunter who was the winner of our 2022 Team Ever Squad Goals Award.
[13:00]: Another highlight has been my own professional development. I started the year with a very clear intent of continuing to build my leadership capability. I had a realisation that I owed it to the entire team to elevate and committing to doing this work has been a huge investment of time and money.
[14:35]: A big thankyou to my Executive Coach, Amy Summers, who I love working with. I feel so supported by her. We compared my results of a leadership capability test and I feel very proud.
[15:15]: This year we’ve had incredible sessions with experts for the ever evolving masterclass series. I’m so proud of bringing this professional development program to life.
[16:20]: Building a genuinely humanistic business can be really stressful and really fulfilling. There’s nothing like seeing your people thrive but it takes a lot of time, money and intention.
[17:25]: Next year I’ll be talking about change management trends to keep in mind for 2023 along with expert interviews and cool announcements.
CONNECT WITH KATE:
Website: https://www.everchange.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ever-change-and-communication