Every December, I take some peaceful time to reflect on the year’s highs, lows, and everything in between, in my Be The Change coaching business and in my life. So, in the spirit of showing up even more “Katie” in 2025, this year I’m sharing a version with you.
Here we go!
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How it all began
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I’m on the gurney, all gowned up, and the last thing I hear before drifting off is, “What cocktail would you be sipping if you were lounging on a beach right now?”
Thanks to a clever anaesthetist, I’m left with a dreamy image before diving headfirst into a year that would be ALL about knees.
Yep, the rest of my year revolved around this unassuming joint after a half-knee replacement —physio, ice-packs, step counts, and the endless debates on whether I could hobble my way to this event or that.
Spoiler alert – it has not been a walk in the park (or indeed a beach holiday).
I’m not gonna lie (thanks, Nessa) having a knee replacement – even a half one – is HUGE!
A year later, and guess what? It’s still the star of my show. But I’m doing my best to lean into the journey and all the ups and downs that come with it.
I’ll be making the most of every step in 2025.
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Distressing downs
I’ve navigated some tough situations this year, on top of all the knee stuff:
- My fabulously supportive sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in the Spring, as I reached the milestone of ten years since my own diagnosis, and then she lost her job in shitty circumstances
– - I didn’t manage to recruit for the Sweet Spot, my women leader’s group coaching programme. Facing the reality that my network isn’t wide enough for round five of a programme I love was tough
– - I missed my financial target for the year by quite a stretch. Partly because of taking time out to heal but also because the climate out there is pretty brutal for those serving the non-profit sector
– - I broke trust with one of my favourite old clients due to a truly silly mistake. This was definitely a learning experience that led to much soul searching
– - Having my two daughters go back to uni in the Autumn was a a lonely old experience. Better than the year they both went for the first time (OMG!), but super challenging none the less.
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Happy highlights
But it really wasn’t all doom and gloom. Lots has gone beautifully:
- in June, I went to the Happy Conference where I got to hang out with a tribe of folks who wholeheartedly believe happy workplaces are not just important, but essential – and totally possible. What a joy!
– - I loved speaking at the Charity Retail Association Annual Conference – leading a session on “The F Word: How to bring fun into the charity retail workplace”
– - I coached some truly brilliant leaders from charities, social enterprises and social good business through my 1-to-1 programmes, Smooth Operator, One Step Beyond, Relight My Fire and Work You Love. Every single interaction filled my heart with focus and purpose and reaffirmed me in what I do
– - I channelled my inner Katharine Hepburn and launched Levity Lounge, my new networking and learning event for leaders, with the theme “If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun”. This mantra has spilled into pretty much everything I’ve done since
– - I finally claimed a Centre Court seat at Wimbledon tennis after 40 years of being a raving fan watching on telly
– - For the fourth year running, despite having a whole lot on my plate, I took August as Space Month to rest, play and think deep. So valuable.
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Lovely learning
Everything is learning, right? The good and the bad. Here’s just some of what I learned this year (not entirely knee-related, you’ll be glad to hear)
- I’ve got an amazing family who love me and are there for me (despite being caught off guard by what it actually meant to care for an immobile and grumpy post-op me). Oh, and my sister is doing well!
– - Tedious physio exercises really do work even when resembling medieval torture
– - Leaning more fully into my natural, rule-breaking and playful style is when I can make the biggest difference
– - Tough times call for more joy and playfulness – not less
– - I am more resilient than I ever thought possible.
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What’s next for 2025?
- This is the year I really will finish my book on leaning into levity in your leadership🏄🏽♀️
– - I’ll be diving even deeper into how to support leaders to embrace joy and lightheartedness at work however grim things are (a retreat and a new round of Sweet Spot may be on offer)
– - And of course, I intend to show up even more boldly with my message and bring even more of the authentic rebellious, playful “Katie” into the world.–
Essential thank you’s
To help at least some of my ideas see the light of day, I’m delighted to still have in my corner, my super speedy and extraordinarily flexible VA, Megan Sharkey, Queen of frazzle-free focus Louise Miller, my brilliant coach-shaped ally Janine Coombes, and don’t let me forget my wonderful gang of Monday morning self-employed cheerleaders. A huge thanks to you all.
I don’t suppose it will all be easy. I don’t suppose I will do everything right. I don’t suppose I will ever love LinkedIn 😩 But I’m fully committed to showing up as best as can, whenever I can, to support you amazing mission-driven leaders as we create a better world together.
Katie 💞😀