As we step into the new year, I want to take a moment to reflect, celebrate, and look ahead with hope and determination. Whether you’re leading a charity, managing a business, or simply striving to make a difference in the world, the start of a new year is a powerful time for reflection and renewal.

For many of us, 2024 brought its share of challenges and triumphs. In the charity sector, we’ve faced increasing demand for services, rising costs, and the ongoing need to adapt to change. For heart-led businesses, the focus has been on navigating a competitive landscape while staying true to values. Yet, amidst it all, there has been resilience, innovation, and the kind of impact that reminds us why we do what we do.

Reflecting on the Year Gone By

Before diving into plans and goals, I encourage you to pause and reflect on what you’ve achieved over the past year. It’s all too easy to focus on what didn’t go as planned, but taking stock of your successes, however small they may seem, is a vital part of moving forward with confidence.

Here are some questions to guide your reflection:

• What accomplishments are you most proud of?
• What challenges did you overcome, and what did you learn from them?
• How have your values shaped the decisions you made this year?

For me, 2024 was a year of growth and alignment. I refined my services to better meet the needs of the incredible charity leaders and business owners I work with. I also spent time developing my vision for the future and, on a personal note, prioritised moments with my husband Matthew, our three beautiful children and our wonderful grandsons. These moments of connection have reminded me of what truly matters.

Looking Ahead – Your New Year

A new year is a blank canvas, a chance to dream big and realign your actions with your goals. This isn’t just about setting resolutions that fade by February—it’s about crafting a sustainable vision for what you want to achieve and how you want to feel throughout the year.

For charity leaders, this might mean tackling governance challenges, refining your strategy, or launching new initiatives that deepen your impact. For business owners, it could involve integrating charitable partnerships into your operations or amplifying your social responsibility efforts. Whatever your aspirations, the key is to approach them with clarity and purpose.

I’ve always believed that simplicity and focus are the cornerstones of meaningful progress. As you map out your year, consider these steps:

Define Your Priorities

Focus on what truly matters to you and your organisation. What are the one or two things you can achieve this year that will have the biggest impact?

Break It Down

Big goals can feel overwhelming, so break them into manageable milestones. Celebrate your progress along the way.

Seek Support

Whether through mentoring, coaching, or collaboration, remember that you don’t have to do it all alone. Surround yourself with people who share your vision and can help you navigate challenges.

My Commitment to You

As I look ahead to 2025, my mission remains the same: to empower charity leaders and heart-led entrepreneurs to create lasting, meaningful impact without the stress. I’ll continue to offer tailored support in governance, strategy, and fundraising, ensuring that the charities and businesses I work with are equipped to thrive.

This year, I’m particularly excited to:

• Launch new resources, including some freebies and guides, designed to make your work easier and more effective.
• Launch my Governance Mastery Programme, helping trustees and CEOs navigate the complexities of leadership with confidence.
• Support heart-led entrepreneurs in amplifying their impact through the launch of my Amplify Programme, where we explore how businesses and charities can create win-win partnerships.
• Continue building meaningful connections and learning from the incredible leaders I’m privileged to work with.

I’ll also be setting aside time for personal growth and reflection, staying aligned with my core values of transparency, heart-centredness, respect, integrity, vision and equity. One of my own goals for the year is to manage my business and personal lives as elegantly as possible!

A Message of Gratitude

None of this would be possible without the trust and collaboration of the people I work with. To my clients, partners, and supporters: thank you. Your passion, commitment, and resilience inspire me every day. You remind me that no matter how complex the challenges we face, there is always hope and possibility when we work together.

To those of you reading this, whether we’ve worked together before or you’re just discovering what I do, I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect. Your dedication to making a difference, in whatever form that takes, is a light in the world.

Your Year, Your Impact

As you step into 2025, I encourage you to think about the impact you want to make—not just in your work but in your relationships, community, and personal life. Impact doesn’t have to be grand or far-reaching to be meaningful. Often, it’s the small, consistent actions that create the most profound change.

If you’re feeling unsure of where to start, remember: every step forward counts. Begin with one small action, one decision that aligns with your values and brings you closer to your goals. The ripple effect of those actions will surprise you. And if you want some support, do reach out and let’s have a chat about how I can help you. Click here and I’ll be in touch!

It would be great to connect with you on social media too. I hang out on LinkedIn here and Instagram here.

Here’s to a year filled with purpose, growth, and meaningful connections. I’m looking forward to cheering you on, supporting your journey, and celebrating your successes—because when we work together, we truly amplify our impact.

Happy New Year! Let’s make 2025 extraordinary.

Warm wishes,

Val