Yearly Love Notes: 2024

Photo by Mandy von Stahl on Unsplash

I do this every year for myself as part of a reflection piece, but I’ve never published it. I thought I would make the change this year to openly thank the people who have been a part of my journey over the last 12 months.

This year has been eventful. It's been a year of change, growth, grief, realisation and recovery, so I’d like to let the right people know what I have learnt from them, what I love about them or what I’m truly grateful for.

Here goes, in no particular order:

Audree Fletcher - you opened my eyes to different perspectives over 10 years ago, and you still do. I’m utterly grateful for what you constantly do in the background. You are a soulful machine.

Tom Loosemore - taking a chance, welcoming, embracing and championing my value into PD. You’ve shown me the power of relentless confidence amongst your brilliant humour. I owe a lot to you.

Stefan Powell - you have given me perspective, honesty and hope. I’m totally blessed that I’ve got to know you this year.

Lara Sampson - believing, supporting and championing me in every way possible, and showing us all what humble and witty brilliance looks like.

Ben Holloway - a life-long friend who has taught me and supported me in countless ways. You know the score BH.

Dave Rogers - thank you for believing and letting me figure it all out with confidence. I’m so excited to work with you to grow what we do.

Lauren Kahn - being such a wonderful sense-maker and friend. Thank you.

Polly Williams - we’ve been through a lot this year (!) and you have shown such grace and growth in unfathomable ways. A friend for life.

Ishika Mukherjee - your quiet power has taught me a lot, and thank you for trusting me with your openness. I’m excited to see what next year holds for you.

James Cattell - you taught me humility and forgiveness, and I thank you for that. 

Tom Naylor - someone I respect immensely through your hilarious yet honest confidence. Lots of fond memories from RN. You absolutely rock.

Neil E - some truths and friendship that I’m so thankful for. And I’m excited about how you’re growing your new venture.

Emma Gawen, Ben Terrett, Mike Bracken, Andrew Greenway - being in the company of total legends who have such humility and brilliance is beyond inspiring. Thank you for everything. 

Christine Cawthorne - a love going strong for over 10 years. I can’t thank you enough for your friendship and smiles. 

The team at Digi2al - I made some life-long friends and connections. You all mean a lot to me, and you taught me some brilliant things about business, growth, resilience and relationships. Thank you.

The whole of the Data and Navy Applications (DNA) team at the Royal Navy - one of the best teams I've worked with, showing unsurmountable resilience, friendship, kindness and humility in the face of changing tides. Literally.

Cate McLaurin - from day one you’ve been supporting and championing me in every way possible, alongside being an inspiration; thank you.

Every single person at PD - joining you this year has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. You emulate brilliance, empathy, and honesty alongside some cracking karaoke skills. I have a lot of love for you all.

Rob Miller - that picnic story will never be forgotten.

Last but never least, my family; you have supported me in more ways than I can imagine; every single one of you has been there for me and I am indebted and ultimately grateful for having you all in my life. Love you so very much.

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Everyone I’ve met this year has impacted me in so many ways. With all that is going on in the world, there is still so much kindness and humility out there. It is sometimes hard to see this when we are all going through our own inner conflicts and battles. But I have definitely learnt that everyone is on their own journey and those individual experiences help shape us and show our brilliance in sometimes lovable, sometimes quirky but wholeheartedly unique ways.

So, thank you everyone. Here's to 2025.

Big love.