As the year comes to a close, I find myself sitting by the fireplace. It's the kind of fire where stories are spoken, lessons are learned, and the previous year is remembered, just as tribes have for ages. This is how I want to remember 2024: not as a list of goals met or problems solved, but as a story weaved with courage, connection, and transformation.
At the beginning of the year, I had no idea I was embarking on a trip that would need so much of me. I thought I understood resilience. After all, I coach people about it. I've worked as a paramedic and I climbed mountains, both actual and figurative. But 2024 was different. It challenged me to dig deeper, to peel back the layers I felt were part of me, and to reconnect with something raw, something true.
Sitting with myself.
One of this year's defining events occurred in the most peaceful of ways: sitting with myself at a plant medicine ritual. I didn't know what I'd find. I felt both delighted and terrified, as if I were entering a pitch-black forest with no idea what lay ahead.
What I discovered was not an abstract concept or transitory emotion. It was my "inner child"—a tender, pure, and occasionally stubborn side of myself that I hadn't seen in years. Sitting beside him was humbling. There were tears, reluctance, and then an embrace. I realized he had been there all along, patiently waiting for me to notice.
That moment was not only personal; it was transformational. It taught me that leadership, whether in life or at work, begins within. It all starts with listening to the parts of yourself you've ignored: the portions that hurt and the bits that still make you wonder.
Sitting with nature.
This year, the mountains served as another excellent instructor for me. I led groups to high altitudes, where the air is thin, the body is tested, and teamwork is necessary. Watching people push themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally reminded me of the power of connection.
Nature has a unique ability to reflect our life. Standing on those summits, I noticed not only the world's beauty, but also its clarity. The mountains reminded me to ground myself, to be solid but adaptable, and to trust the path even when it was steep and unpredictable.
Sitting with my tribe.
This year, I also had the privilege of working with some outstanding teams and leaders. One particularly memorable experience was creating igloos with a team in Austria. It's a seemingly basic act that exposes a lot about trust, communication, and resilience. Watching people come together, overcome obstacles, and laugh in the cold reminded me of what genuine leadership is all about: creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
In many ways, 2024 was about rediscovering the tribe—not just the one I lead or guide, but also the one I am a member of. My family, colleagues, and friends are my tribe. And they've taught me that resilience is more than simply a skill; it's a shared strength.Thank you, family, friends, and coworkers, for this amazing adventure.
As the year finishes, I reflect on what I want to leave behind. For me, it's the urge to know all of the answers. This year taught me that some things are supposed to unfurl gradually, to be felt rather than understood.
And what do I carry forward? A renewed commitment to being real, leading from the heart, and creating safe spaces for people to grow, connect, and transform.
Around the Fire.
So here I am, back by the fire. I envision the individuals I've worked with, the mountains I've climbed, and the times of silence we've shared. I'm grateful for the teachings and the people that have walked alongside me. Thank you all for this great adventure.
As we approach 2025, I invite you to reflect with me:
What are you going to leave behind this year?
What will you carry over to the next?
Let us keep the fire burning.