From Adversity to Renewal
From Adversity to Renewal: Reflections on 2024
As we approach the close of 2024, I want to share with you a deeply personal reflection on the journey I’ve undertaken this year. It has been a year marked by profound challenges, unexpected opportunities, and ultimately, a reaffirmation of purpose. To structure this story, I’ve chosen the Kübler-Ross Change Curve—a framework typically associated with navigating grief but equally applicable to any transformative experience.
Denial and Anger
The year began with an unforeseen blow: I lost my job. This wasn’t just any job; it was the culmination of a 45-year career. After decades of dedication, expertise, and hard work, I was left grappling with a crushing sense of disbelief. How could my entire professional legacy be cast aside so abruptly? Had I become just another number, disposable in the eyes of the system? Was this the full extent of my value?
These questions consumed me, fuelling a deep anger—not just at the circumstances, but at the way our worth can be so easily dismissed. Yet, as painful as these emotions were, they served as a catalyst for action, compelling me to confront the harsh realities and begin charting a new course.
Experimentation and Low Points
In the aftermath, I threw myself into experimentation, trying out a range of new ideas and opportunities. I explored consulting, toyed with the idea of writing a book, and even dabbled in a few creative ventures that didn’t quite pan out. There were days of exhilaration and plenty of days of frustration, where nothing seemed to stick, and the path forward felt elusive.
And yet, through it all, I kept going—though sometimes out of sheer habit. I continued waking up at 5:30 a.m., even though I no longer had a reason to. Thankfully, I’ve since adjusted to a more reasonable schedule: these days, I get out of bed at 8 a.m., and the bags under my eyes have miraculously disappeared!
Acceptance and Testing
Gradually, I began to piece together a new vision for my professional life. One of the pivotal elements of this phase was rediscovering my passion for helping organizations build and sustain vibrant, purpose-driven cultures. I recognized that while my professional role had changed, the value I could offer remained constant—and perhaps even more relevant than ever.
Through Risk Audit, I began to focus on what I call “culture work.” This isn’t just about compliance or ticking boxes; it’s about creating environments where people thrive, and organizations succeed. I collaborated with leaders to examine their cultural frameworks, challenge their assumptions, and design practical methodologies to align behaviours with their strategic goals.
I worked on defining aspirational cultures, assessing the gaps between current and desired behaviours, and introducing initiatives to close those gaps. Whether through consulting, training programs, or speaking engagements, I found ways to influence how organizations think about culture—not as an abstract concept but as a tangible driver of performance and sustainability.
This work was not only professionally rewarding but also deeply fulfilling. It reminded me that even in the face of adversity, I had the capacity to make a difference—to guide others toward achieving their goals while reinforcing their values.
At the same time, I began winning business again, which reaffirmed the relevance and impact of my work. These projects were not just transactions; they were opportunities to embed lasting change within organizations, empowering them to navigate their own journeys of growth and transformation.
Growth and Renewal
The turning point came with the launch of the Financial Services Culture Summit, a project close to my heart. Designed to integrate behaviorial science into the fabric of financial services, the summit brings together key stakeholders to reimagine how organizations can foster cultures of integrity and performance. It was a powerful reminder that setbacks are often the springboard for our most meaningful accomplishments.
Looking Forward
As the year ends, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude—not only for the milestones reached but for the lessons learned along the way. I’m optimistic about the future, inspired by the opportunities that lie ahead, and energized to continue this journey of growth and transformation.
To all of you who have supported me, challenged me, or simply followed along this year: thank you. Your encouragement has meant the world, and I hope my story resonates with you in your own journey.
Here’s to embracing change, finding purpose in adversity, and building a future we can be proud of.
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