BJA | TDM

Every year usually starts with the proverbial new year resolution. It’s a concept I have always struggled with because I personally believe each day is a a start of a new year, an opportunity to self improve in one aspect or the other. That being said, I did ruminate over what I would like to see in 2023 and beyond. As simple as it sounds, it boiled down to leaving it all on the table. Bringing my best self to work and life daily. Reinforcing and looking for platforms to create, inspire and structure – which are three key dimensions of my purpose. Even when the needed answers don’t come in the form or shape that I desire, my longstanding and continuous yearn is to be able to garner the strength, courage and wisdom to go again tomorrow. Persistence and the wildest dose of optimism.

Every bit of our journey is remarkable. Life happens and sometimes we forget the good things we bring to this life. Sharing and sparring with a few friends during my recent visit to Lagos, we might not be touching the stars or sky just yet, however we have never stopped believing and dreaming but also working hard and smart with the wildest optimism. Gratitude comes to mind as the anti-dote to never forgetting how far we have come in our moments of doubt. Another extra deliberate dimension I hope to take forward. As simple as recording every small wins weekly in my notebook. They all add up in the end and provide the foundation and courage to keep building.

Uncertainty and lack of clarity would never stop, something I am daily learning to embrace. Tell me about it, living in my 5th country now and every move has been a tale of its own. New challenges but equally additional layer of perspectives and growth. The key is staying ready as difficult as it might seem and embracing change with optimism and agility. I stepped foot in Nairobi for the 1st time in 2019. Funny how life works, never saw a longer stint on the horizon. Here we are, 1.5 yrs. Building a new team from ground and hopefully building a legacy in East Africa. Life happens, agility and adaptation is key but also not child’s play.

There is always more to unlock, imperative we continue to believe that we are always capable of doing great things.

Cheers to 2023 and beyond, and to the many network, friends and family – while life happens and we might not catch up as we would have loved to, my best wishes remain with you daily. We will prevail and be fulfilled!

Lastly,

Lives of great men all remind us, we can make our lives sublime, and, departing, leave behind us, footprints on the sands of time.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow