Have you mastered the art of reflection and adjustment?

You're a leader.

Your year starts strong. You've taken the time to set goals and have them firmly set in your sights.

Then things change. Pressure builds. Good habits die.

The source of pressure could be many things; a bereavement, the loss of a business, or even exponential scale. It is simply marked by overwhelm.

This experience is part of my story.

In 2023 I lost my business. A business I had worked hard to build. A business that was on track to turnover £10m in 2024. FTSE 250 clients. Multiple award winning. Impact led.

Since then, I’ve needed sheer grit and resilience to nurture the power of reflection and adjustment.

As I approach the second half of my annual goal setting (I prefer Spring to January), I realised how important this lesson is to share.

As a founder or leader, time is limited. Our most frequently asked questions are centred on the big things - innovation, funding, building a team. However, to be a leader worth following, the skills that your team adopt, will flow from you.

My top three takeaways from this experience:

1.The only thing you can control is you.

When difficult situations arise, you choose your behaviour. You can exhibit professionalism, forgiveness, grace, transparency, humour and love. Or not. How you behave toward others matters.

But equally how you behave toward yourself is important.

Drawing from my experience, I could not divulge everything that took place in my business, to all who asked. People didn't like that. And as someone who values excellence and transparency, it was difficult.

2. By readjusting your goals, you are not failing.

Reflecting on my goals, particularly during the first year after substantial change, I have found some goals don't seem important now, others have been achieved and new ones are emerging.

As a recovering perfectionist, this can be a challenge.

However I am exploring a newfound confidence in making adjustments to my goals and excited at the opportunities emerging.

3. Not everyday has a silver lining. There is power in putting one foot in front of the other.

Some days there is no silver lining. On those days, you acknowledge the day for what it is, do the best you can with what you have available, and get to bed as early as possible!

But there is hope.

A year on from my experience:

• I am building my reputation as a thought leader in entrepreneurship, impact business models, and longevity. In January 2024, I started Well Purposed, initially a newsletter and channel for my experiences and insights. Well Purposed has now evolved to an advisory and consultancy service for high growth, impact led businesses.

• I’m continuing my work as a Global Concept Advisor for the International WELL Building Institute and an Ambassador to Women’s Enterprise Scotland.

• I am working with an exited entrepreneur, building a family office, instrumental in steering a diverse portfolio of initiatives, ventures and investments, advocating for sustainability, diversity, and championing improved standards and environmental excellence.

• Most recently I have been exploring Non Exec Director opportunities. Drawing from experience as a 3x founder, having experienced the need for businesses to be led by impact, as much as profitability, I am passionate about ensuring every decision, every innovation, and every move made has been considered through the lens of its social implications.

If you find yourself in a tough situation, it's worth noting that the reflections and opportunities didn't happen overnight, and in truth are still evolving.

Be patient and look forward.

Take time to regularly reflect and adjust goals to suit new insights you are gaining.