As we are wrapping up 2024, it’s a good time for reflection. My 95-year-old Aunty Pat is convinced that the older you get, the quicker the year seems to pass. And I think I am starting to agree with her as this year seems to have flown by.

Keeping It Real

I started the year launching a podcast with my good mate Jac Phillips called Keeping it Real with Jac and Ral. We have been blown away by the success. Spotify advised us that we are in the top 5% of video podcasts and were streamed in 58 countries. If you haven’t checked it out and want some summer listening, you can access it here.

In-Person and Online Training

My in-person training took me to New York, Arizona, Port Douglas, Newcastle, Toowoomba, Cockatoo Island and several trips to Brisbane and Sydney. This is on top of multiple workshops in my hometown of Melbourne. There is still another 40% of my work that is delivered online as clients recognise the benefits of virtual training.

Storytelling in business seems to be going from strength to strength and I think with good reason. In a world of AI, authentic storytelling and real connection is needed more than ever.

Personal News

On a personal note, I lost my beloved father-in-law who died after a short illness in March.

In happier news, we had a fabulous family holiday in Queenstown, New Zealand. It’s great that our adult kids still want to spend time with us. No doubt paying for everything helps!

Our daughter Jess turned 21 this year and Alex graduated from Melbourne University. Alex also trekked to Everest Base Camp which was a massive achievement. Suffice to say Steve and I are both very proud parents.

But the most exciting news is that we renovated the vegetable garden at our holiday place in Bermagui. I am very excited to see what the crop produces as it is my happy place.

What’s more, Steve and I are managing to play golf most weeks. Unlike the veggie garden, the golf course is not always my happy place.

Office Closure

We will be spending most of January at Bermagui and Elise will also be taking leave so the office will be closed from 18^th December until the 22^nd January.

On behalf of Elise and myself, I thank you for all your support throughout the year. Many of you recommend us to others and for that we are truly grateful. It’s our hope that you have a fabulous Christmas spending quality time with your family and friends.

Finally, we look forward to working with you next year!

P.S. Next week is our final podcast episode of the year and it is a cracker on your Personal End of Year Audit. It may be well worth the listen and it drops on Monday the 23^rd December.