A year in relfection
The past year has been an adventure for sure. This time last year I was in the midst of waiting to find out if I would be laid off by Salesforce, a process which in Spain lasted nearly 5 months before those of us affected found out.
The fortune that came with that time was that I was able to think long and carefully about what I’d like to do next if it did affect me, as I suspected it would based on colleagues in other countries. I had known for a while that I liked the idea of going freelance as a consultant and saw this very much as an opportunity to do so - or some would say it was the push that I needed!
Rather than jump, I decide to ease myself in and take some time off to enjoy the summer in Barcelona and catch up with friends and family. This is probably the best decision I made for 2023 - to take some real time to rest and recover from the stress and angst that the first 4 months of the year were filled with. And don’t underestimate the time you need to decelerate when you get off that corporate wheel.
Looking back, it appears that blue was a recurring theme - in the sky, the sea, the architecture and the lakes I visited. Given that blue often symbolizes serenity, stability, inspiration, intuition and freedom, I think this was the perfect backdrop to work on what to do next.
It wasn’t all vacation though - in June 2023 I finally got my Salesforce Admin Certification, something I’d been meaning to do for the 6 years while at Salesforce and could never find the time! (It takes SO much studying - I admire anyone who can do that while in a full time job.)
I also put myself to work transforming my 4-year side project Hens with Heart from a blog into a business. This is a social enterprise that facilitates hen parties (bachelorettes) to be more sustainable and celebrate in ethical and mindful ways - much of which goes towards supporting charities. I made a Business Model Canvas, redesigned the website, took a course on System Change, and launched a line of sustainable and circular hen party t-shirts produced with Teemill.
Besides working on “things” I did do a lot for myself as well. I sought many practices to guide and balance me through the year’s uncertainty, but the mainstay was salsa class, which has become the thing that keeps me sane - it’s an hour of total flow-state that punctuates my week.
With more time for myself I also took the opportunity to finally finish the renovation of my apartment. I replaced the interior doors (which is a horrible, dusty week of your life), added some inventive storage space and repainted the hallway with my dad. You’ll either think that sounds boring or thrilling - I stand firmly in the latter camp.
In October I went back to work in the e-commerce world. I never doubted I’d return to this work - I’ve loved it since my first internship with Coast in 2011. The months I took off I had spent thinking carefully about what my offer and niche is - and I arrived at Lux Commerce.
There were many mentors, supporters and people helping to connect the dots along the way and I appreciate you all infinitely. I knew I’d built a good network over the years of my career, but these last months has shown me just how strong and special that foundation can be.
It’s been an exciting start so far, working with ModusBPCM, In Addition and Almarow, plus speaking for GBSB Business School. Something I am particularly excited about it returning to work in fashion, or closer with fashion brands. I loved Salesforce, but I always missed the fashion environment when I was there and I know it’s who I am at heart.
I’m very excited about what’s to come for 2024 with some very interesting projects already in the works! If you’d be interested to talk about working together, please get in touch.
