As I sit down to reflect on the past year, I firstly want to share that February is definitely the new January with many of us taking time to recalibrate and get started on new projects in February rather than January! I have relaunched the Coaching Hub podcast in February for this very reason. But as I look back at 2023 I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride for the journey that my team and I have embarked upon. I want to share with you some of the highs and lows of 2023 and the valuable lessons that coaching has taught me along the way.

Setting the Stage for Success

2023 was a year of significant achievements for the Optimus business. We experienced a remarkable 20% increase in revenue, transitioning from a non-profitable year to one in which we were able to pay back our debts. This upturn in profits was accompanied by the successful launch of several new courses, as well as our accreditation by EMCC, alongside our existing recognitions from ICF and AC. We expanded our reach into new countries and delved into corporate work, offering coaching skills training to organisations worldwide. It was truly a year of delivering beyond expectations and setting the stage for continued success.

Celebrating Small Wins

As someone who constantly strives for excellence, I've always found it challenging to celebrate the small victories along the way. However, 2023 taught me the importance of intentional celebration and tracking the progress we've made. Celebrating the small wins not only boosts morale but also contributes to overall well-being, an essential aspect I've learned through my journey as a coach and psychologist in training.

Lessons Learned from Setbacks

Of course, with growth comes its fair share of setbacks. We encountered delays in obtaining our EMCC accreditation and fell short of our sign-up targets on occasion. These challenges prompted me to reevaluate our strategies, delve deeper into data analysis, and make more informed decisions for the future. I realised that even in the face of setbacks, we continue to deliver outstanding service and constantly strive for improvement.

Building a Stable and Strong Team

Stability within the team has been a cornerstone of our growth and success. Through careful decision-making and strategic hires, we've established a solid foundation that allows us to navigate the ever-changing landscape of business. This stability has paved the way for growth and has positioned us to better serve our clients and community.

Looking Ahead to 2024

As we move forward this year, I am excited to share our plans for the future and the lessons we've learned. I aim to continue to create a space for meaningful conversations about running a business on one's own terms, acknowledging that the journey is unique for each individual. I'm committed to sharing both our successes and the lessons we've garnered from the challenges we've faced, as I believe it's crucial to learn from both.

Looking back on 2023 has been a powerful reminder of the profound impact coaching has had on my personal and professional growth. I am grateful for the lessons, the successes, and even the setbacks, as they have all contributed to shaping the resilient and thriving business we have today. I invite you to reflect on your own journey, and to celebrate your victories too.

You can listen to the full podcast episode here: https://link.chtbl.com/thecoachinghubpodcast