Reflections for 2021

WOW 2021 started with some much excitement that we have got through 2020 and it was a new beginning, but it wasn’t quite what we all expected.  I’m not complaining, and I have nothing to complain about, but it has definitely given me more perspective.

There have been times in 2021 with the pandemic, lock downs, earthquake, floods, wind, no power that I thought the world was going to end, but here we all are still.

I have 4 main reflections from 2021:

Whiteark Aspirations For 2021

We are super excited about 2021.

The next year is going to be a very important year for companies:

1. To understand the new environment

2. To pivot strategy and business plans

3. To engage with their employees and transition back to the office with a new world of managing flexibility

At Whiteark our aspirations for 2021 are to:

1. Continue to provide support to our amazing clients to successfully navigate and maximise outcomes for 2021

2. To continue to build out our bench of experienced, passionate individuals to support our clients - we are always on the hunt for talent

3. Continue to provide relevant and insightful thought leadership to continue to challenge and make people think differently - we listen and respond through polls, surveys and through our podcast series

4. Launch a series of face to face events with boardroom conversations and key note speakers to support and challenge our customer and follower base to think differently in Melbourne and Sydney

5. Our podcast series will continue with a focus on hearing from experienced leaders on what makes them tick and key lessons they can share with us about their journey and provide you themes, lessons and easy to digest learnings and takeaways

6. For us it's always what is next - we always want to think ahead… stay tuned to hear about our partnership with Universities, focused on helping students get practical experience with companies and work towards securing a job during this competitive environment. Whiteark is well positioned to help students with this transition – more to come in the new year!

For us at Whiteark we always strive to do better for our clients, followers and our bench. We focus every day on how we can make a difference. We can't wait to continue to challenge, support and encourage businesses to make positive change in 2021 to set their businesses up for success.

While you're on the beach we will provide you articles, podcasts, quotes and thought-provoking polls to keep your brain ticking over -- summer holidays best time for thinking about how to reset your business for 2021 - no idea is a bad idea. We would love to help you so contact us for a no obligation conversation.

If you want to hear some insights from key leaders, listen to our podcast series The Chiefs Podcast | Leadership, Laughs and Learning — Whiteark

Psst. We share exciting content all the time, that’s useful, practical - and most of all - helpful. Sign Up Here to get yourself on the list and make sure you don’t miss a thing.

Christmas Reflections & Message from Jo

I'm a sucker for Christmas.

Since I've been a little girl, I’ve loved Christmas - so many great childhood memories:

1. Fresh pine branch - cut down by my dad / brother from our front yard

2. Very authentic Christmas decorations that were homemade and brought out year after year including decorated pine cones

3. Stockings filled will lollies and wisdom for the year ahead. My dad gave us a letter every Christmas to tell us why he was proud of us and reminders for the new year. I still have those letters and they have some pearls of wisdom for the new year.

4. Spending time with family and friends and having a laugh, sharing some food and appreciating the simple things

5. Summer break was a time to reset, relax and plan for the year ahead - lessons learnt and how to make the most of the new year

My childhood Christmas was centred around the church. My dad was an Anglican minister. Attending church services, involvement in plays and focus on supporting others who were not as lucky as us during this time. I always enjoyed the midnight service on Christmas Eve and after it we sat and ate some amazing food / gifts that were shared with us. People were very generous and great cooks.

As you get older things change, life goes quickly and before you know it it's another Christmas to celebrate! It's easy to make it too hard, stressful and a challenge but it's always good to remember what matters most - spending time with people you love most and to take a break, to breathe and plan your next year - what can I do better and what will make me happy?

For me Christmas means:

1.              A real Christmas tree - can't beat the smell!

2.              Find a way to send a positive message to the people that I love

3.              Finding time to connect with the people closest to me

4.              To reflect on the year and key changes for the upcoming year

My dad always thought about others, he was known for his caring nature and being there for others. I learnt from my dad about kindness, generosity of spirit, and making the best of every opportunity.

2020 wasn't the year that anyone planned but it was a great year. So many lessons and experiences and a good chance to reassess priorities and what is important and appreciate the simple things we take for granted.

Take time this Christmas break to;

• Enjoy time with family and friends

• Take a break and reflection time to think on what is important for you for 2021 and how do you achieve that

• Build your goals for 2021

… and remember

Smile and enjoy life – you only get to live once and leave your legacy.

“It isn’t how much time you spend somewhere that makes it memorable: it’s how you spend the time.”

— David Brenner

Jo Hands, Whiteark Co-Founder