These business experts share the crucial lessons from this year that will shape how each of them approach 2025.
The end of the year often brings lessons that reshape our future—from finding clarity in chaos, to turning setbacks into springboards.
Whether it’s embracing mindful movement, staying connected to vision, or preparing for the twists and turns of change, in this article, these expert insights show how resilience and adaptability pave the way forward for Australian businesses.
These stories remind us that the most impactful growth often comes from the most unexpected places.
Robert Hughes
General Manager, Services Establishment: Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Early Years Education
Success can be accidental or purposeful. Luck plays a large role in success, and often a larger role than we’re ready to admit to ourselves. This luck usually manifests as opportunities. Sometimes you’re ready for those opportunities and sometimes you’re not.
That’s where the purposefulness comes into it.
You can learn to plan and develop your capabilities so that you’re ready for the kinds of opportunities you would want in the future should they cross your path. Even if you’re not expecting anything to come your way, having an eye on who you want to be and where you want to go, and then working on that regularly, will help you make sure that if an opportunity comes your way, you are best positioned to take advantage of that luck purposefully.
You can’t control when opportunity knocks, but you can control how ready you are when it does.
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Murray Wright
Executive and Team Development Coach: Murray Wright & Associates
One lesson from this year that will shape next year is the need to stay connected to purpose and vision. At one point through the year, I found myself caught up in the daily grind of work and focusing on all my problems! It was frustrating, energy sapping, and eroded my confidence. I did not realise it at the time, but I was the frog in the pan being slowly cooked!
I took the advice I give to my clients and got really clear on what I am working to create and why it is important. This immediately allowed me to get out of the pan. I now reflect on this at the start of each day and through the day if I feel the overwhelm kicking in. Since I have started this my energy has lifted and I am able to focus on solutions to take me towards my goals. I look forward to 2025 with a renewed sense of confidence and focus on delivering the results that matter for myself and my clients, and finding more enjoyment at (and outside of) work.
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Heidi Simpson
Business Owner: MaggicClean Lifestyle
One lesson from this year that will shape how I approach next year is the importance of mindful movement and its profound impact on both physical and mental well-being. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, often neglecting the signals our bodies send us. This year, I’ve learned that taking the time to truly understand and listen to my body can transform not only my physical fitness but also my overall wellness.
This pause and newfound awareness will guide me to more intentional health practices, such as Pilates, which emphasises core stability, alignment, and controlled breathing. By focusing on precise movements and conscious breathing, I can enhance my body’s flexibility, strength, and balance.
As I step into the new year, I plan to embrace holistic fitness, ensuring that my wellness journey is about nurturing my body, mind, and spirit. By prioritising mindful movement, I aim to create a sustainable, enjoyable, and enriching lifestyle for long-term health and happiness.
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James Vosper
CEO: Carbon Futures Australia
The industrial hemp industry is in a unique position, and has seen huge changes this year. In approaching next year, it is important to embrace and adapt to change where it leads to potential industry growth. Where laws become restrictive and affect the health of the industry, they need to be challenged. In 2024 this happened with positive outcomes.
As stakeholders we have a voice and can effect positive change to develop the industry. We will do this by collaborating with Australian and global industry groups, and government bodies.
The progress of the hemp industry is anything but linear. To paraphrase Ernest Hemingway: “things happen slowly then all at once”. It is important that we maintain patience whilst preparing for acceleration. To do this we have to recognise the early signals of change.
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Danielle Antonello
Team Leader and Property Manager: Ray White Maroochydore
This year has been a whirlwind of change and growth for me as the head of property management. In addition to unexpected challenges to our team, Queensland’s rental legislation changes brought new hurdles, from limiting rent increases to altering break-lease processes. These shifts left many investors disheartened, with some reconsidering their positions in the market. Navigating these turbulent times required us to focus on streamlining processes and fostering clear communication.
The biggest lesson I learned is the power of staying positive. As property managers, we’re more than facilitators; we’re empathetic listeners for stressed landlords and tenants alike. Reframing challenges as opportunities and being a source of calm amid uncertainty has shaped how I’ll lead moving forward.
In 2025, I’m committed to fostering positivity and resilience not just in my team but for everyone we work with, helping turn property challenges into meaningful growth opportunities.
The post Expert opinion: How this year’s lessons will shape 2025 for these business leaders appeared first on The Big Smoke.