I'm not one for raising my voice, not much of a shouter. Laughter, yes. Exasperation, maybe. But boasting? Not my style.
I prefer my accomplishments to do the talking, quietly released into the world. Celebrations should be internal, personal.
It's not that boasting is wrong–in this age of screens, how else will people know what you’re up to if you’re not telling them? But as I grow, so do my thoughts. No more either-or, no stark black and white. Absolutes are fading for me. Why not both? Celebrate in solitude and then shout it from the (digital) rooftops. Here's is my year in review.
I did a lot of public speaking–panels, talks and tons of networking about my day job. I spoke for Sydney WorldPride on Queer x Design alongside talented creatives Michael Sun and Amy Blue. I gave the opening talk for the Noun Project’s Pride Iconathon at San Francisco Design Week. Even though I’m an introvert, I find public speaking thrilling. I get a rush every time. I used to pride myself in being able to speak to a crowd with little or no preparation, just winging it. But this year, I honed that craft. If people take time to listen to you, you owe them a good story and something meaningful to remember.
I literally put down roots. I have a new love of gardening, focusing on chilis and aromatics. It combines my love for biology with my love for cooking. Born out of a desire to reduce waste, I’ve grown to appreciate the effort of getting these ingredients. And of course, cooking with what you've grown yourself is incredibly satisfying. Gardening has taught me patience, a virtue I've lacked in the past, often giving up on things I'm not immediately good at. But in gardening, patience is essential. Sometimes seedlings don't sprout, or a freak heat wave wilts everything. In such cases, what can one do but accept the loss, replant, and start again?
I prioritised rest. I took two big breaks this year and surprisingly, it turned out to be the most productive and successful year of my career. I am…or was such a workaholic. Constantly glued to my devices, always responding to something, which was intensified by working across different time zones. But this year, I wanted deeper connections with my family and partner. I wanted to get out of the hamster wheel and explore new experiences. I got to see my family in the U.S. after five long years. It was made even more special because it was the first time my parents met my partner–thanks pandemic. Then, fulfilling a long-held dream, I visited Japan. I was invigorated by the beautiful nature and the unique experience of onsen towns, and walking the streets I had only seen in movies and TV shows made the trip unforgettable. It was an important lesson I should have realised sooner: when we allow ourselves to take breaks and prioritise rest, we end up achieving more.
I evolved as a leader. I moved from leading a speciality to co-leading a diverse 150-person team. My group’s remit expanded too, pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity. Every day, I learn more about people, our motivations to create and what blocks us from doing what we truly want. But the most rewarding moment in 2023? Earning my team's trust as a confidant. If I can leave you with one tidbit of wisdom I learned: leadership isn't just about empathy. It’s not about being the nice person everyone likes. It's also about being strong, communicating clearly, and guiding with purpose. I can’t wait to do more of this in 2024.
Coming next…predictions for 2024, a written version of my Utopia talk, and many more thoughts.