December 27, 2024
This article isn’t the usual HR or Change Management topic you’re used to seeing from me. As the final piece for the year and inspired by the lessons and experiences I’ve had, I wanted to take the opportunity to share some personal and professional reflections.
As I look back, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the growth I’ve experienced, the hurdles I’ve overcome, and the incredible people who have supported me along the way. This year has been one of triumphs and challenges—a mix of exhaustion and joy, confidence gained and insecurities faced—but ultimately, a year of transformation.
Overcoming Challenges
One of the biggest personal hurdles I tackled this year was public speaking. For years, I avoided it, afraid to show vulnerability or share my story because, frankly, the journey to where I am today hasn’t always been perfect. Being ADHD has been both a blessing and a challenge—it gives me the energy to juggle multiple priorities and be turbo-productive, but it also makes me a verbose speaker.
This year, I leaned into that energy and made a promise to myself—and to my colleague and best friend—that the next time someone asked me to speak, I would say yes. That opportunity came too quickly when my dear friend, Sheila Bell, invited me to speak at her event. I so badly wanted to tell her no and back out, but I said yes. I spent days perfecting an impersonal speech, but it just didn’t feel right. An hour before going on stage, I scrapped it and decided to speak from the heart.
That moment was transformative. It taught me that the greatest impact often comes from being professional and real, not professional and perfect. And while being vulnerable in a professional setting still feels daunting, I’ve learned that it’s necessary for growth and deeper connection. In 2025, I’m committed to strengthening this “weak muscle” by saying yes to more speaking engagements, even if it makes me cringe a little (a lot).
Building Connections
This year brought incredible opportunities to build meaningful relationships with a group of amazing businesswomen who I now call friends. Through their support, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is to have a community that lifts each other up. It really does take a village, and I am so grateful to continue building mine.
One of my proudest initiatives this year was the success of my Women Business Owners Drinks + Small Plates, a casual event I started in an effort to bring women business owners together. It’s become a space where we can chat about everything—from juggling mom and wife life to menopause and work. I’m thrilled with how this group has grown, and I’m excited to continue it into the coming year.
Balancing Motherhood and Business
Running full steam ahead with my business has been an incredible journey, but as a mother, it comes with an even more challenging juggling act. On top of leading a growing business, I’ve tried to maintain the rhythm of cooking elaborate meals five days a week, keeping my house show home ready—only to fall short more often than not. This year, I failed miserably at balancing it all. I’ve spent countless weeks and months with my nose buried in my computer, shooing my kids away, being on the phone with clients while picking and dropping my kids to school. I have been ignoring my family far more than I should have not to mention the evenings outside of the home networking.
Thankfully, they are very forgiving, but the reality is that my time with my family is so precious and limited. My kids are growing up so fast, and I’m constantly reminded that being a mother is my number one responsibility. As women, it can be incredibly difficult to wear all of these hats at once—mother, wife, daughter, business owner, partner, friend—and do each role justice.
In 2025, I am committed to finding more balance. I want to be fully present for my family while still pursuing my professional goals. Because no amount of success will ever be as meaningful as the memories I create with them.
Gratitude and Lessons Learned
This year, I learned that not every client who wants to work with you is the right fit—and it’s okay to say no. Choosing the right partnerships is just as important as saying yes to the right opportunities.
I’ve also learned that you won’t click with everyone, and that’s okay too. The best thing you can do is show up as your authentic self—your “people” will find and love you naturally.
And above all, I know that without God, none of this would be possible. You have to believe in yourself and trust the path you’re on. I will continue pray for discernment, wisdom, and continued success in 2025.
Looking Ahead to 2025
I will be heading to Jamaica, my favourite place on earth in the new year to rest, recharge, and strategize for the year ahead however; much of my goals are clear:
Work smarter: Spend less time working in my business and more time working on my business. This means being intentional about where I invest my energy and saying no to opportunities that don’t align with my vision.
Build community: Continue nurturing the relationships that matter most and creating spaces for others to connect.
Prioritize health: Focus on my physical, mental, and spiritual well-being so I can reflect a strong, healthy spirit in everything I do.
Embrace authenticity: Be myself unapologetically and trust that the right people and opportunities will align.
Choose wisely: Partner with clients who align with my values and vision, knowing it’s okay to turn down opportunities that don’t feel right, money isn't the only factor.
Trust the process: Recognize that sometimes things have to fall apart to come back together better.
Believe in yourself: Trust your abilities, your vision, and the path you’re on—even when it feels uncertain.
Grow my business—dream bigger!: I underestimated myself when setting my strategic goals for 2024. This year I will be more ambitious and push the boundaries of what I believe is possible and embrace opportunities to expand my vision.
To everyone who has been part of my journey this year, whether as a blessing or a hard lesson: thank you.
To my clients, friends, mentors, colleagues in my professional network, your presence has made a difference.
Here’s to everything we’ve accomplished in 2024—and to an even brighter, healthier, and more purposeful 2025.
With love and gratitude,
Yasmeen Boahene
About the Author
Yasmeen Boahene is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Transition HR Consulting. With extensive experience in HR and Organizational Change Management, Yasmeen specializes in mergers and acquisitions, helping organizations navigate complex transformations by aligning people strategies with business objectives.
Her approach focuses on fostering collaboration, building strong networks, and delivering tailored solutions that drive sustainable success for her clients.
Comments