My Year of Renewal
As I sit down to reflect on 2024, the overwhelming theme is renewal—renewing purpose, connection, and energy. This year has been a journey of embracing new opportunities, launching exciting initiatives, and fostering deeper connections within the Alyceum community. From the launch of the Espresso Club to the evolution of the Emerging Leaders in Governance Program and 100 Women, 2024 has been a year of growth, learning, and connection.
The Launch of the Espresso Club to Build a Leadership Learning Community
By far, one of the most exciting milestones of 2024 was the official launch of The Espresso Club, a leadership learning community focused on growing bold, purpose-driven, and inclusive leaders. The vision behind The Espresso Club is simple yet profound…. an equitable and sustainable world where everyone has the opportunity to lead.
We’ve been building a space where members come together to connect, grow, and challenge each other to embrace discomfort and stretch beyond their limits. The Espresso Club facilitates energising monthly webinars designed to provide conversations to inspire better leadership. Through bite-sized learning on contemporary leadership topics, we foster insight, growth, and action—helping people become the leaders they aspire to be.
We serve people (and their organisations) who have a desire to grow, connect, and lead with confidence. We have members from Palmerston, Cancer Council, Department of Health, Red Cross to name a few. Our motto is: Powerful Conversations That Spark Better Leadership.
Check out just some of our sessions we hosted in 2024!
Why Call it The Espresso Club?
At first, ‘an espresso shot’ was a funny way to describe our 1-hour webinars – short but impactful! However then the theme stuck, it was about encouraging…
- Energy and Focus – Just as an espresso provides a quick, energising boost, the Espresso Club offers concentrated, high-impact leadership learning in a short amount of time (1-hour monthly sessions). This allows members to gain a powerful leadership boost without committing large amounts of time.
- Community and Connection – Much like how coffee culture symbolises connection and collaboration, the Espresso Club fosters a community where purpose-driven leaders come together to share insights and connect with like-minded individuals.
- Micro-Learning – Just like an espresso shot is small but strong, our micro-learning format provides members with brief, impactful leadership lessons—perfect for busy professionals.
- Uplift and Growth – The Espresso Club gives members the “shot” they need to elevate their leadership skills, empowering them to make a greater impact in their communities and organisations.
Bold Plans for 2025
Bold Plans for 2025We have bold plans for 2025! The Espresso Club Learning Framework for 2025 focuses on four key leadership pillars:
Most leadership programs focus on tactical skills—which can be helpful, of course—but the most impactful leadership programs prioritise personal growth. By nurturing self-awareness, resilience, and personal strengths, leaders become more committed, motivated, and energetic. This is especially important given the stress and burnout many face in today’s workforce.
Special offer!! Anyone who joins The Espresso Club before the end of 2024 will have the opportunity to book a 30-minute coaching call with me. I’d love to support you in refining your leadership goals for the upcoming year. Come join us in 2025—I’ve got an amazing program lined up!
Greater Good Collective and the #TheWorldCantWait campaign
We also hosted two cohorts through the 3-month online program – Greater Good Collective. It’s wonderful to see the launchpad this program becomes for people to step into the leaders they have always meant to be. The insights and reflections that participants get from taking time to consider their purpose, strengths, values and goals for the future is inspiring.
We also launched #TheWorldCantWait campaign to talk about the importance of stepping up into your leadership today. We need purpose driven leaders in all realms – business, community, and politics. It’s not meant to be done in isolation, learning together in community is crucial to uncover blindspots and create a sense of belonging and support. Business or societal transformation starts with personal transformation, which is just want the Greater Good Collective and The Espresso Club is about.
Emerging Leaders in Governance Program 2024
This year also marked another successful round of the Emerging Leaders in Governance Program (ELGP). Co-facilitating this program with the inspiring Grace Mugabe, and working with over 40 community organisations in this program has been a such a joy of 2024. The ELGP continues to develop a pipeline of passionate young leaders ready to contribute their skills to community boards.
At our State of the Nation event this year, I was moved by the stories of transformation. One of our alumni, Vidhatri Lakkim Setti, beautifully captured the program’s impact, saying: “ELGP triggers a spark in you—a spark that ignites a fire and inspires you to do more for the people around you, with the skills that you have, for a strong and connected community.” It’s moments like these that remind me why we do what we do—because when people lead with authenticity and purpose, incredible things happen.
Gender Equality and Philanthropy: 100 Women Goes National
In 2024, 100 Women released our 10 Years of Impact report, which highlights the incredible work we’ve done to advance gender equality and support women and girls around the world. What an inspiring tribute to the power of collective action.
So excited about the incredible projects that we get to support this year, including:
Free To Shine
Big hART
Homeless Healthcare
The Warrior Woman Foundation
Ember Connect
It was a full and fun year with an incredible Gala event overlooking Perth City, interviewing Australian Human Rights Commissioner and member of the 100 Women community, Lorraine Finlay plus our first interstate event in Queensland, Qwiz night and more!
Passing on the Baton as Girl Guides Patron
This year, I had the honour of passing on the baton as Patron of Girl Guides Western Australia. It’s been a privilege to serve in this role for the past three years, supporting an organisation dedicated to empowering young girls to lead with confidence.
I was deeply touched at the State Awards Ceremony 2024, witnessing the Girl Guides and volunteers shine. Though I was never involved in Girl Guides as a child, I’ve appreciated just how many women in my network were positively impacted by this organisation. Congratulations to all the awardees, and a heartfelt thank you to Yvonne Power, former Chair, Reachelle Beasley, former CEO and Brenda Hamlett for your leadership and dedication to this incredible cause!
On a Personal Note
As I mentioned, this year has been one of introspection and renewal. After a few incredibly busy years, I made a conscious effort to slow down and focus on my well-being. I spent more time with friends, colleagues, and family, allowing myself moments of fun and festivity. I’ve continued my involvement in the online book club, Birds of a Feather, I started Pickleball with friends and went back to the gym three times a week at 6am!
Taking this step back gave me the clarity to ask important questions: Do I still want to do this work? What’s giving me energy, and what’s draining it? I’m happy to say that this period of reflection has reignited my passion for leadership and community building. I’m rediscovering the emotional energy that fuels my best work—vitality, optimism, and creativity.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Looking Ahead to 2025As 2024 comes to a close, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and energy. I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my community, team, and family throughout this journey. Alyceum’s mission of fostering bold, inclusive, and purpose-driven leaders is stronger than ever.
Thanks so much to Josefine Mai Kraemer, my incredible business support, I really loved the time we got to spend time together in Perth this time last year, sharing coffee, picnics, and even catching a cricket game at Optus Stadium. Thank you for your unwavering support over the years—it’s a joy to work with you!
Here’s to 2025 and all the possibilities it holds!
