My 2024 Impact Report

I started 2024 in a blur. Typically, I start every year very strongly; I take out time, go for a retreat, do a personal strategy session, and plan for the new year. But for this year, I really didn’t feel inspired to make any plans. I just left it to God and chance.

A few weeks into the year, I got a job and went back to a 9-5. It was a big switch for me, as I had not done a 9-5 in many years. To be very honest, I didn’t take the whole interview process seriously. A friend had hooked me up with the role, and I was only following up just to show respect to him. I didn’t think I was ready to hold down a job. Plus, I had just resumed my Masters in Public and International Affairs at the University of Lagos. I really just wanted to take the year slowly.

So, when I went for the final interview, I had this lackluster attitude. I told them I was a student somewhere and would be needing some days off in a month to attend classes, and that was non-negotiable. Lmao. I was surprised when I still got the offer. Well, yeah, I’m one of the best at what I do. I can confidently beat my chest about that.

I accepted the offer, and I can say that it was the best decision I made in 2024. I currently lead Learning & Development at a group-level company with eight subsidiaries. In my role, I handle learning for more than 3,000 staff members. It has been as exciting as it has been exhausting. A few months after coming on board, I was made the head of the department, and more work was added. I am learning so fast on the job, and it’s making me excited.

On the academic side, I finished the first year of my Master’s and just resumed year two. My CGPA came down to 4.0 after the second semester, but I hope to work harder to boost it next year. Lol.

I think 2024 for me was a year that taught me focus. Personally, I thrive in chaos. I like to do a lot of things at the same time. I’m always pushing one product or brand or the other. As much as this can be good, trust me, it could be overwhelming. This year taught me how to be calm and enjoy doing fewer things, better. I think my motto for the year was – be the best at fewer things.

Let me give you an example. I concentrated my whole career direction into one – Learning & Development. I looked at all I was doing and realized I loved teaching the most. So, I plunged hard into it and shut out the noise. I remember having to speak with my good friend – Emmanuel Faith – to hear his thoughts on this. EF, as he is fondly called, is an amazing HR executive with an excellent empathetic mindset. He helped me handle many of my doubts and fears about the move I was making at that time.

I forgot to add, I also graduated a second set from the Redwire Marketing Academy. This is one project I hold very dear to my heart. I manage the company’s Graduate Trainee Programme, and this is the second year in a row the programme has been run with me in charge. It was a super, super exciting moment for me.

Now the year has ended, and 2025 is here. I am excited about the new year. I have tagged my 2025 – the year of Big Big Things. (Yeah, I know that song just came to your mind, right? Lol). I think I was very quiet and under the radar this year, and as much as I enjoyed it, next year seems to be like a limelight year for me. I feel it strongly, and I am beginning to prepare for it.

That’s why I want you to also take some hours today and write out your own impact report. Take a look at 2024 and try to point out what you did and how the year went for you. This would give you the much-needed bounce to hit it off next year.

Today’s the last day of the year; it’s time for reflections. Get out your notepad, and let’s put pen to paper.

Next year is gonna be big; we all can feel it. Get ready.

Also, if you would like to join a thriving accountability community for your goals and projects in 2025, I have something amazing for you. Fill this form, and let’s get talking - Click Here to Fill Form

See you next week.

Lots of Love,
Akan.