This week, I was chatting with one of my teammates at Auditor Training Online, and they asked me a question that really made me stop and think: “What were your biggest lessons learned from last year?” It was such a great addition to the usual new year chats about goals and resolutions. Of course, the lessons we take from the past year should guide what we do moving forward, right?

I took a moment to reflect. How do you sum up a whole year of experiences, wins, and challenges into a handful of takeaways? But the more I thought about it, the clearer it became. There were a few standout lessons that have stuck with me and will shape how I approach this year.

This conversation was a great reminder of how important it is to reflect on what we’ve learned and use it to grow. What about you? Have you taken a moment to think about the lessons you’ve learned from last year? If not, now’s the perfect time. Think about the challenges that shaped you, the wins that gave you energy, and the insights that have stayed with you. How will they guide your 2025?

For additional inspiration, I recommend reading “Reflections on Leadership Lessons from 2024: What Worked, What Didn’t”. This article highlights key takeaways, such as addressing burnout, fostering adaptability, and prioritizing upskilling—important insights to consider as we move forward.

5 Key Lessons Learned

Looking Ahead: As I step into this new year, these lessons aren’t just reflections—they’re my guideposts for what’s ahead. I’m committed to asking for help when I need it, fostering community, building alliances, managing my time with intention, and always being real and authentic. Every decision and opportunity will be filtered through the question: “Does this align with my bigger vision?

Key Lesson 1: Collaboration

Last year taught me how important it is to ask for help and work with others. Whether it’s reaching out for advice, delegating tasks, or joining forces to solve a problem, collaboration can lead to better outcomes. I realized that by opening myself up to the support and expertise of others, I not only achieved more but also built stronger connections. None of us can do it all alone, and there’s so much value in working together toward shared goals.

Key Lesson 2: Community

Having a strong sense of community made such a difference for me. Being surrounded by people who share similar goals and values not only gave me support but also inspired me to push through challenges. There’s something incredibly motivating about being part of a group that lifts each other up and celebrates one another’s successes. It’s a reminder that we’re not on this journey alone, and the right community can make all the difference.

Key Lesson 3: Alliances

This one might surprise you, but I’ve learned that peers and even competitors can be incredible allies. When we view others in our industry as potential collaborators rather than rivals, amazing things can happen. Sharing insights, exchanging ideas, and learning from each other lifts everyone up. Last year, I saw firsthand how forming alliances can open doors to opportunities and create mutual growth.

Key Lesson 4: Time Blocking

Managing my time became a big focus last year. I started blocking out time for specific tasks, and it made a huge difference. By dedicating time to what mattered most, I stayed organized, minimised overwhelm, and worked more efficiently. It’s such a simple practice, but it gave me a greater sense of control over my day and helped me accomplish more with less stress.

Key Lesson 5: Authenticity

Above all, being real and authentic in everything I do proved to be one of the most valuable lessons. People connect with honesty and sincerity, and being true to myself strengthened my relationships. It’s not about trying to be perfect—it’s about showing up as your genuine self and letting others see the real you. Authenticity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of meaningful connections.

Next Steps for Exploring ISO Career Opportunities

1. Reflect on Your Own Lessons: Take 10 minutes to think about what last year taught you. Write down your top three lessons and consider how they can guide your decisions and goals this year.
2. Share Your Insights: Talk to a colleague, mentor, or friend about what you’ve learned. Sharing your reflections can deepen your understanding and may even inspire others to reflect on their own experiences.
3. Take Action: Choose one lesson to focus on this month. Whether it’s improving your time management, fostering collaboration, or being more authentic, set a small, actionable goal to put this lesson into practice.

This article first appeared on Auditor Training Online‘s Lead The Standard newsletter and is published here with permission.