2024: A Retrospective

As the end of the year approaches I am in a reflective mood. 2024 has been a full year where I travelled to 15 cities on 3 continents doing what I love – speaking, training, coaching. And at the same time it has been a year of reading and writing to a level I haven’t attained since I was at school, but this time it is of my own volition. I will include the books that stayed with me every month of the hundred plus I read or listened to this year - that´s the beauty of how becoming an author focuses you.

January 2024: Starting the new year in the embrace of Madeira, where I find my spirit dance among the levadas, those winding veins of water that whisper secrets of the earth. As I gaze upon the vibrant blooms and azure skies, I am reminded that here, amidst nature’s artistry, I am both lost and profoundly found. A highlight is my sons rendering Let it Be as a duo.

Books that shaped my January:

• Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke, profound reflections on creativity, love, and the inner life, encouraging us to embrace solitude and introspection.
• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and courage in leadership.
• The Source by Tara Swart, explores the neuroscience behind personal development, presenting techniques to harness the brain's power to manifest.

February 2024: The energy of Thrive launches crackles in February like the vibrant pulse of Barcelona, where each idea ignites like a spark in the sun-drenched streets. In this city of dreams, innovation flows as freely as the Mediterranean breeze, weaving together passion and purpose. Made my own esperidillas

MTS 2nd cohort and next Thrive launch in Basel.

Books that shaped my February:

• Wild by Cheryl Strayed, a transformative solo hike leads to self-discovery.
• The True Secret of Writing by Natalie Goldberg, writing as a journey of self-discovery and authenticity.
• The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, a program to unlock creativity and overcome blocks.

March 2024:

A creativity workshop segues into a sensory weekend in the bustling streets and intimate trattorias of Milan.

Thrive launches in Zurich and Lausanne where I got to meet @Oksana´s newborn Victor – start them young.  

Books that shaped my March:

• The Creative Act by Rick Rubin, embraces creativity as a universal practice for everyone.
• Creative Demons by David Holman, overcome self-doubt and fear to enhance creativity.
• Managing Transitions by William Bridges, guide for navigating the psychological aspects of change.

April 2024: April took me to London's vibrant streets, where its diverse architecture and the sensory delights of dishes like Akuri at Dishoom made each moment memorable. The spring air in London was a blend of historical echoes and the fresh pulse of modern life.

The expansion of Thrive introduced vibrant communities in Stockholm and Budapest, each adding unique perspectives to our mission.

Books that shaped my April:

• The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig, exploring unique emotional states.
• Londoners by Craig Taylor, delving into the lives of the city’s diverse inhabitants.
• Dishoom: From Bombay With Love, a culinary homage to Bombay’s flavours and stories.

May 2024: May brought an incredible opportunity to connect and share ideas at the HOBB conference in Tangier, Morocco. Meeting a host of inspirational figures, including Priya Parker which added depth and excitement to the discussions on bridging cultures and industries.

Books that shaped my May:

• Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad, a memoir that explores life, illness, and recovery.
• The Book of Delights by Ross Gay, a series of lyrical essays celebrating the small joys of daily life.
• The Mother of All Questions by Rebecca Solnit, which delves into feminist inquiry and discourse.

June 2024:

The journey unfolds beneath my feet,

Each step a whisper of stories untold,

As I pen my pilgrimage on the Camino's embrace.

With every mile, the heart finds its voice,

In the rhythm of footsteps and the rustle of leaves,

A sacred dialogue between soul and earth.

The first of many immersive walking and writing pilgrimages to Camino de Santiago.

Balanced with a Business Storytelling workshop in Barcelona

Books that shaped my June:

• Faith, Hope & Carnage by Nick Cave, offering a raw and honest look at personal crises and artistic integrity.
• Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson, a memoir that explores the pursuit of happiness and the meaning of family.
• Bittersweet by Susan Cain, which examines how embracing life's challenges can lead to a richer understanding of joy.

July 2024:

Tall sunflowers stand,

Reaching up to greet the sky,

Summer smiles down.

Flower paradise Island Mainau and the culinary delicacies of Colmar.

Books that shaped my July:

• Home Body by Rupi Kaur, which delves into the essence of self and belonging through poignant poetry and reflections.
• Enchantment by Katherine May, exploring the wonder and the deeper engagement with the world around us.
• Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown, offering insightful maps to human emotions and connections, enriching our understanding of personal and professional relationships.

August 2024: August was a month of exhilarating contrasts, starting with a week of hiking and savoring gourmet food in the Austrian Alps—a perfect blend of nature’s serenity and culinary excellence. The energy then shifted to the vibrant rhythms of the Zurich Street Parade, where the city burst into life with music, dance, and dazzling costumes. And our annual ritual of Cinema on the Zurich lake.

Amidst these adventures, I also focused on enhancing professional skills by shooting a persuasion skills video series and participating in a photo shoot with the talented Carmen, capturing the essence of effective communication.

Books that shaped my August:

• Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed, offering heartfelt advice and profound insights into personal growth and challenges.
• They Called Us Exceptional: And Other Lies That Raised Us by Prachi Gupta, which explores the complexities of identity and the immigrant experience.
• Uncaged by Katia Vlachos, a narrative of breaking free from self-imposed limits to pursue a life of meaning and adventure.

In whispers of the wind, knowledge flows like streams,

Crafting worlds of wonder where curiosity gleams,

With every question asked, a new adventure beams.

Celebrations of the elephant-headed God Ganesha and enjoying all traditional celebrations that are a riot of colours and beauty.

The first ever Thrive Conference and 5th Annual Awards in Basel.

MTS 4 creates transformations and a new experience of preselling my first book, WanderWomen

Books that shaped my September:

• Kokoro by Beth Kempton, explores Japanese wisdom for cultivating presence and joy
• The First, the Few, the Only by Deepa Purushothaman, discusses how to thrive as a woman of colour in the corporate world.
• Finding Me by Viola Davis, provides a profound insight into the challenges and triumphs

Beyond the mountains, where shadows play,

Lies Shangri-La, a hidden bay.

A realm untouched by time’s cruel hand,

Where joy and beauty forever stand.

2 stunning weeks in Thailand, food for the body and soul - with the extraordinary experience of being stranded due to a flood in Chiang Mai. And an art weekend in Chur.

Coming full circle as I speak at the Swiss Re Centre for Global Dialogue, my first work location in 2001, for the Foresight Academy.

The most emotional 90 mins of 2024, where I had the privilege to officiate the wedding of a dear friend in the hills of Rome.

Books that shaped my October:

• Write for Life by Julia Cameroon an exploration of how writing can serve as a powerful tool for personal growth and healing.
• A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders, a master class on Russian short stories, dissecting the craft behind the narrative art.
• Murder Your Darlings by Roy Peter Clark, an incisive look at the craft of writing, encouraging writers to refine their work with precision.

Nostalgia danced in the air, sweet and bright,

With laughter and memories igniting the night.

A TISS 25 years reunion in Mumbai with those that have become dearer as the years pass – and celebrated my birthday in India after 2 decades.

Diwali at home with dear friends and a colour workshop in Lausanne on the occasion of a milestone birthday of a Thriver.

Books that shaped my November:

• Playing Big by Tara Mohr, empowers women to embrace their voice and vision in leadership.
• Getting Lost by Annie Ernaux, a reflective journey through the realms of memory and self-discovery.
• The Secret Lives of Colour by Kassia St Clair, illuminates the history and significance of colors in our lives, blending art, history, and culture.

As December's chill ushers in festive cheer and the year draws to a close, I find myself in quiet reflection of the vibrant journey that 2024 has been. This month, I enjoyed the tranquil beauty of the Swiss Alps, immersing myself in a landscape where snow blankets the earth and peace fills the air, providing a perfect setting to write and plan for the upcoming year. The holidays bring a time of family gatherings, warm conversations by the fire, and the joy of giving and receiving.

The Success Myth by Emma Gannon: Challenges conventional definitions of success, advocating for personal fulfillment.

You could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith, explores self-discovery amid the complexities of marriage and identity.

The Good Immigrant edited by Nikesh Shukla : Essays reflecting on race, identity, and belonging in the UK.

As we turn the page to 2025, I'm excited to continue this journey with you, filled with new adventures, learnings, and growth. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community. Here’s to another year of making every moment count!

Wishing You a Joyous New Year!

Warmest regards,

Shivangi Walke