2024 Wrapped: Reflecting on Achievements, Lessons, and Highlights from This Year

As we close the chapter on 2024, I’ve been reflecting on what counts as an achievement. Is it the things that went exactly as planned? Or do we celebrate the lessons we’ve learned from failures, missteps, and unexpected challenges?

This year wasn’t easy. I started full of energy, but life quickly reminded me that plans can change in an instant. In January, I lost my dada (grandfather), someone I was incredibly close to. Grief became a quiet companion—showing up in everyday moments like riding the tube or watching TV. Later in April, I made the tough decision to step down from BBC The Everyday Hustle, a show that had been such a big part of my life. These experiences forced me to pause and rethink: Who am I? What’s my purpose?

While the year brought its share of challenges, it also brought growth. Traveling to places like the USA, Pakistan, and the Maldives opened my mind to new possibilities for my business and personal development. I spent time exploring, connecting with new people, and unlearning habits that no longer served me.

This reflection isn’t about perfection—it’s about appreciating the journey. The wins, the losses, and everything in between shaped who I am today. So, here’s a glimpse into what 2024 looked like for me—challenges, achievements, and lessons alike.

Key Highlights of 2024

January

Work:

• Hosted a mentoring workshop for Bayes Leadership MBA Programme.

Personal:

• Navigated the grief of my grandfather’s passing (Dada).

LMF:

• Soft-launched the LMF app on iOS and Android.

February

Work:

• Spent three weeks in Asia.
• Collaborated with Amari Hotels in Malaysia.
• Wrapped up work with the British Red Cross.
• Participated in Web Summit Qatar, hosting fireside chats and interviews with leaders.

LMF:

• Delivered training sessions on diversity and inclusion, leadership, and neurodiversity.

March

Work:

• Hosted the launch of Lightricks Studio in the UK.
• Delivered a workshop for MITIE.
• Attended and spoke at multiple International Women’s Day (IWD) events.
• Hosted discussions at Cloud Expo in ExCel.
• Visited the USA with Reorg for senior executive training.
• Attended Hello Magazine’s IWD event and conducted interviews at NYSE.
• Hosted panel for Economics Impact Summit and Brighton Silicon Roundabout.

April

Work:

• Recorded my last interview for BBC’s The Everyday Hustle.
• Keynote speaker at AWS on personal branding.
• Recorded for Informa Leadership Series.

Personal:

• Wrote a reflective piece for Hello Magazine about my grandfather’s death.

May

Work:

• Delivered a last-minute keynote in Romania on AI ethics.
• Spoke as a keynote speaker and author at various events with book signings.

Personal:

• Learned how to fly a drone.

LMF:

• Launched a successful mentoring program with the National Lottery.

June

Work:

• Delivered a keynote on inclusion for the NHS.
• Closed the Women in Business Expo with a keynote.
• Conducted business and campaign work for two weeks in the Maldives.

Personal:

• Traveled to Turkey for a Liberty Signa press event with my mother and sister.
• Recorded an interview with Plaza Premium for Business Traveller USA.

July

Work:

• Invited as a creator for the National Gallery 200.
• Delivered a keynote for Wells Fargo’s South Asian Heritage Month event.

Personal:

• Took 10 days off to spend time with family and treated myself to shopping.

LMF:

• Activated coworking and community sessions.

August

Work:

• Recorded a voiceover with Google.
• Began experimenting with video content for social media.

LMF:

• Introduced a social media series on business networking, mentorship, and skills development.

September

Work:

• Hosted the National AI Awards.
• Delivered a keynote for The Happiness Camp in Porto.
• Accepted into the British Guild of Travel Writers.

Personal:

• Kicked off a new term as King’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence.

October

Work:

• Hosted SAP Live Conference in Lisbon.
• Hosted two sessions at the AnitaB Conference in Philadelphia.
• Introduced the U.S. Secretary of Energy at the White House.

Personal:

• Interviewed Karren Brady and attended the Women in Business & Tech Conference.

November

Work:

• Interviewed Katherine Ryan at WTM.
• Hosted Fiverr Female Founder Awards.
• Delivered a lecture at Goldsmiths University.
• Delivered a keynote at Stylist Live London.
• Attended multiple travel events for Heritage Resorts, Mercure Hotels, and Melia Hotels.
• Participated in panels for LinkedIn and Computer Weekly on inclusion.

Personal:

• Won a Land Rover cruise session.

December

Work:

• Wrapped up work and began planning for 2025.
• Invested in two new team members.
• Edited podcasts and vlogs for social media.

Takeaway

1. Perseverance is everything. Entrepreneurship and personal growth demand resilience, especially when the road gets bumpy.
2. It’s okay to slow down. Pausing to recharge isn’t just okay, it’s necessary.
3. Your inputs shape your outputs. What you consume—mentally, emotionally, and physically—profoundly impacts what you create.
4. Accountability matters. Asking for help and staying accountable to your goals aren’t weaknesses—they’re superpowers.

Key Piece of Advice

As Maya, the Ambassador of LMF Network, reminded me recently: “You’re 75% there. Don’t give up now.” This year taught me that challenges aren’t roadblocks—they’re stepping stones. Every setback fueled growth, clarity, and momentum.

So What?

I’m heading into 2025 with a fresh perspective and focused goals:

• Scaling the LMF Network app into a robust e-learning platform.
• Building an advisory board and finding funding despite economic challenges.
• Growing my online presence with inspirational, authentic content.
• Showing up fully as an entrepreneur, ready to take my business to the next level.

This year, I also discovered the importance of community. Thank you to everyone who supported me—whether through kind words, feedback, or just cheering me on from afar. Your encouragement means the world.

Sonya Barlow is an award-winning entrepreneur, presenter and author with over 100K followers. She hosts her self-titled YouTube show "The Sonya Barlow Show", authored the business book "Unprepared to Entrepreneur" and runs a business inclusion consultancy and networking app the "LMF Network". You can work with Sonya for campaigns, content and conversation. Connect via email - Hello@SonyaBarlow.Co.Uk.