November's Reflection 2025

November came and went, in a blink of an eye...

Starting with Reconnections

November began with a simple coffee catch-up with an old colleague, a conversation that sparked a wave of reconnections throughout the month. It reminded me how valuable it is to nurture relationships, both old and new.

Keeping Up with Habits

I kept up with my strength training and added a few days of walking back into the mix. Those small habits continue to make a big difference in my energy and focus.

Work and Learning

Work-wise, it was the usual rhythm of client meetings, proposals, board sessions, and plenty of learning through webinars, podcasts, and books. One standout read was The Power of Mattering, a book I’d recommend to anyone, regardless of your profession. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact we have on others and why it matters.

A New Experience at Art Source

Mid-month, I took a few days off and self-invited myself to help a friend at Art Source. Honestly, it was one of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time. I stepped into an industry I knew nothing about and embraced a steep learning curve, running errands, taking photos, minding stands, and doing whatever was needed.

What struck me most was the sense of community, when someone sold a piece of art, every artist celebrated as if it were their own sale. It was pure support, encouragement, and joy. Each evening, I came home with sore feet and a tired back, but woke up excited to do it all again. I didn’t realize how well-known some of these artists were, but by the end, they felt like friends.

If you ever get the chance, spend three days working in a completely different industry, unpaid, and see how much fun and learning you’ll gain.

Professional Speakers Association Gathering

Toward the end of the month, I attended another fantastic Professional Speakers Association Dublin (PSA) gathering. The energy in the room was incredible, with inspiring talks, showcases, and masterclasses from speakers like Aisling O’Rourke, Paul M. Caffrey, Fiona Dowd, Niall Downey, Margaret K-Jerczynska, and Patrick Mercie. A special shout-out to everyone who attended, the support and space you create for speakers is invaluable.

Learning at IMI with the IoD

I also had the pleasure of spending a morning at the IMI, attending an IoD workshop on Charity Governance with Patricia Quinn, Non-Profit Advisor. The depth of knowledge in that room was remarkable, and I absorbed as much as I could.

Final Thoughts

November was a month of reconnection, learning, and stepping outside my comfort zone, and I loved every moment of it.