October's Reflection 2025

I began October telling myself it was going to be a quiet month. On reflection… it was anything but! Yet, it was filled with gratitude, connection, and some powerful moments of learning.

To everyone I met in person, spoke to over Zoom, called, messaged, or who took the time to send me a letter: “Thank You”. You made this “quiet” month one of my favourites yet.

Retail X Autumn Festival – London

Three days in London attending the Retail X Autumn Retail Festival proved to be eye-opening.

The conversations were raw, the insights bold. A panel of marketing directors shared not only their challenges but how they overcame them. There was a refreshing honesty in the air, talk of vulnerability, resilience, and the importance of owning your own platforms.

One takeaway that really hit home was this: if 60% of your revenue comes from a platform you don’t own, you’re building your house on borrowed land. It’s time we take back control of where our revenue flows, through our own websites, our communities, our own bricks-and-mortar stores.

Other highlights included passionate discussions around AI, Amazon’s marketplace power, and even the surprising fact that some brands remove their products from Amazon during Black Friday to avoid losses.

I left the event buzzing with thoughts on sustainability, digital independence, and how crucial it is to support local and ethical businesses.

A big thank you to Marinda Malan, who moderated with grace and insight. Her ability to hold space for big, honest conversations was inspiring. You can catch her recap here: Marinda’s Post.

Birthday & The Dublin Zoo Tradition

I spent part of my birthday weekend at Dublin Zoo, a little tradition of mine to visit the elephants. This year, I was greeted by the roar of a lion, a real one, as the zookeeper quickly confirmed! Let’s just say I chose to take the long way around!

Learning, Growth & Connection

I attended an inspiring Professional Speaking Association Dublin online session. Fiona Brennan-Scott spoke beautifully about feedback (A Consensual KISS of Feedback: Kindness, Insight, Safety, and Support) and Liz Harwick’s keynote on productivity systems was full of practical gems.

Thank you, Aoife Gaffney, for facilitating and Patrick Mercie for keeping the tech running smoothly.

I also attended a Harvard Business Review webinar on The Power of Mattering by Zach Mercurio. The concept was so powerful that I’ve chosen it as my November read and am starting a little book group to discuss it at month’s end. (If you’d like to join, email me at sarah@sarahdaly.com.)

I also caught up with friends and clients, both over coffee and online, to celebrate their wins and share stories.

Self-Care & Saying "No"

This month was a reminder that self-care isn’t indulgent, it’s essential.

I kept up my strength training, took time for reading and walks, and found immense relief (and balance) through regular acupuncture. I even enjoyed my monthly “getaway”, a few hours at the hairdresser with a magazine.

I also made a hard but right decision to cancel attending a workshop I’d been looking forward to. I simply wasn’t in the right headspace to benefit from it. Sometimes, we need to say, “Not right now.” It’s not about others, it’s about where we are.

Life, Clients, and Flexibility

Our car spent a week with the “car doctor”, a small disruption that turned into a reminder that the world doesn’t fall apart when plans change. Clients were understanding, some even relieved to postpone meetings.

Business life is full of these ebbs and flows. After 13 years in business, I’ve learned to embrace the flexibility. While my official hours are Monday–Thursday, 10 AM–5 PM, life happens. The key is balance, keeping non-negotiables like strength training and walks, but staying open to early mornings, late evenings, or weekend work when needed.

What I love most is that human connection, the smiles, the stories, the shared challenges. That’s what makes this journey worthwhile.

A World Without Cows

As an RDS member, I attended the documentary A World Without Cows, produced by Alltech’s Planet of Plenty initiative.

It was 85 minutes of reflection, exploring the cultural, economic, and environmental significance of cows. It left me thoughtful, and if I can share one personal takeaway: leave the cows alone!

The Butcher Cuts Experience

 To close the month, Billy and I enjoyed The Butcher Cuts: A Steak Night Experience at the RDS Members Club.

It was elegant, warm, and delicious, a celebration of Irish Wagyu beef, prepared by Kingsbury Wagyu’s Alan Morris. It felt like a romantic evening with a side of wonderful conversation. The RDS community continues to be a space of friendship, laughter, and shared curiosity.

Final Thoughts

The clocks went back. I slept. And I’m grateful.

October reminded me that “quiet months” often become the ones filled with connection, learning, and gratitude.

Here’s to balance, honesty, and the beauty of showing up, fully human.