As the year draws to a close, the lead-up to Christmas often unfolds as a whirlwind of activity. It's a time when the pressure to complete pending tasks, meet year-end deadlines, and juggle holiday preparations can make life feel like a frenetic sprint to the finish line. In the midst of this hustle and bustle, it's essential to find moments of calm, reflection, and gratitude for the year that's passed. Let's explore how to navigate the holiday hustle with grace, ensuring a safe and restful break while welcoming the promises of the New Year.
 
1. The Frantic Week
 
The week leading up to Christmas is notorious for its frenetic pace. Professionals rush to wrap up projects, deliver major milestones, and meet the expectations set for year-end objectives. Simultaneously, there's the mad dash of Christmas shopping, the final touches on holiday decorations, and the anticipation of festive gatherings. The roads, too, seem to come alive with the buzz of holiday travelers. It's a week that demands precision, organization, and a touch of holiday magic.
 
2. Completing with Quality
 
Amidst the flurry of year-end activities, the commitment to delivering projects and tasks with the highest quality remains paramount. Just as Santa Claus meticulously ensures the quality of each gift he delivers, professionals strive to meet and exceed expectations. It's a reminder that, even in the midst of busyness, quality should never be compromised.
 
3. Finding Balance
 
As the clock ticks down to Christmas, the quest for balance becomes essential. It's about managing time efficiently to accommodate both professional commitments and personal celebrations. Balancing work and life, in this context, is akin to mastering the art of gracefully juggling multiple responsibilities.
 
4. The Busy Roads
 
The holiday season brings with it the bustling traffic of shoppers, travelers, and holiday enthusiasts. Roads seem to pulse with activity, and patience becomes a virtue. Navigating the busy roads serves as a reminder to exercise caution, consideration, and courtesy, not just in traffic but in all our interactions during this festive season.
 
5. Wishing for Wealth, Joy, and Success
 
Amidst the hustle, the true spirit of the season lies in the wishes we extend to one another. As the year closes its chapter, we hope for wealth, not just in monetary terms, but in the richness of experiences and connections. We wish for joy to fill our hearts and those of our loved ones. And we aspire to welcome success, not just in our professional endeavours but in the fulfillment of personal goals and dreams.

​Dave Grohl, the iconic frontman of the Foo Fighters, has been a towering figure in the world of rock music for an impressive 28 years. His enduring success in an industry known for its volatility begs the question: What does it take to remain successful over such a long period of time? The answer, in my view, is a deceptively simple formula that's exceptionally challenging to implement and sustain.
 
1. Uniqueness and Personal Passion:
 
Success over the long haul often begins with something slightly unique that you personally possess. Dave Grohl's unmistakable voice and musical talent set him apart, but it's more than that. It's the passion and love for what he does that fuels his enduring journey. In business and leadership, this translates to having a unique perspective or skill set and being genuinely passionate about your work, driven by intrinsic motivation rather than external outcomes.
 
2. The Myth of 10,000 Hours:
 
The concept of 10,000 hours to achieve world-class expertise, popularized by Malcolm Gladwell, is a compelling notion. Yet, the journey to become the very best in the world likely requires far more than 10,000 hours. It takes relentless perseverance, continuous learning, and an unshakable commitment to excellence. In Grohl's case, it's evident in the countless hours he's spent perfecting his craft and evolving as an artist.
 
3. The Role of Natural Talent:
 
While dedication and hard work are paramount, natural talent is also a significant factor in long-term success. Dave Grohl possesses innate musical talent that, when combined with his unwavering dedication, has propelled him to greatness. In business and leadership, recognizing and leveraging your natural talents can be a catalyst for sustained success.
 
4. Relentless Perseverance:
 
The journey toward long-term success is rarely a smooth ride. There are challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. What separates the truly successful from the rest is their ability to persevere relentlessly. Dave Grohl's career is a testament to this perseverance, as he's navigated the ever-changing music industry with resilience and determination.
 
5. Passion for the Process:
 
Kieran Perkins, a multiple Olympic gold medalist in swimming, once emphasised that success in a 1500-metre race, which comprises only 600 strokes, requires years of training, totaling millions of strokes. The lesson here is profound: Enjoy the process because that's where the majority of your time is spent. Grohl's love for creating music, not just the outcomes, is evident in his enduring commitment to excellence.
 
6. Focus on Excellence:
 
Dave Grohl's unwavering focus on excellence has been a driving force behind his longevity. He consistently strives to deliver top-notch performances and create music that resonates with audiences worldwide. In business and leadership, this commitment to excellence translates to continuous improvement, innovation, and a dedication to delivering the best possible results.

The year 2023 has been nothing short of monumental on many fronts. It commenced with me in the role of Chief Executive Officer of a substantial $9 billion business. As I navigated the corporate landscape, there were significant transitions, personal losses, and a newfound entrepreneurial endeavour. Now, as the year draws to a close, it’s an opportune moment for reflection on the profound lessons and realisations that 2023 has brought.

Navigating Career Transitions:

One of the defining aspects of this year was the transition from my role as CEO of a major business to embarking on a journey to find my next CEO role. This shift in professional focus was a pivotal moment that allowed me to reassess my career goals, aspirations, and the legacy I hope to leave behind. It reaffirmed the importance of adaptability and embracing change as we move through different chapters in life.

Honouring Loved Ones:

In the midst of professional endeavours, life had other plans, teaching me some of its most profound lessons through loss. This year, I attended three funerals, each a poignant reminder of the fragility of life. Saying goodbye to my dear father; then a long-term employee of Titles Queensland; and then my brother-in-law was a stark reminder of the importance of cherishing our time with loved ones and celebrating their contributions to our lives.

Embracing Entrepreneurship:

Amidst these life-altering experiences, I heeded the advice of my best friend and embarked on a new venture – Huntly Capital. Starting my own business was an exhilarating and challenging endeavour, one that demanded resilience, innovation, and unwavering determination. The success that Huntly Capital has achieved, exceeding self-imposed targets, serves as a testament to the potential that lies in embracing entrepreneurship and pursuing one’s vision.

The Luxury of Life’s Moments:

Yet, amidst the whirlwind of professional pursuits and personal losses, one profound realisation emerged – the luxury of life’s moments. Time spent with my children, whether exploring Uluru or simply sharing family dinners, became cherished memories. Weekends away camping and evenings on the beach with my wife were treasured luxuries.