As the year winds down and a new one begins, it’s easy to get caught up in goal-setting for the future. While looking ahead is essential, pausing and reflecting on what’s already been achieved is equally important. Reflection is not about boasting—it’s about recognizing growth, celebrating progress, and building momentum for what’s next.
If you’re like many leaders, you may find it uncomfortable to acknowledge your wins. After all, we’re often taught to keep moving forward and “stay humble.” But there’s a significant difference between arrogance and acknowledgment. When you reflect on your accomplishments, you’re not just “patting yourself on the back”—you’re reinforcing the confidence and self-awareness needed to continue growing as a leader.
Self-awareness is one of the most critical leadership skills, and reflecting on accomplishments sharpens it. When you take the time to recognize how far you’ve come, you can better identify your unique strengths and areas for growth. Self-awareness isn’t just “nice to have” — it’s essential for making intentional decisions about your next steps.
For me, one of the most powerful moments of reflection this year was realizing the impact of launching the Women Who Lead book and course. At the time, I was focused on meeting deadlines and ensuring a smooth launch. But looking back, I’ve seen how much this initiative has supported emerging women leaders in their leadership journeys. This realization strengthened my belief in the power of intentional leadership development and guided me toward new opportunities for 2025.
Reflection isn’t just a “feel-good” activity — it’s a vital tool for leadership growth, confidence, and strategy. When you recognize your accomplishments, you’re better able to lead yourself and others with clarity and purpose. This year, I’ve had the privilege to co-host major events, launch books and courses, support students in need, and help leaders develop their potential. None of it happened by accident — and none of it would have been possible without the reflection that guided my decisions.
Here are a few things I am proud to have accomplished in 2024!
🤝 Strategic Relationships & Community Impact
• Appointed Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay Board Member & Co-Chair of Education and Community Engagement Committee
• Attained Vendor Approval with Hypatia Collective
🚀 Program Launches & New Offerings
• Launched a monthly group coaching program based on the Learning About You five-book series
🌐 Signature Events & Speaking Engagements
• Cybersecurity Presentation at BSides St. Pete
• Women Working in Tech (WWIT Breakout Session
• Cultivating Your Leadership Style Talk at South University
• Enhancing Soft Skills for Entrepreneurial Success with Entrepreneur Collaborative Center
• Self-awareness for Leadership Success with InLab@HCC
• Elevating Influence & Credibility with Shafer Leadership Academy
• Women Leading Tech Innovation Mastermind at Indiana Women IN Tech Week
• Kicked off 2024 with two special podcast series, Women Who Lead and Emerging Leaders
📘 Professional Development Content Creation
• Women Who Lead: Navigating A Path of Influence & Success
• Self-Awareness: A Journey to Building Better Relationships
• Elevating Connections: Active Listening, Empathy & Communication
• Building The Pipeline: Leadership, Strategic Thinking & Team Building
• Innovation Launchpad: Boosting Adaptability, Resiliency & Creativity
• On The Right Track: Prioritizing Tasks, Time Management & Negotiation
As you reflect on your year, give yourself permission to celebrate. Write it down, talk about it, and share it with your team—not to boast but to acknowledge your growth and remind yourself of your capacity for greatness.
Before you leave, be sure, too…
Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with others who might benefit.
For more resources, including books, courses, and leadership programs, visit https://attardleadershipacademy.com/.
You can also connect with me on LinkedIn for daily tips and inspiration.
Until next time, remember: great leaders don’t just lead—they inspire, empower, and grow.
Click here to schedule a time to discuss your organization’s leadership development needs.