25 Years in Business: Reflections, Lessons, and Gratitude

This month marks 25 years since I started my business. A quarter of a century. That number still feels surreal when I say it out loud.

I didn’t start with a grand plan. I followed a sense of curiosity and a desire to make a difference — and somehow, here I am, still loving what I do, still learning, and still feeling excited about the future.

As I’ve been reflecting on the last 25 years, I’ve found myself thinking less about milestones and more about moments. The people, the conversations, the learnings, the pivots. So rather than a list of achievements, I thought I’d share a few things I’ve learned — and am still learning — along the way.

1. Relationships are everything

One of the things I’m most proud of is that I’m still working with my very first client. That kind of longevity doesn’t come from strategy decks or sales funnels — it comes from trust, listening, and showing up consistently. Over the years, I’ve built partnerships and friendships that have lasted decades, and I feel deeply grateful for that.

2. Curiosity is a superpower

I’ve always had a thirst for learning — not just to collect knowledge, but to understand how things work and how they connect. That curiosity has taken me down some fascinating paths: from pioneering equine facilitated learning in the UK, to running NLP Qualifications, to training in systemic work, to exploring the science behind HeartMath when it first arrived here.

3. Follow your instincts

Some of the best decisions I’ve made didn’t come from a spreadsheet or a strategy session — they came from a gut feeling. Whether it was trying something new, connecting with someone unexpected, or stepping away from what didn’t feel right anymore, my instincts have often been my best guide.

4. Communities matter

Over the years, I’ve been lucky to be part of some wonderful learning communities — professional bodies, networking groups, women groups, NLP and Clean Language communities. These are places where I’ve grown, been challenged, been supported, and made lasting friendships. Having spaces like that has made all the difference.

5. Keep evolving

The world has changed a lot since I first started — and so have I. I’ve taken courses, worked with incredible mentors, read endlessly, and experimented constantly. What’s mattered most is not just learning, but finding ways to share that learning in ways that are useful and meaningful to others.

6. Joy is a good compass

I still wake up excited to do this work. That hasn’t changed. And it’s probably the biggest gift of all. I’ve learned that joy is a great indicator — it tells you where to lean in, where to let go, and where the energy really is.

So, here’s to 25 years of learning, growing, connecting, and experimenting — and hopefully many more to come.

If you’ve been part of the journey at any point — as a client, collaborator, teacher, or friend — thank you. Truly. You’ve helped shape something that I’m very proud of.

And if you’re in your own business journey — early days or many years in — I hope some of these reflections resonate.

Here’s to staying curious.