Why I’m Choosing Hope Over Predictions for 2025

As we head into the final stretch of 2024, I’m feeling bombarded with predictions about the future.

• What will 2025 hold for the research industry

• What changes will impact our workplaces

• What AI tools will dominate next

And you know what, as researchers, of course we are trained to observe trends, spot patterns, analyse data, and try to make educated guesses about what’s next.

But here’s the thing: even with all our expertise, we can’t truly predict the future.

So, this year, I’m choosing not to focus on predictions.

Instead, I’m setting intentions and embracing hopes for what’s to come.

And I’d like to share them with you—because, after all, it’s not the predictions that will shape our future, but the actions we take to build it.

1. Careers rooted in purpose and fulfillment

In 2025, I hope you’ll find even more meaning in your work.

The research industry is dynamic, but it can also be challenging. I’ve experienced firsthand how easy it is to become bogged down by deadlines, metrics, and the demands of clients or stakeholders.

Too many years of operating like this causes you to question a career you once used to love. A common question I hear from clients is “What is the point of what I am doing?”

And yet, when you reconnect with the core of why you do what you do—whether it’s the curiosity of discovery, the power of data-driven decision-making, or the opportunity to bring together your team for the collective good and shape important change—that’s when the real magic happens.

So I hope you’ll take a moment this year to ask yourself: What drives me? What inspires me about my work? Let that purpose be your guide to making tweaks and changes as needed in your career.

In a world filled with constant change, I believe that purpose is what will keep you grounded, focused, and passionate about your career. And I know that employees who share purpose with their organisation are more committed, stay longer and make a bigger impact.

2. Commitment to workplace wellbeing

Now I realise I have a bit of a skewed perception of whats going on when it comes to workplace wellbeing….

And thats because a decent section of clients come to get my support exactly because their workplace wellbeing has been neglected. I hear first hand the difficult situations on projects going off the rails with no support in sight, overwhelming schedules that feel impossible to break out from and the disappointment of colleagues who don’t appear to pull their weight.

Of course this is not the case for everyone or even every team or organisation, but I know for every client who takes the plunge to work with me on managing their stress, burnout and overwhelm, there are many who are not (and perhaps even facing it alone).

My wish is that no one suffers this kind of challenge by themselves

Because while the industry only seems to be gaining pace, it’s easy to forget that we’re human beings with limits, not just professionals chasing deadlines.

Your well-being is the foundation for your ability to perform at your best, think creatively, and lead with empathy.

So this hope for 2025 is that we collectively prioritise well-being—whether that means taking mental health breaks, creating supportive work environments, setting healthy boundaries to avoid overwork and bringing more fun and enjoyment into our work.

I hope that both you as a leader (and your organisation) commit to fostering environments where mental and emotional health are just as important as meeting targets. I truly believe that when we put people first, we see the results and successes come as a result.

3. The courage to innovate and thrive

Its been astonishing to me this year to see the pace of change in the research industry (and it shows no signs of slowing down!).

New technologies, methods, and approaches are constantly emerging.

• There are new AI tools and trainings aplenty

• There are debates and discussions about ethical usage

• There are those standing up & pushing back on the limits of machine vs human insights

Even keeping abreast of all this, for many of us, can feel daunting—especially when we’re already stretched thin.

But here’s what I hope for 2025: that you and your organisation will embrace change with curiosity and confidence.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed by disruption, I hope you’ll approach it as an opportunity to innovate and grow.

It takes courage to step into the unknown, but that’s where the most exciting possibilities lie.

This year, let’s focus on staying agile, remaining open to new ideas, and knowing that we can thrive through change, rather than be paralysed by it.

The Sweet Spot Between High Performance and Happiness

These hopes I have outlined are more than just dreams—they’re the foundation for creating that elusive sweet spot between high performance and happiness.

The truth is, we don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.

It’s possible to perform at your best, meet the demands of your role, and be present for the people you care about. It’s about balancing ambition with well-being, success with fulfilment, and growth with personal joy.

If you’re ready to explore how you can navigate this balance for yourself or your team, I’d love to connect.

Whether it’s leadership coaching, team development, or mental fitness strategies, I’m here to support you in building the future you want—one that is rooted in purpose, well-being, and resilience.

You might want to consider reaching out if you'd like to have a conversation about creating this sweet spot for yourself, your team, or your organisation.

Let’s make 2025 a year where we set intentions, embrace change, and support each other in becoming the best versions of ourselves—personally and professionally.

With love, hope and gratitude for a wonderful year ahead! x