By Dr. Alison Schmidt, CEO of unconvention
As 2024 draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on the whirlwind of the year that was—smiling, maybe sighing a little, but mostly feeling incredibly grateful. It’s been a year full of highs, lows, and more than a few "Wait, what just happened?" moments. From the triumphs to the unexpected turns, one thing is clear: it has been a year of transformation, growth, and some serious reinvention.
When we launched (un)conversations® in September, I could hardly have imagined where the (un)journey would take us. I went from thinking, "WTF, I’m a podcaster now?" to being filled with gratitude by the remarkable and deeply personal stories we had the privilege of sharing. To all the brave early adopters—those generous guests who stepped into the spotlight and shared their unconventional leadership stories—you have not only inspired me, but you have shown what true vulnerability and true-to-self can look like. Thank you for trusting me with your stories and for leading in unconventional ways that are anything but ordinary.
Reflecting on the year, I’m also reminded of the powerful coaching and consulting work we’ve done with so many individuals, organizations, boards, and founders/entrepreneurs. Our mission to shake up the status quo and help others excel and innovate in bold, unconventional ways has been rewarding beyond measure. The way we have all pushed boundaries, reimagined possibilities, and found success through collaboration and creativity—sometimes fueled by way too much coffee or a well-timed cocktail or mocktail—is a testament to what happens when we commit to doing things differently and with intention and purpose.
We have faced challenges for sure. There were moments when we had to ask, "Is this even real?" But through each obstacle, we have learned, grown, and, most importantly, had more fun than we could have anticipated. The real magic of 2024 wasn’t just in the milestones, but in the way we navigated them together—pushing through the tough times and celebrating the wins. Thank you to our amazing clients, partners, and colleagues. You are the heart of this (un)journey, and your collaboration and creativity have made all the difference.
Looking ahead to 2025, the excitement is building. We are ready to face more opportunities, embrace more challenges (bring them on!), and, of course, create more of those "I can’t believe we pulled that off" moments that makes this work so incredibly rewarding. There’s so much to look forward to, and we are eager to continue this adventure with you all by our side.
As the holiday season approaches, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this ride. Thank you for believing in us, for supporting us, and for being a part of this (un) journey. Together, we have made 2024 (un)forgettable—and we are just getting started. Here’s to disrupting the status quo in 2025 and beyond. Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with reflection, rest, and anticipation for the year ahead.
And, as our holiday gift to you, here is a reminder of some of the best (un)convention quotes from our 2024 (un)conversations season - https://www.unconventionllc.com/podcast:
Charisse Pasche - COO - Dapper Boi “I think it is important to have the raw conversations...It's time to really share the vulnerable parts because that is how we relate with one another.”
Ruben Castillo - Director of Nursing - DFW Hospital “We’re taking care of people at a very specific time in their lives, and it’s not usually the best part.”
Kelly Ann Winget - CEO - Alternative Wealth Partners “I think that it's important to know that if you want to do something, there's literally nothing that stops you except for you.”
Kim Olver - Founder - Olver International "And I also recognize that there will be people who will never want to find the 'GLOW'... The glow is the positivity... the 'GLOW' stands for gifts, lessons, opportunities, & wisdom. It’s not a sit down and get it done. It’s a process."
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