Welcome to 2025!
I hope I’m still in time to wish everyone a wonderful new year filled with health, joy, and success.
As I sit down to write this first blog post of the year, I can’t help but reflect on the whirlwind that was 2024—a year of growth, unexpected lessons, and pivotal moments that shaped both my personal and professional journey.
One moment that stands out to me is the challenge of fundraising as a first-time manager. It was far from easy and pushed me to tap into my resilience, grit, and the importance of building a strong network and seeking mentorship. This experience reminded me that growth often comes hand-in-hand with discomfort and uncertainty.
As we step into this new year, I’m excited to share my vision, goals, and a glimpse of what you can expect from me and this blog in 2025. Whether you’re a long-time reader or someone discovering this space for the first time, I hope this post inspires you to reflect on your own journey and embrace the possibilities of the year ahead.
Reflections on 2024:
2024 was a year of trial and error—especially as I worked to define the right structure for my firm and navigate the complexities of fundraising in Japan.
One highlight was discovering a workaround: a different structure that functions like a fund but operates outside traditional models. This taught me an invaluable lesson—it’s okay to challenge the status quo. Just because there aren’t existing use cases doesn’t mean you should shy away from creating your own path.
Of course, there were moments of doubt—wondering if anyone would understand the structure I was introducing or believe in the vision I was working toward. But looking back, I’m deeply grateful for the lessons that came with both the highs and the lows. Each step, even the uncertain ones, pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
Vision for 2025:
As we dive into this new year, I’m focusing on a few key pillars: personal growth, professional development, creativity, and collaboration.
Personal Growth: Explore new hobbies, practice mindfulness, and build healthier habits to create a more balanced lifestyle.
Professional Development: Consistently write blog posts, launch a podcast series, and expand my network and online presence across various platforms.
Community Engagement: Share valuable insights with my readers, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and support initiatives that align with my values.
This year, I’m determined to lean into opportunities, embrace challenges, and make meaningful connections with those around me.
What About You?
As I embark on this journey, I’d love for you to join me. What are your aspirations for 2025? What challenges are you ready to tackle this year?
To kick things off, here’s the mantra I’m holding onto:
“It’s scary how fast a year can go by when you keep saying: I’ll do it tomorrow.”
It’s a powerful reminder to stay grounded, focused, and open to the opportunities that come my way.
I’d love to hear what inspires you—feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or reach out directly.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support and engagement mean the world to me, and I’m excited to see where 2025 takes us. Stay tuned for upcoming posts where I’ll dive deeper into topics like US startup trends and culture, lessons from my professional journey, and practical advice for navigating change.
Here’s to a year of growth, connection, and new beginnings. Let’s make 2025 unforgettable—together.
If you’re excited about what’s to come, make sure to subscribe, leave a comment, or share this post with others who might find it helpful. Let’s connect and create something amazing this year!