Horizon - 2024 word of the year
Every year since becoming not only the designer but also the owner of Philosophy Australia, I’ve picked a word to be my touchstone.
It’s become a tradition, and one that I enjoy preparing every December.
Why Horizon? The boat story
In 2020 the pandemic was very much the overriding force and a saying that was frequently used at the time was “we are all in the same boat”. To be honest, I wasn’t in the boat. I would describe myself as a rope that tethered lots of boats together so that we didn’t all sink, but I was not on the boat. I was unravelling by the day just trying to keep manufacturing, wholesaling, and retailing, and supporting everyone within the Philosophy family in the process.
I truly feel that my first few years as owner were like being dragged along at the back of the boat in a rather clumsy waterskiing way, just attempting to ride out whatever storm came along to change the tide.
In 2023, I decided that I was going to embrace the boat and at least try to get in it; so that I could start to feel like I had some control in the direction the boat was taking.
2024 has been the year I grabbed the wheel and not only steered in a direction I chose, but also put my foot to the pedal to start driving us forward. I account for this “captaincy” in that the team gave me the space to do so by being confidently in control of the day to day and procedures, freeing me up so that I could join with some other “sailors” to find my sea legs. (Accountability Circle, Collabora8e and SHE-Com - I’m looking at you!)
I am grateful to say as we wrap up the year, that I am wearing my captain’s hat daily, hugging the three awards we are all so proud of, and now seeing the business as a yacht rather than a dinghy!
2025 will be about looking to the horizon, knowing it’s impossible to reach, but a reminder to always keep striving for excellence in product, service and quality; and hopefully having some smoother and more joyous sailing along the way!
The Philosophy family may be small in numbers, but they are mighty in productivity, and I feel blessed every day to have the most knowledgeable, reliable, fun and supportive crew on this journey with me, and every year I will always sprinkle them with kindness and gratitude.
If you’d like to get on board with us as we set sail into 2025, please follow us on Instagram and our regular emails - if you're not already doing so - and we will keep you updated.
(I have never been in the ocean as I’m petrified of it, I’m not sure where this boating analogy came from but hope you got the gist.)
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