✨ December Reflections & End-of-Year Gratitude ✨

And just like that, we’ve leapt into 2025, leaving behind 2024, a year laden with memories.

As I reflect on the year, my heart is full of gratitude for all the moments, big and small, that made 2024 special. From professional milestones to personal joys, it’s been a year of growth, play, and connection.

To everyone who supported me—whether as a law firm or coaching client, a podcast listener (Lawyer on Air or Jandals in Japan), or someone who joined me at events or dinners—thank you for making this year extraordinary.

A Theme of REIMAGINE and a Focus for 2025

My 2024 theme was #Play, and it brought vibrancy and excitement into everything I pursued. For 2025, I’m shaping my focus around Imagination, Reimagination, and Rejuvenation—embracing creativity, exploring new possibilities, and refreshing perspectives both personally and professionally.

If you haven’t already, consider adopting a Word of the Year for yourself. It’s a powerful way to set intentions and navigate the months ahead with focus. My word for 2025, REIMAGINE, is guiding me toward transformative goals and possibilities.

1.🎤 Taking the Stage with Microsoft

December ended on a high note as I took the stage at Microsoft Japan’s all-employee event, hosted by the inspiring CEO, Miki Tsusaka. Speaking to over 2,500 attendees, I shared key lessons on growth, connection, and curiosity:

🌱 Follow your heart. Success isn’t about a prestigious role; it’s about alignment with your values.
🌍 Connection matters. Respect and kindness—no matter the setting—are the foundation of transformation.
🤖 Embrace innovation. Generative AI is shaping the future of work, and I’ve already begun using it to enhance my practice.
🎯 Diversity starts with us. If you lack a role model, become your own role model.

The event was an unforgettable experience, and I’m so grateful to the Microsoft team and audience for their energy and thoughtful feedback. The full outline can be accessed in my post on Linkedin here.

2. Women in Law Japan – Dazzle in December Marquee event

December also brought the Women in Law Japan networking event, where we celebrated achievements, connected with incredible legal professionals, and reflected on how to elevate women in the profession. Read the highlights from this inspiring event here.

3. University of Canterbury Alumni Spotlight

This month, I was featured by my alma mater, the University of Canterbury, in their alumni highlights. It’s always an honour to reflect on the journey from studying law in New Zealand to building a career across borders. Read my alumni feature here.

**4. 🎧 Lawyer on Air Podcast Highlights**

In December, we closed out the year with two powerful Lawyer on Air episodes:

Tomoka Miho: An AI ethics expert at IBM Japan, Tomoka shares how AI is transforming law and why women should take the lead in this space. Listen here.
Celina Lee: A lawyer turned executive coach, Celina discusses career pivots, the value of coaching, and staying accountable to your dreams. Listen here.

5. Top Podcast Episode of 2024 (on Spotify)

This accolade goes to Saki Nakahara, who inspired listeners with her journey to starting her own law practice in Japan. Her story of aligning passion and profession resonated with so many. Catch this must-listen episode here.

6. Jandals in Japan Podcast Highlights

This month, we celebrated our niche podcast guiding Kiwi businesses into the Japanese market with highlights from 2024:

The story behind Wai Mānuka’s premium beverages in Japan.
Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith on their time at Toyota Verblitz.
Insights on agritech, retail, and hospitality partnerships between New Zealand and Japan.

Our latest episode featured Teri Tall, owner of Hakuba Matata Lodge, sharing her journey of running a ski business in Japan. Listen to this inspiring episode here.

7. What I’ve Been Reading

I’ve been captivated by The Lantern of Lost Memories by Sanaka Hiiragi. This heartwarming book explores the power of revisiting forgotten moments, with one standout story about a flawed Yakuza man rediscovering kindness. If you’d like to read it, let me know—I’m happy to pass on my copy!

Closing thoughts … Summer in New Zealand

Summer in New Zealand

The holiday break brought cherished family time in New Zealand. From long summer evenings to coffee Wordle challenges with my 91-year-old mum, it was a season of simple joys. Drinks with family, brunch with friends (new hot spot Kokomo discovery!) and relaxing with a book. The crimson red Pohutukawa trees were in full bloom, and though my brother and niece were stung by bees, I escaped unscathed this time!

As we embrace 2025, I wish you health, joy, and prosperity. Thank you for being part of my journey, and here’s to a year of imagination, reimagination, and rejuvenation!

✨ See you next month!

Catherine