2023 In Review - Embracing the Unexpected

Reflecting on the years gone by is an essential tradition. Often, it is in looking back that we uncover the most profound opportunities for personal development and growth.

I’d like to open this yearly review with a note of thanks. My sincere appreciation goes to our vendors, sponsors, clients, and collaborators. A special thank you to my accelerator tribe - my monthly accountability partners, my coach & coaching group — your support and shared wisdom have been pivotal. Last but definitely not least, to my family and tribe, thank you, thank you, thank you, for your unwavering support! 

2023 was full of so many unexpected moments. Unexpected moments with new people, unexpected ups and downs, and unexpected new clients were woven together to create a year of memorable experiences that I could not have dreamt for myself and was delighted to share with you. 

So let's get started with our 2023 Year in Review:

2023 Top 5 Goals Recap

For the past few years, I have shared my top 5 goals in my Year in Review. Here are the top 5 ways I wanted to serve my clients and community in 2023: 

1. Launch the Tribe Advantage with new features to serve more women leaders and future leaders
2. Release the "Assemble the Tribe" audiobook & finalize publishing for book 2
3. Host the 4 Parts of Me Retreat
4. Collaborate creatively with my clients and tribe
5. Take a quarterly MEcation (vacation/strategic planning/writing retreat).

Read below for more details about what went well and what could have gone better in 2023.

What went well?

• The Tribe Advantage 2023 - In 2023, the Tribe Advantage expanded to include a quarterly Wellness Lab with Dr. Kelly Holder - a dedicated space for focusing on the wellness and self-care of leaders. We met twice a month all year, and many of those sessions and the breakthroughs that the ladies experienced were transformational. Thank you to the ladies of the Tribe Advantage for trusting our team with your time and the opportunity to support your leadership journey. 
• Assemble the Tribe" Audiobook - At several times during the year, I doubted it would happen. BUT...thanks to the support of my tribe and the editing teams at Justs Platinum and Baker Studios, we made it happen. "Assemble the Tribe" is now available in audio, and I am so excited to share this new medium with all of you. Thank you to all of you who have already purchased your copy, and I hope that the book in this new format helps you to find and thrive with your tribes.
• 4POM Retreat - For some, a house full of women for almost a week might not sound like a slice of heaven, but that is what it was. We rested, we ate, we laughed, and we learned. We explored, arranged flowers, painted, sang, and did I mention we ate? It was a time of refreshing for busy women and leaders who give so much to others every day. Thank you to the 4POM ladies who entrusted their vacation time to me and my team. It was an absolute honor to create an oasis of rest for you all! 
• Collaborate Creatively with My Clients and Tribe - One of my year's highlights was moderating the Dive-In Panel on behalf of the Team at Eliot Partnership. The session was entitled "Future Proofing Through Inclusion: How Inclusive Organizations Stay Ahead of the Curve." It was designed to be an in-depth exploration of how DEI is not just a nice-to-have but an imperative for organizations that wish to succeed in the future. The advice of the powerful panel and the engagement of the audience in the room and over 500 virtual attendees was incredible, and I am so thankful to the team at Eliot and the Dive In Bermuda Committee for helping us bring the event to life.

• Other 2023 Highlights - There were so many other amazing things that happened along the way. 
• Programs/Speaking - This year, we had the privilege of partnering with numerous organizations in Bermuda and abroad.  From executive offsites to strengths presentations to panels and keynotes, it was a year of planned and unexpected opportunities. Thank you again to our clients and partners for the opportunity to serve. 
• Networking Events - This year, I had the honor of hosting 4 networking events for women and leaders across an array of industries, levels of leadership, and backgrounds. It was wonderful to see women and leaders taking risks and trying something new to build their personal and professional tribes.  
• New Products - I am really proud of and excited about the array of support resources that we have been able to build this year for our clients, partners, and tribe. In addition to the audiobook, we released the Discussion Guide - Tribe Talk, which is now available for purchase here. 
• New Resources - We also opened the doors to our new "Assemble the Tribe" Resource portal. For those of you who purchased the book, if you would like access to the Book Bonus Resource Portal, email a photo of you with your book to [email protected], and I will give you access. If you purchased an audiobook, just listen to Chapter 26 to gain access. 
• New Online Home - Last but not least, I am really excited about and proud of the launch of our new online home at www.leahjmdean.com. The site still includes all of the information about the services and products that we offer, along with an array of valuable resources for our clients and tribe. 

• Pay It Forward - Giving back and pouring unexpected moments of kindness into the lives of others are at the very foundation of our values at Conduit International Ltd. In 2023, Conduit International Ltd. we donated time, services, scholarships & bursaries, and we also dedicated hours to mentoring up-and-coming professionals. Those 1:1 sessions were some of the most meaningful moments of my year. One of my favorite quotes about kindness is, "Even the little things we do have an impact. We can always find ways to give back, regardless of who we are - an organization or an individual."

What could have gone better?

• Health & Wellness - I entered 2023 on a fast course to the best shape I have been in years! By my birthday in March. However, on March 27th, I ran the parents' race...don’t say anything, I know…and broke my foot. Forced to slow down, it was a painful year as my foot and altered gait brought on all kinds of aches and pains. However, I took it as an opportunity to remember to be gentle with myself and continue to find small ways to make progress.  
• Finalize Publishing For Book Two - As of the day that I pressed send on this annual review note, I have not yet hit this goal. However, the book is done! It has gone through its first phase of editing, and I have a contract on my desk to sign with a publisher, so maybe I will hit it in the end. For some reason, this year, I felt it was important not to rush this goal—this year, more than ever before, I've learned that sometimes, timing can change everything. 

Favorite Quotes

You may or may not know, that in addition to writing, I LOVE quotes. Here are a few of my personal favorites that I've penned over the years that came up again and again for me in 2023. I hope they inspire you as you head into 2024. 

"The feeling is normal. It's the decision that you make after the feeling that matters."

"Thoughts change destiny, and conversations change lives."

"You are enough, and your gifts will be gifts for someone else."

Top 5 Goals for 2024

• Assemble the Tribe Book Club 
• The Tribe Advantage 2024
• New Book Launch
• Quarterly Bermuda networking events
• Take quarterly MEcations (vacation/strategic planning/writing retreat) with my tribe!

Thank you for sharing 2023 with me, and I look forward to continuing to connect and support you as you grow and transform your tribes in life and leadership. If you're looking to dive deep into your own annual reflections and set powerful intentions for the year ahead, I've I have a gift for you. I’m excited to introduce the "Reflect and Project" guide, a carefully curated workbook designed to help you assess your journey and shape a purposeful future.

Whether you're celebrating your wins, learning from challenges, or planning your next big move, this guide is your companion for thoughtful introspection and strategic foresight.

👉 Use the form below to download your copy and get started reflecting and dreaming for the year ahead. Enjoy!

Meet The Author

Leah JM Dean is an advisor, best-selling author, facilitator, speaker, certified strengths coach, and founder of the women’s leadership program, the Tribe Advantage. She is on a mission to help women and organizations all across the globe unleash their potential and transform their tribes in life and leadership. To learn more about Leah's work, her best-selling book Assemble the Tribe, or join The Tribe Advantage Leadership Program, visit www.leahjmdean.com. Leah lives in Bermuda with her husband and two children.