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5 New Years Resolutions Leaders Vow to Stick to After the January Hype was originally published on Ivy Exec.
With the new year brings new opportunities for new beginnings. While it’s not uncommon for forward-thinking business leaders to make resolutions for the workplace in January, it is uncommon for each and every one of them to actually stick to those resolutions months after the initial hype settles.
That’s why we asked business leaders what their 2024 New Year’s Resolutions are – the ones that they’ve already started implementing and actually plan to stick to throughout the remainder of the year. That’s right: quarter after quarter, intentionality.
Amongst the many vows we heard, five resolutions came up time and time again. Here are the five most popular New Year’s Resolutions that C-suite executives plan to keep this year.
☑ Learn more
“I’m making a conscious practice of learning more,” says Teresha Aird, Co-founder & CMO of Offices.net. “My main resolution – one that I’ve made fervent promises to myself to keep – is to really work at deepening my industry knowledge, both in the emerging areas of digital marketing that aren’t yet in my wheelhouse and from areas in the wider industry of commercial real estate that our business inhabits.”
As the expression goes, knowledge is power. And, for Aird, staying ahead in a fast-paced industry requires constant evolving – not just following trends, she says, but actively shaping them.
“This year, I’m committing to scheduling regular learning sessions, be it through seminars, online courses, or webinars hosted by industry thought-leaders,” she explains. “I want diverse sources of learning to stave off the possibility of the process becoming stale. This resolution is all the more critical as a business leader and CMO in 2024, as our industry’s landscape is in the midst of rapid changes with new, disruptive tech and drastic market shifts.”
Aird isn’t alone in her efforts to learn more.
“Having the mindset of a life-long learner is essential for any business owner, especially in today’s fast-paced and changing world,” says Barkev Meserlian, founder and CEO of Barkev’s. “As technology advances and consumer preferences change, staying on top of trends and constantly improving your products or services is critical.”
This year, she intends to attend industry-related workshops, conferences, and webinars. These events can provide her with helpful knowledge and skills, as well as opportunities to network with others who share similar interests.
For Warner Quiroga, president and CEO of Prestige Homebuyers, “keeping the learning flame alive” is his resolution, too.
“There’s always a new approach to consider, a unique angle we haven’t exploited, or an industry update we can’t ignore. I’m pledging to arrange more webinars, courses, and even book clubs for the team. Peer-to-peer learning – that’s the next big thing!”
☑ Get more creative
Creativity – both client- and consumer-facing and internal – is key for leaders this year. Paul Chow, CTO and co-founder of 3DGearZone, is on a mission to make more engaging content for his community.
“Our mission is to demystify the rapidly advancing world of 3D printing with clear, unbiased reviews and insights,” he says, adding that one way to do that is with content that communicates their commitment and technical expertise. “At the start of the year, we set a clear resolution of doubling down on video content – but not just with the usual product reviews. We’re diving deep into 3D modeling intricacies, slicer settings, and troubleshooting. This resolution is a genuine effort to bring richer, more engaging content to our audience. It’s a promise we’re dedicated to keeping throughout the year, ensuring our commitment translates into valuable insights for our community.”
Joe Bowab, CEO and founder of seafood delivery company Lobster Anywhere, also resolves to get more creative.
“My resolution involves creating a workplace culture that emphasizes the importance of culinary creativity and team collaboration,” he says. “Beyond the typical business metrics, I’ve committed to incorporating monthly themed culinary challenges within our company. This initiative encourages employees from various departments to participate, fostering cross-functional collaboration and unleashing hidden talents.”
He adds that by intertwining his culinary passion with the corporate environment, he aims to infuse creativity, break down silos and cultivate a workplace where diverse skills and perspectives are celebrated.
☑ Embrace self-growth in leadership
Gianluca Ferruggia, CEO and Managing Director of Design Rush, says he’d like to “be more self-aware as a leader” in the new year, investing time and resources into future leaders and setting realistic expectations for his team.
“Leaders often miss important feedback due to their positions,” he explains. “I’m committed to breaking out of this feedback vacuum.”
To better identify areas for improvement, he plans to establish regular, anonymous feedback sessions with his team to encourage open and honest communication and give him insights that he might otherwise miss.
“Additionally, working with a leadership coach for an unbiased external perspective will be a significant step,” he adds. “While it takes me out of my comfort zone, I believe it will go a long way toward my growth and effectiveness as a leader.”
Ferruggia is not the only CEO looking to advance his skills as a leader this year. Alison Lancaster, a co-founder and CEO of Pressat, has been leading companies in PR and marketing for 15 years – and, as the new year gets underway, she says that it’s a good time to reflect on personal and professional goals like continuous self-growth.
“Something I really focus on is developing my skills as a leader,” she says. “It’s not just about climbing the ladder; it’s also about making sure I have the abilities and empathy to bring out the best in others.”
☑ Foster diversity and inclusion
“I’ve made a firm commitment to furthering diversity and inclusion within the workplace,” says Max Shak, founder and CEO of NerDigital.com. “This involves implementing strategies to enhance diversity at all organizational levels, fostering an inclusive culture where all voices are heard and valued.”
Shak adds that his resolution represents a commitment that is integral to fostering growth and success. Fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce also entails “recognizing the value of continuous learning,” both for himself and his team. This includes upskilling, mentoring, and creating a culture that encourages learning and growth.
For some CEOs, diversity efforts are also external. Sameera Sullivan, CEO of Sameera Sullivan Matchmakers, for example, resolves to enhance clients’ matchmaking experiences by implementing advanced AI algorithms for more precise partner matches. These efforts should also strengthen the team’s diversity and foster inclusivity for clients that reflects the company’s own diversity.
☑ Prioritize people first
For many employers, work-life balance is increasingly top of mind. Sergey Dvorkin, president of Flex Moving and Transport, says that this year, he is keenly focused on highlighting human-centric growth for the company with an emphasis on staff development and retention.
“The robust job market and looming recession may provide difficulties, but balancing employee worries about job security and growth with leadership concerns about losing trained personnel is critical,” he explains. “With 75% of employees seeking new opportunities outside of their present organization, career development should prioritize meeting the requirements of both employees and the organization. Achieving the next career goal has become a difficult endeavor due to a variety of factors.”
He also wants to add to the company culture, which is likely to have a direct impact on employee morale and satisfaction.
“One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into my company’s culture is to organize social events that allow my employees to get to know one another outside of their desks,” he explains. “It is also critical to consider including remote or hybrid personnel in today’s increasingly diverse professional landscape.”
Monica Eaton, CEO of Chargebacks911, also says that employee well-being remains a top priority.
“I plan to implement initiatives that promote work-life balance, mental health support, and professional development opportunities,” Eaton explains. “A motivated and healthy workforce is essential for sustainable growth.”
For David Cohen, CEO of flowery delivery service Love Rose, employee well-being is also the main priority.
“I am committed to fostering a workplace that prioritizes mental health, providing resources for work-life balance, and cultivating a supportive culture,” he says.
To achieve this, he is implementing initiatives like flexible schedules, mental health workshops, and team-building activities.
