As our calendars change to mark the new year, many of us reflectively look back, so that we may move forward.

2023 was undoubtedly a difficult year in many ways for many of us. It marked the official / unofficial end of the pandemic period, the economy got wobbly, we may have faced lay-offs and if not so extreme, the belts around our wallets were tightening for sure.  

2023 also brought with it continued (and new) conflicts, and AI emerged from the periphery well into the mainstream bringing with it added uncertainty and trepidation.  

We who live and operate in the Agile space know that what brought us here is the ever-increasing pace of change, and the awareness that the tools of the past are no longer fit for purpose for the future. In many ways even, the Agile of yesterday is not going to be the Agile of tomorrow.  

This is a time of change, and however uncomfortable, change brings with it opportunity.

Some things that we are expecting to see for the New Year include:

• Doubling down on doing things effectively and efficiently -and getting back to basics if you will
• Laser like focus on organizational productivity and hard metrics
• A shift in the language we use – new jargon, new buzzwords

While 2024 is looking to start off in much the same way 2023 ended, there is increasing hope for the second half. I for one am going to drink as much of the hope juice as I can!  

With it, I raise a toast to all our IncrementOne partners and supporters –  

Cheers to you in your personal and professional lives. Cheers to the sunny days and plentiful fields that lie ahead. Cheers to our peers, friends and allies – may our community continue to be a source of positivity and growth.

Bring it on 2024. We’re ready 😊

Aniela Larson
(These thoughts and opinions are personal and should not be considered professional advice.)