Shaping 2025: Living My Values, One Goal at a Time
- Nicky Affleck
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
As the calendar flips to 2025, I’m taking a moment to reflect on what keeps me moving—my values. Instead of a typical "new year, new goals" post, I want to share how my guiding principles shape my intentions for the year ahead. For me, 2025 isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing better, together.
This year, my focus is on intentionality, authenticity, and impact. These principles guide not just my business decisions but also the work of my Collective of talented consultants. By staying true to my values, I believe I can help make magic happen.
Here’s how I’m shaping 2025:
1. Community Over Competition
My goal: I will strengthen collaborations that amplify impact. I know the most meaningful work happens when people come together. Whether it’s partnering with grassroots organisations, collaborating with global partners, or amplifying the voices in my Collective, I’m committed to building partnerships that leave lasting legacies. This year, I’ll continue to prioritise projects that unite diverse perspectives, like using sport as a tool for social change or supporting organisations on their diversity and inclusion journeys.
What this means for you: I’ll be sharing insights and resources more widely, offering webinars, toolkits, and consultancy experiences. My work isn’t just about delivering results—it’s about strengthening the wider community I’m proud to be part of.
2. Purposeful Growth
My goal: I will measure growth not by size but by significance. I’m not chasing expansion for its own sake. Instead, I’m committing to projects that align with my vision of redefining the sports and business sectors. Every proposal, partnership, and plan will pass my “values-check”: Does this drive meaningful change?
This focus is embedded in how I work. By choosing purpose-driven projects, I ensure that every piece of work reflects the values and expertise of the individuals in my team.
What this means for you: Expect intentional, thoughtful work from me in 2025—programmes that empower underserved communities, strategies that unlock potential, and projects that leave lasting legacies.
3. Authenticity in Leadership
My goal: I will lead with openness and humanity. As the founder of a women-led consultancy, I’m proud to lead with authenticity and purpose. In 2025, I’ll mentor the next generation of leaders, share my experiences, and remain honest about the challenges and joys of running a values-driven business.
This commitment extends to the Collective, whose diverse expertise and lived experiences enrich every project. I’ll continue to host conversations about what authentic leadership looks like, ensuring it stays at the heart of everything I do.
What this means for you: I’ll share more behind-the-scenes moments on how I balance purpose and profit. You’ll also see me amplifying the voices within the Collective, strengthening a leadership network that’s collaborative, not competitive.
4. Commitment to Sustainability
My goal: I will embed sustainable practices into every layer of my work. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for me—it’s about creating long-term social and economic impact. In 2025, I’ll deepen my focus on projects that empower communities, reduce inequalities, and promote inclusive growth.
I’ll continue to work with organisations that open up opportunities for underserved groups, helping to create pathways that support economic resilience and social cohesion. Internally, I’ll ensure my business model reflects these priorities by building equitable partnerships and supporting meaningful change through the Collective.
What this means for you: You’ll see me prioritising projects that address social and economic sustainability, ensuring my work creates lasting benefits for people and communities. My Collective approach ensures these principles are embedded in everything we do, making a tangible difference where it’s needed most.
5. Celebrate the Small Wins
My goal: I will pause to recognise progress, no matter how small. In the hustle of daily work, it’s easy to overlook the milestones that matter. This year, I’m committed to celebrating the wins that remind me why I do what I do.
Whether it’s a client securing their first grant to expand community programmes or delivering a toolkit that helps schools open their doors to local groups, these moments deserve recognition. They’re proof that small wins can lead to big change.
What this means for you: I’ll celebrate your wins too! Through my work and storytelling, I’ll spotlight the incredible ripple effects created by clients, collaborators, and communities.
Building 2025 Together
2025 isn’t just about what I achieve—it’s about how I achieve it and who I do it with. I’m committed to being intentional in everything I do, showing that businesses can thrive by staying true to their values. This same approach underpins my Collective, whose purpose-driven work ensures every project creates meaningful impact.
As I look ahead, I’m excited to work alongside others who share my vision for a purposeful and impactful year.
Let’s GO!
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