December- 2025 unwrapped

Having spoken all year about shedding what no longer serves up, (fully embracing the year of the snake analogy) we are taking a moment to reflect.

This issue will be a little different, gifting a few honest insights into life as a founder, as well as mentioning the milestones which to some may seem small, but were significant.

In Q1, client work had dropped off a little, in hindsight this created time for me to pull together those threads of ideas and thoughts that had been looping around my head for a while. I was being pulled towards working in a different way, one which created longer term stability. I reworked our business strategy, aligning to cyclical leadership frameworks, leaning into working in a way and rhythm that made my soul smile and gave me purpose. I now feel comfortable to talk about this more, ready to be questioned on validity and credibility but over the last year, more and more things have aligned, which confirms to me, this was the right approach.

We attracted our ideal clients. Those compassionate leaders seeking change.

We are at full capacity with retained days per month. Stability in revenue, balance of time.

We have worked on some interesting employee relations cases within education, public services and founder led companies, alongside working with some talented legal advisors.

We have expanded our network. Supporting at roundtable events with Mast People, attending Ideas Fest and being part of the The Founders Sanctuary.

We have stepped into evolving Peony Community into a self-led coaching platform. Stepping well out of comfort zone. Thankful I have a Sam and his team to help develop this.

We have volunteered our time back to the HR community, as a CIPD committee member. In the SEND school we continue to support in careers enterprise role, the careers conversations are a highlight of my year.

Mini milestones that matter

My top 5 milestones this year:

1. Being present as a parent. I have a ‘tween and a teen and they need me more everyday. Being the founder of P&M enables me to be ‘me’, as well as mum.
2. Creating genuine connections. I have stepped out of my comfort zone and by doing so have met new people, those who feel more like my people. I have cleansed my social media feed of people who just create noise.
3. Nurturing client relationships. This year I have worked with new companies, returning ones and have created time for calls that matter. On occasions, this means outsourcing to associates, but mainly I manage directly all the important conversations.
4. Embraced the messy middle. Change can be scary. I have had to face some difficult situations which have left me feeling a bit exhausted. Instead of pushing through, I sat with all those feelings. Reframing mindset to things are happening ‘for me’ rather than ‘to me’ has been transformational.
5. Smashed ’25 in 25′. over 10,000 pages read, 30 plus books, new knowledge gained, new genres discovered. This is my happy place, nose in book and mind expanding.

(And…I guess I should mention, proud to also have gained accreditation as Charter Fellow from the CIPD. Something I could have done a long time ago, but didn’t have confidence in self to go for and, I don’t shout about testimonials, but have received some incredible feedback from clients, these always make me smile)

What are your top 5 milestones from 2025?

Looking forward 

In 2026 we have a vision filled with momentum, strength, and collective movement.

Peony Community- Early 2026, focus group and feedback, creating an eco-system takes time, working on development, being creative and pulling in experts with the intention of a launch in Spring 2026.

Peony & Magnolia- Core fractional HR work- our foundations, working with founders who care, as well as preparing for the employment right bill changes that will begin to filter in.

Partnerships – Collaboration has always been at the heart of how we wanted to develop. Espresso wouldn’t have happened without others insights. So, more focus on creating solid connections and partnerships, creating space for more coffee and connects in the diary.

The P&M ‘Reading Shelf’ will of course be back, including podcasts, insights and anything I feel like sharing. Please keep sending recommendations.

And finally….

Throughout this month, we talk about pacing yourself through this season. Protect your space, create time for rest and enjoy the festive period as we know there is a pressure around this season which creates FOMO and urgency.

We give you permission to do it your own way.

Thank you for all the support this year- we love having you in our P&M community.

Enjoy and see you in 2026!

Alice