My year in review; the good, the bad and the wonderful

As 2022 comes to a close I wanted to share some words on the year that was, and what a year it has been. I’d actually compare how I’m feeling as being similar to how a marathon runner must feel after running their best time. I am exhausted, but in a good and satisfying way. I know many people are feeling the same way to. And I’m definitely ready for a breather before I set off on the journey that will be 2023.

This year has seen a lot of change, with lots of highs but also some lows. It’s important to acknowledge some of the hard stuff. We have been operating in a challenging macro environment, and that has put a spotlight on everything we do, with the question “is this a necessary expense?” often being asked.

We have to survive to thrive, so in the tough times, belt-tightening is something we have to do, but we should do it everywhere, it's important to do, it is a great life lesson – one I’m learning to do more and more.

I have also made some great strides though, and achieved a lot in 2022, both personally and professionally. Some of the major highlights were, launching the pronouns indicator feature into the Timely Business Management Software. Delivering an enhanced maternity leave policy globally. I spoke at a number of events in London, Sydney, LA, Melbourne, Queenstown, Wellington, Dunedin and also several engagements virtually, around the importance of doing work in DEIB. I joined a New York based digital e-commerce organisation governance Board. I judged the Xero Small Business Awards and the Rainbow Excellence Awards. I was invited to take part in the Department of Internal Affairs births deaths and marriages amendment bill group, which will grant folks the ability to change their gender markers on their birth certificates with ease. I championed work through my partnership as an ambassador with Lifeline New Zealand, and I also supported the visibility of Transgender Awareness across Aotearoa.

There are far too many people to name, but I have accomplished all these things with an absolutely amazing group of people around me. I am grateful to work along side such a diverse, fun and intelligent group of humans, who accept me for me and also who are committed to help drive innovation, amazingness and cultivate cultures of inclusion for all.

As I close the year out, I also want to mention that I am really excited about stepping up and into my DEIB role more. Leaving my SVP of PX, Culture & Inclusion role at Timely to pursue the DEIB efforts more, is of course tinged with a bit of sadness. I’ve managed to navigate both roles this year, which has been incredibly demanding. When the former Co-Founder and CEO of Timely, Ryan Baker offered me the role as Chief People & Inclusion Officer back in 2020, I never would have dreamt that two years on, I’d eventually actually end up working on a global stage - with EverCommerce, the company that purchased Timely back in July 2021. There’s always a bit of anxiety for me coming into a new workplace, but Timely has offered me a genuine home, I felt welcomed and made was made to feel safe, and let me be my authentic self and HAVE FUN at work, while making an impact on an industry that I genuinely care so much about. There is so much work to be done in the DEIB space globally, and I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and influence change on a much larger scale.

I always appreciate when folks approach me and show support for the message I am putting out there around the importance of being accepting and understanding - people can be so lovely, I’m almost embarrassed when this happens. I feel like I’ve achieved some accomplishments, but know that the work I am doing is ongoing, and requires a lot of passion and energy - so I am looking forward to fully signing off and doing some relaxing.

Finally, I want to wish you a very merry Christmas, enjoy the break, recharge, take time for yourselves and your families and I’ll be back on here in 2023 for more new adventures. Mary x