As 2024 came to a close, I embarked on a six-week journey across Asia, through Australia, and all the way to New Zealand. Each stop had a distinct purpose, blending new experiences with meaningful connections, both old and new. This journey symbolized the culmination of a milestone year—Forming Impact’s 10-year anniversary—and set the stage for an exciting start to 2025.
I began in Phuket, Thailand, participating in the King’s Cup Regatta. This was more than just a sailing experience; it was an opportunity to connect deeply with a friend whose projects and foundations mirror Forming Impact’s values. This individual has also been instrumental in supporting a program we’ve partnered with to combat knife crime and gang violence in the UK.
Next, Singapore offered a vibrant mix of reconnecting with longstanding friends of Forming Impact, meeting new partners, and scouting potential venues for our October 2025 Asia adventure. This city continues to inspire with its innovation and culture, and I can’t wait to share more about what’s to come for our community there.
In Manila, I dove into the impactful work initiated in partnership with the Bridge Institute. Together, we’re tackling tuberculosis in the Philippines, activating innovative solutions and partnerships across hospitals, NGOs, businesses, and civil society. It’s a reminder of the power of collective action, and I left feeling hopeful about the progress we can make in this vital area of public health.
Australia brought sunshine and warmth, not just from the summer weather but from the connections I rekindled. Closing out the year in Sydney with Forming Impact friends and tying up loose ends on key projects felt like a fitting conclusion to 2024.
New Zealand offered a new perspective and a much-needed chance to slow down. I spent Christmas in Wanaka, surrounded by breathtaking nature, ensuring daily movement—whether 20,000 steps or a 20k cycle—and grounding myself for the year ahead. The time spent with close Forming Impact friends, and new acquaintances rejuvenated my spirit and reminded me of the importance of balance.
Returning to Sydney in early January, I focused on developing a new partnership for an impact project that is close to my heart. Collaborating with Monash University, and Alex Christou we are working on domestic violence leadership initiatives within corporations. This partnership holds tremendous potential, and I’m excited to share more as it unfolds in 2025.
My final stops were back in Singapore and Bawah Reserve, where I mapped out plans for our October 2025 adventure. Revisiting Bawah after our first gathering there in 2018 reminded me of its incredible beauty and potential to inspire. I look forward to seeing how this island retreat will foster connection and impact later this year.
Now back in the UK, splitting my time between Scotland and England until late February, I reflect on a journey that encapsulated the essence of Forming Impact: meaningful connections, purposeful action, and a vision for a brighter future.
Here’s to another year of impact and growth, together.
-Fiona