2024 began with opposites for me: a literal force-of-nature ice storm in Portland, Oregon, that brought two trees crashing onto our house (we’re still navigating insurance repairs!) and the most awe-inspiring vacation of my life. For my birthday, my husband, Ozan, took me on a safari in Botswana with Wilderness Destinations. It felt like stepping into nature’s untouched masterpiece—a place where time pauses, and animals reign supreme.
This year was all about creating, connecting, and growing:
- 143 LinkedIn posts brought 4,230 new connections.
- 52 newsletters delivered weekly to inboxes around the world. My two most-read posts this year:
- 37 episodes of Unfolding with Kathy Varol—each episode shares a perspective to see yourself and the world better. The most-listened-to episodes of all time:
- 26 Purpose and Profit podcast interviews spotlighted impact-driven businesses. Listener favorites this year:
2024 was a quieter year for my keynote speaking in the U.S.. I spoke internationally at several events and hope to return to the U.S. stage in 2025 to continue sharing how to Drive Profit with Purpose, and how to Lead the Future of your Industry by Mastering ESG.
The unexpected gap in my schedule brought an unexpected gift: the space—and internal permission—to rekindle my coaching practice.
Honestly, I had resisted my return to coaching. I spent a year kicking the idea down the road, not because I don’t love coaching, but because my inner critic was relentless:
What will people think? Am I allowed to do more than one thing?
Will my website look like Mr. Potato Head—a jumble of unrelated parts?
But the truth is, authenticity beats niche every time. In a world obsessed with “finding your one true calling,” I’ve realized that honoring all parts of yourself is the real win.
So, I stepped back in:
- I resumed one-on-one coaching sessions and rediscovered how much I love helping people see their potential more clearly.
- I taught The Career Shift Masterclass for 319 attendees—the first time in four years!
- I launched and ran the first cohort of The Career Shift: Turn Your Day Job Into a Dream Job, a six-week online course designed to help people stuck in soul-sucking jobs find their spark again. This online course transformed a high-ticket in-person coaching program into an accessible option, so more people can take that first brave step toward a career they’ll love.
Looking Ahead
After 100 episodes and four years, I’ve decided to pause the Purpose and Profit podcast in early 2025. It’s been an incredible journey (ranked in the top 2.5% of podcasts globally!), but I’m curious about what else wants to emerge in the space this pause creates. Maybe a book?
Whether it’s Purpose and Profit work or coaching, my focus remains the same: guiding individuals and organizations toward their best selves—with integrity, honesty, and alignment.
My Intentions for 2025: More aliveness. More alignment. More presence. And making an impact one human and one organization at a time.
Your Turn
Now, enough about me. I’m all ears (or eyes, in this case) to hear your 2024 tales. What adventures did you embark on? What lessons did you gain from life and work? Tell me here.
Here’s to a 2025 filled with laughter, learning, and leaps into the unknown. May our paths continue to cross, intertwine, and create stories worth telling.
