If 2024 had a theme, it’d be “Live life, make friends, and say yes to every adventure.” From scuba diving with sharks to hosting panels in San Francisco, this year was one for the books. Here’s a look back at a year packed with thrills, laughs, and a few moments of pure chaos.
Sydney: Where the Adventures Began
The year kicked off in sunny Sydney, where I fully embraced my inner explorer. Weekends were for motorcycle rides along winding coastal roads, discovering hidden beaches, and making pit stops for the best Balinese coffee I could find. I also dove headfirst (literally) into the ocean, completing a 2km swim from Shelley to Manly Beach. There’s nothing like swimming with jellyfish to remind you of life’s fleeting nature—or to make you swim faster.
Underwater Escapades
This was the year I took my love of water to new depths, becoming a certified Advanced Scuba Diver. Shipwrecks? Check. Shark dives? Double check. The Great Barrier Reef? Absolutely. I made friends with fellow divers, swapped stories of underwater adventures, and learned that diving with sharks is surprisingly less terrifying than running a growth experiment with uncertain results.
Making New Friends and Hosting Fun Events
Sydney wasn’t just about adventures; it was also about connections. I built new friendships that turned coffee chats into deep conversations and ordinary days into lifelong memories. Workdays at Canva were anything but ordinary, with dumpling-making workshops, candle-making nights, and even Kintsugi sessions where we fixed broken pottery (and maybe a little bit of ourselves).
Hosting the Sydney Subscription Roundtable was another highlight, bringing together incredible minds to talk all things growth. If there’s one thing I learned, it’s that nothing brings people together like a shared love for subscriptions—and dumplings.
Skydiving, Biking, and Everything in Between
When I wasn’t underwater, I was in the air. Getting my skydiving license this year was a game-changer. Free-falling through the skies, with nothing but adrenaline and a parachute, is a feeling I’ll never forget. On the ground, I kept the adventures rolling with motorcycle rides through Sydney’s most scenic routes.
By the end of the year, I swapped the Sydney roads for Toronto’s streets, where I continued my love affair with motorcycles, reconnecting with old friends and exploring the city in a whole new way.
Building, Traveling, and Growing
This was also a year of creation and exploration. I launched the Hewwi Journal, a passion project to help people live healthier, wealthier, and wiser lives. I also traveled to incredible places like New Zealand and Bali, soaking in their beauty and culture.
On the professional front, I joined Headline VC as a scout, advising companies on subscription growth and meeting some of the brightest minds in the industry. I also hosted GrowthTalks in Sydney, San Francisco, and Toronto, which were equal parts insightful and fun.
Community and Family
Returning to Toronto was like hitting the reset button in the best way possible. I reconnected with my community, caught up with lifelong friends, and even MC’d a close friend’s wedding in Vancouver. These moments reminded me of the power of relationships and the importance of being surrounded by people who truly matter.
As the year came to a close, I traded my scuba gear for ski gear, spending time on the slopes and with family. From adventurous beginnings in Sydney to cozy winter days in Canada, 2024 was a year of balance, growth, and unforgettable memories.
Here’s to 2025
2024 taught me that life is best lived on your own terms—whether you’re diving with sharks, jumping out of planes, or hosting meaningful conversations. Here’s to 2025, a year I hope will be just as adventurous, full of connection, and maybe (just maybe) with a little more time for sleep.
Cheers to living boldly and embracing every opportunity. Let’s do this!
Leave a comment