Happy New Year 2025! It's that time of year again when I reflect on the past 12 months. Welcome to The 2024 Retrospective! A little late, but better late than never, right? 😁
How was your 2024? Exciting? Full of progress? I hope it was fulfilling for you, just as it was for me.
Throwback to 2024 Goals
Before diving into this year's achievements, let's revisit the goals I set for 2024. I shared them in last year’s retrospective, The 2023 Retrospective. Here’s what I had planned:
- Launch my first SaaS product.
- Expand my remote work opportunities.
- Conduct more workshops and hackathons in Africa.
- Build a stronger connection with the tech community.
- Focus on personal fitness and overall well-being.
How did it go? Let’s break it down.
Remote Work Journey
Remote work continued to be a cornerstone of my year. I collaborated with several innovative companies and saw immense growth in my professional skills. The highlight of my remote work journey was becoming a Core Contributor for Celo Africa DAO and leading impactful projects in blockchain technology.
Working with an incredible team of talented and supportive individuals across different time zones has been both challenging and rewarding. The flexibility remote work offers allowed me to balance my professional goals with personal projects seamlessly.
Workshops and Hackathons
2024 was all about empowering developers and fostering innovation. I organized Build with Celo Hackathons monthly, with a focus on mobile blockchain applications. I also mentored aspiring developers through Celo CodeJams and bootcamps in Africa.
One memorable event was ETHSafari, where I gave a keynote on The Future of Blockchain. Sharing my journey and insights with the audience felt surreal, and the feedback I received was heartwarming.
Personal Projects
SaaS Product Progress 🚀
Although I didn't officially launch my SaaS product, Ventiqo, significant strides were made. Ventiqo is an event management and ticketing platform utilizing blockchain technology. This project has been a learning curve, but I’m proud of the milestones we’ve achieved, including:
- Developing a seamless subscription and billing system.
- Tokenizing events to introduce transparency in ticketing.
I look forward to launching Ventiqo in 2025!
Personal Growth
Health and Fitness 🏃♂️
This year, I prioritized my health. From hitting the gym regularly to following a balanced diet, I saw improvements in both my fitness levels and mental clarity. By the end of the year, I felt stronger, healthier, and more focused.
Self-Reflection and Relationships 💬
2024 was also a year of introspection. I spent time exploring the complexities of relationships and connections. These reflections inspired me to start my podcast, Dust is Constant, where I share thoughts on friendships, betrayal, and self-growth.
Memorable Highlights
Zanzibar Trip 🌴
A spontaneous trip to Zanzibar turned into one of the most memorable experiences of the year. Reconnecting with old friends, Someone special, made it even more special. It was a reminder of how important it is to step away from the hustle and cherish life’s little moments.
Building a Home Office 🖥️
With remote work being central to my routine, I upgraded my workspace. A new ergonomic setup, including a standing desk and ultrawide monitor, has transformed how I work.
What's Next for 2025
2025 is going to be a big year. Here’s what I plan to focus on:
- Launching Ventiqo and scaling it globally.
- Hosting larger-scale hackathons and workshops.
- Writing a book on innovation and blockchain technology.
- Continuing to prioritize fitness and mental well-being.
Thank you for being part of my journey this year. Let’s make 2025 even more amazing! Cheers to growth, success, and happiness.
Happy New Year! 🎉