top of page

I failed (at these 4 things) in 2024

Writer's picture: Gilbert EijkelenboomGilbert Eijkelenboom

Happy New Year from South Africa 🇿🇦


Every year, I reflect — much like we teach in Data Storytelling: what’s the story behind the numbers?


The data tells me that 2024 was a great year for MindSpeaking.


More clients. New countries. A bigger team.


But the real story?


It’s in the lessons learned. The failures. The wins.


Here are my honest reflections on 2024…



What I failed at

🛑 1) I became a micromanager


I hate micromanagers.

But I became one.


When I started MindSpeaking in 2020, it was just me.

I believed I knew what was best for the business.


Then, I built a team.

At first, I told them what to do — and how to do it.


Letting go wasn’t easy.

Now? I focus on sharing the goal (what) and the purpose (why).

I let them figure out the how.


The result?

Better ideas. Better results.



🎯 2) I didn't set clear expectations


I hold our trainers to a high standard.

Training should be engaging, insightful, and impactful.


But I failed to communicate those expectations clearly from the start.


One trainer thought the feedback on his workshops was acceptable.

But I wasn’t happy.


That’s why, after several conversations, I let the trainer go.


Lesson learned: If you want excellence, share the standard upfront.



💡 3) I had the wrong assumptions

I always assumed having a team = more stress.

Wrong.


Thanks to our team, I can focus on what I enjoy. And what I’m good at.


The best part? Seeing the team shine in ways I never expected.


Having a team doesn’t just grow the business.

It makes the process more enjoyable.



📈 4) I avoided revenue targets


For years, I avoided setting revenue targets.

“I want to stay value-driven.”

“I want to focus on helping people.”


But then I read the book “10x Is Easier Than 2x.”

It flipped my perspective.


Now, I set ambitious money targets.


Why? Because it forces me to prioritize:

  • What to focus on.

  • What to delegate.

  • What to eliminate (the hardest part).


More money is good.

More money means a better training program.

More money means we can help more Data professionals.

And it means the 10% of MindSpeaking profits we donate to charity will be a larger amount.



What I'm proud of

🌎 1) Word of mouth & recurring customers


People are recommending our training to their Data network.


Last year, we facilitated training worldwide.

This year, we continue that international journey.

This month? Training in South Africa.

Next month? Korea and Japan (training for adidas).


Another highlight: I’m traveling to the Philippines to meet my assistant. After 4 years of working together remotely, we’re finally meeting in person.



🤝 2) Expanding our team


2020: Just me, figuring it all out.

2025: A team of 10:

  • 7 MindSpeaking trainers

  • 1 personal assistant

  • 1 Learning expert

  • 1 Marketing/Sales specialist

I’m proud of what we’ve built together — and excited for what’s next.


Here's part of our group:



🎯 3) Improving our training for Data professionals


This year, we’ve made our training program better than ever:

  • Pre-workshop: Quick and light theory to get started.

  • Workshop: Fully interactive. Role plays. Feedback-focused.

  • After-workshop: Simple steps to build lasting habits.


The result?

More impactful sessions and long-term results for Data teams.



🎤 4) Created new training

Last year, we expanded our offering with a new public speaking training for Data professionals.


The response? adidas participants gave it an average rating of 9.2/10.


We're thinking of launching a public version of this training.Interested? Get on the waitlist here.

2024 taught me a lot.

Failures and wins, side by side.

And I’m excited to build on those lessons in 2025.

Thanks for reading,

Gilbert

P.S. What’s your biggest goal for 2025?

2 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page