The transformation journey: Celebrating successes and lessons learned in 2024 

In our monthly blog ‘Deconstructing Change‘ our internal change experts, Rachael Hays and Gayle Lui, look at all things change and transformation. In this edition, Gayle reflects on her first year with Definia. From celebrating successes to navigating challenges, Gayle explores what it means to be thankful in the ever-evolving world of transformation, offering insights on how gratitude can shape positive change in both work and life.

2024 has been full of new experiences for me both personally and professionally. Since joining Definia in January I have worked on 12 different client accounts and been involved in some brilliant change and transformation projects. I also randomly got to sit in one of the vehicles which push back a plane before take-off (I mean, WHAT!!!). I have been warmly greeted by the in-house team, loved getting to know my Associates and forging valuable connections with my Investigo colleagues.  

So, what am I thankful for? I’m mostly thankful to the amazing Definia team – the welcome I received and the support I’ve been given has been wonderful. My successes have been rewarded and my challenges shared. I’m also thankful for the calibre of Associates I’ve worked with. Amazing SMEs who know their worth, drive real value for our clients and bring their whole selves to work everyday.  And I am very thankful that it’s been so much fun! We spend a lot of time working and if it didn’t bring me joy, I don’t think I could put as much of me into it. 

Life this year has felt like a bit of a transformation project so it’s important to remember all I must be thankful for. Have you been part of a Transformation project this year? What have you been thankful for? 

• Maybe an old and antiquated system has been replaced, and the new one allows you to get the job done more efficiently, giving you time for more value-add activities.  
• Perhaps you are mid-change programme but have a clear understanding of what’s happening.  So now you are entering the festive period hopeful about the possibilities 2025 can bring, and the opportunities for improved working and potential to upskill. 
• Have you had a Change Sponsor who has really inspired you and your teams? Someone who’s able to articulate the need for change, how it aligns to the corporate vision and what it’s going to mean for your organisation’s continued growth. 
• Did a Change Manager or Agent go above and beyond to understand your current ways of working? To define the business readiness activities needed to ensure you understand the change, were trained to accept it and felt supported as you moved into it. 
• Was there someone in your team that really understood the new tech, worked out all the new tricks and was always there offering support and encouragement to more nervous colleagues? Was that person you? 
• Did your hyper-care team put in long hours to deal with the unexpected bumps that came along during go-live? Were they always willing to help and provide support – be that technical or emotional or carb based! 
• Are you being thankful of yourself? Did you find some aspects of a change challenging? Did you try and soldier on, feeling a bit displaced while others around you seems to instantly know what’s what? Don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back for getting through and finding your new normal after change. 

Maybe you haven’t had the best change experience. Maybe you’re mid programme, and things aren’t going well, or the warning signs are already there. 

If you feel that something is being forced through as opposed to carefully planned, communicated and controlled, then reach out to us. Definia can provide you with a Transformation Project Health Check, highlighting where things are going well, but importantly calling out where things that aren’t quite on track.

Regardless of what 2024 has held for you or what unknowns await you in 2025, I hope you take time during the festive period to rest, reflect, recoup and reenergise.

Merry Christmas from me and the wider Definia Team and Community. We’re looking forward to sharing 2025 with you! 🎄