As I sit down to reflect on 2025, I’m struck by how much has happened in just twelve months. This year has been a whirlwind of professional achievements, health challenges, family milestones, and personal growth. What started as a struggle to identify highlights turned into a revelation when I scrolled through my Google Photos from January onwards. Suddenly, I had a full page of notes documenting an incredibly full year.

It’s fascinating how our minds often forget the wonderful things we’ve accomplished, thanks to the ‘recency effect’ that weighs heavily on our immediate sensations. For those of you who may not take many photos or even use Google Photos, I highly encourage you to establish some kind of system to track your achievements, whether big or small. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we haven’t done anything noteworthy throughout the year. Trust me, that couldn’t be further from the truth!

This year, I’ve decided to narrate my thoughts on the SpeakApp rather than spend time writing. Time is a precious commodity, and I often find myself with so little of it. Plus, I’d much rather spend my moments enjoying life than scripting lengthy reviews. While my dictation journey is still a work in progress, it’s proven to be an incredibly effective method to put my thoughts together quickly.

First and foremost, I’m beyond excited to announce that I’m receiving my second book contract! After months of anticipation, I finally heard from my editor back in November. This opportunity materialised after I published a roundup post based on 25 different solopreneurs/business owners on my podcast. My editor saw the post and suggested that this should be a book.

I’m aiming for this new book to resonate with the same vibe as my first one, “No More Bosses,” but with a twist.

This time, we’re exploring the philosophical “why” instead of the practical “how.” Fingers crossed for a smooth journey ahead!

In another update, I’ve started working out of Regus with one of my clients. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday have become my dedicated office days at Asia Square.

I must say, having that structured office environment has done wonders for my productivity and discipline. The best part? With my Regus card, I can explore different locations whenever I need a change of scenery. And yes, that means free coffee, which is always a plus!

To top it off, I’ve recently taken on a second Fractional assignment, so I’m currently juggling two.

I’m wrapping up Season 5 of the Rolling Stories podcast, which I currently co-host with Manu Khetan, the founder and CEO at Rolling Arrays.

When I took over from the previous CMO, we started our journey with audio formats, transitioned to virtual, and are now upgraded to in-person sessions. It’s been an incredible experience, and I’m enjoying doing it with the new co-host which I must admit I was a bit worried for at first since this is new to him. But he picked it up like fish to water.

Beyond wrapping up the latest season of my own podcast (The Adrian Tan Show) in June, I also got move involved with projects from The Financial Coconut.

I co-hosted an episode supported by Ministry of Finance, a couple of live podcast by OCBC and not forgetting the ones at FLIA 2025 and during 2025 Election.

Live show really bring things to a whole new level of excitement and allowed me to think on my feet, which is a skill I’ve honed over the years of podcasting and moderation work.

Still on the topic of creativity, I recently worked on a fun sponsored post for XCoffee that required a video format.

While I’ve recorded plenty, I still get a bit awkward seeing myself on screen. Let’s just say influencing isn’t my usual forte! However, I also had the chance to help Manu with some videography at his place, capturing his insights and transforming them into short clips for his leadership journey. It all came together seamlessly thanks to my YouTube experience, especially the longer form content I put up on my travel channel.

My journey also led me to several guest appearances. I had the pleasure of participating in a side hustle panel at the Seedly Financial Festival, where I brought along my friend Nancy to join in the conversation.

Additionally, I was a guest on the Curious Co. podcast where we delved into parenting, and I even shared a bit about my book during a “Let’s Read” series.

Recently, I was also featured in the Imagine That podcast that focused on my solopreneur journey. We discussed challenges, growth, and of course, my book.

I also moderated a marketing roundtable for a company eyeing the Singapore market. I’m honestly not sure why I agreed to do it pro bono, as I typically shy away from such commitments. But the thrill of working with a fresh target audience made it an enjoyable experience.

Lastly, I had the opportunity to serve as a judge at an event hosted by NUS, where I met a professor from NTU. We hit it off quite well, and I owe him a lunch, which I really should prioritise in the coming weeks.

Looking back over the past year, I’ve garnered an incredible 7.3 million impressions on LinkedIn. That is a 285% increase compared to the previous year. This growth has left me pleasantly surprised; I had always believed that 2024 was my peak. However, I realised something had changed in my writing style. It’s become more reflective and unapologetically direct. While I’m not tethered to a particular genre, I find joy in voicing thoughts that resonate with many.

This shift has not only been liberating for me but has also struck a chord with my audience. While it may not directly lead to higher conversions, the messages I receive from readers affirm that I am speaking truths they’ve long wanted to voice themselves. It’s fulfilling to play a role akin to an activist, calling out the nonsense we often encounter.

It all came from a pivotal moment in my journey that occurred during a speaking engagement in Thailand years ago. A professor from Switzerland made a series of bold statements that had the audience in stitches. His parting words resonated deeply: “You know why I can say all this right now? Because I’m retired, so I don’t care what people think.” We all laughed, but it struck me. Why should we wait until retirement, until our time is almost up, to speak our minds? That seemed sadly ironic, and I vowed then not to become that person.

I want to be vocal now, engaging with issues I disagree with in a thoughtful and logical way. It appears that this authenticity resonates with others, and I’m committed to continuing this journey.

Second Slip Disc Surgery: A High-Stakes Procedure

Early in the year, I faced a significant medical challenge: my second slip disc surgery. This surgery was closer to my neck, and the risks were high, with my neurologist warning me about the potential for paralysis. What triggered my concern was a tingling sensation that started whenever I look down at the urinal. An uncomfortable reminder that things weren’t right. Having dealt with slip discs in my lower back before, I tried to shake it off, but the discomfort persisted. After visiting the doctor, it became clear that surgery was my best option.

I’m relieved to report that my recovery has been much easier compared to my first surgery, where I had to almost relearn how to walk. This time, however, I only have a constant numbness in my fourth finger on my left hand, which I suppose is a small price to pay for avoiding paralysis.

Looking ahead, I have a follow-up appointment in Kuala Lumpur at the end of December for a full-body checkup. I had an ECG done a few months back, which revealed some abnormalities. This means I’ll also have to undergo a treadmill test. A friend recently recounted a terrifying story about someone who collapsed during a similar test, which leaves me a bit anxious. So, if I go quiet on here, you might have an idea why.

Despite the challenges, I’ve maintained a regular exercise routine, something my neurologist advised against. It’s tough to hear, especially since hitting the gym almost every day has been a big part of my life. That said, I did have a bright spot: I signed up for BFT (Body Fit Training) and even joined sessions in KL and Norway. The vigorous workouts have been beneficial, although I wake up aching most mornings.

On a more aesthetic note, I underwent eye bag redistribution surgery earlier this year. My eye bags had begun to age me, and after a trip to Korea, I decided to address the issue. The procedure was quite the experience. I was awake, feeling every moment of it, and the doctor also suggested I take care of my sunken cheeks by extracting some fat from my tummy and injecting it into my cheeks. The swelling from that transformation took a good three months to go down, but I’m pleased with the results overall.

Lastly, I made a decision that may not strictly fall under health but certainly relates to my well-being: I’ve given up perming my hair. I had a panic attack after one particularly bad experience, and I figured it was best to let that go.

As a parent, there’s a certain bittersweet joy that comes with witnessing your children reach new milestones. Recently, I experienced that feeling firsthand as my oldest son, Kyan, graduated from secondary school. It’s hard to believe how quickly time has flown. With four kids, I’ve adopted a more free-range parenting style, avoiding the “tiger parent” approach that many might expect. My philosophy has always been to let them learn and grow through their own experiences rather than pushing them too hard academically.

I’m pleased to say that Kyan took his studies seriously and worked diligently to achieve the grades he aimed for. Though he fell slightly short, I believe that the effort he put in reflects his maturity and dedication. Qualities that will serve him well as he embarks on this new chapter, leaving behind the school that wasn’t his first choice and stepping into a fresh environment. It’s exciting to see him venture forward, especially since many of his friends from primary school are also transitioning with him.

Meanwhile, my younger son, Kingsley, has also completed his journey through primary school. With three kids now in secondary school and one still in primary, our household is bustling with activity.

Speaking of transitions, my daughter Kylie is on the brink of her teenage years. I can already sense the “teenage vibe” kicking in, complete with closed doors and a newfound sense of independence. This shift is particularly poignant for me because Kylie has always been the child I have shared the most time with. It reminds me of Barack Obama’s insightful words about growing up: “They will turn 16, close the door, and come out when they’re 21.” While that timeline may vary, the essence remains the same.

On a lighter note, we recently welcomed two new family members - lovebirds named Lumi and Milo. Unfortunately, after just a week, Milo managed to escape due to a slight oversight during cleaning. In a twist of fate, Lumi also made a getaway shortly thereafter but seemed to navigate her neighborhood with a surprising sense of familiarity. I quickly located her a floor above our home, and it was a relief to bring her back into the fold.

As the family continues to grow, so does our love for outdoor activities. After much anticipation, we finally took our dogs swimming! Initially nervous about the water, they eventually warmed up to it, and watching them frolic was a blast for the kids. We plan to make swimming a regular activity because it brought so much joy to all of us.

Outdoor adventures have been plentiful this season. We’ve visited the science center, explored the wonders of the rainforest, and even participated in dragon boating organised by Kingsley’s school. These bonding experiences create lasting memories and reinforce the importance of spending quality time together as a family.

If you’ve struggled with wilted plants like I have, I have some fantastic tips for you. The first secret weapon in my gardening arsenal is hydrogen peroxide. By diluting hydrogen peroxide with water and mixing it into the soil, you can effectively eliminate most pests lurking beneath the surface. It’s a simple yet effective way to nurture your garden and support your plants’ growth.

Another great addition to my gardening routine has been using banana peels. I learned from social media - thank you, Instagram! - that soaking banana peels in water overnight releases nitrogen, which is incredibly beneficial for plants. I use the banana-infused water to nourish my plants, and I must say, they seem so much happier now!

If you’re an aspiring gardener or even if you consider yourself to have “brown fingers,” I encourage you to give these tips a try. You might be surprised at the difference it makes!

Reflecting on my reading habits, I’ve come to a rather unfortunate realisation: I’ve read the fewest number of books this year than in the past six to eight years. Just six books in total! With constant online distractions, staying focused has become increasingly challenging. I genuinely hope to read and reflect more in the coming year, and I’ve started scheduling “thinking sessions” in my calendar as a step towards that goal. However, I’ve switched from using my iPad or computer to pen and paper. You’d be amazed at how much clearer your thoughts become when you eliminate distractions and just allow yourself to think.

This year has been an incredible journey for me as I’ve had the opportunity to travel to many diverse destinations.

Earlier in the year, I visited Scottsdale, Arizona, for the first time. This trip was part of a kickoff event for a client and marked the beginning of my travel adventures this year. Scottsdale was beautiful, and it set the tone for my busy travel schedule ahead.

Next on my itinerary was Kuala Lumpur, where I was attending another event related to my work. Following that, I headed to Jakarta. In Jakarta, I stayed at the Park Hyatt, an absolutely insane hotel! The toilet bowl is more sophisticated than my iPad!

In June, I flew to Bangkok for an HR tech event. While I was there, I recorded a podcast with Panchalee, the CHRO of Central Retail Group. This collaboration was particularly special for me as it leveraged my experience and specialised equipment.

Earlier this year, I also traveled to Seoul, primarily for a medical procedure. However, I quickly learned that I prefer slow travel, especially when my travel companions were continually stopping at the same store, Olive Young, day after day. Their indecisiveness drove me a bit crazy, as I like to know what I want and just get it done in one go!

I also had a trip to Malacca, where I created a video about my experiences.

I also made another trip to Kuala Lumpur, but this time I enjoyed being a passenger instead of the driver. It was a refreshing break, and I’m looking forward to returning there soon for my medical check up.

My travels also took me to Hunter Valley for the first time. Unfortunately, upon landing, I discovered that my luggage had gone AWOL! Immediately I bought an airtag online to prevent this from happening again. After a quick trip to Target to grab some essentials, I was ready to make the most of my time there. The flight back included a lengthy layover in Melbourne, where I caught up with an old friend, Rosalie. It felt amazing to reconnect after so many years. I even ventured out for an early morning run in five-degree Celsius weather.

Definitely one of the coldest runs of my life! I also stayed with Rosalie in Melbourne, who graciously opened her home to me.

Later, I headed to Vancouver for the annual all-hands event with my client. One of the highlights of that trip was the transit experience in Japan. I couldn’t resist buying snacks, only to learn that many had very short expiry dates. Sadly, some ended up in the bin, but the culinary adventure was a memorable one nonetheless!

Recently, I traveled with my boys to Denmark and Norway. This particular trip was interesting due to the freezing temperatures, and I was unsure of what to expect. One of the funniest (yet slightly painful) moments happened when we craved Mala and ended up at a restaurant where food was sold by weight. My oldest son, famished and excited, managed to pile on 1.4 kg of food, resulting in an 80 SGD bill! In Singapore, I doubt I would ever pay more than 20 bucks for something similar.

We also took a cruise ship to Norway, which was a unique experience in its own right. Typically, we opt for Airbnbs, which give us a kitchen and a home-like feel. Plus, it was great to catch up with Evie, a school friend who has been living there for the last 15 years. It had been over 11 years since we last saw each other back in Singapore, when we were just secondary school friends. The nostalgia of sharing our experiences over a cup of coffee was simply priceless.

I also had the chance to visit Norway’s only BFT 3 times in a row.

Life often presents us with the opportunity to reconnect with those who have played significant roles in our past. Despite my tendency to enjoy solitude, I’ve come to realise just how much I cherish these moments of catching up with old friends. It’s a beautiful reminder of the paths we’ve crossed and the memories we’ve created together.

Throughout the year, I’ve had the chance to catch up with several other wonderful people. I bumped into Wah, who was my colleague at StarHub, my very first job post-national service. It was fantastic to reminisce about those early days in the professional world.

Then there was Boonchoo, my former colleague from PeopleStrong, and a few ex-colleagues from Ingues. Each encounter was filled with laughter, shared stories, and a rekindled camaraderie that felt as though no time had passed at all.

Unexpected meetings have also enriched my year. I ran into Wayne, a teammate from my days when I was still managing a social football club. Another pleasant surprise was catching up with Ramon, an influencer I collaborated with during my PeopleStrong days. It’s always inspiring to see where life’s journey takes us after our time working together.

I also had the pleasure of meeting up with Terence Chiew, who, interestingly, published his first book through the same publisher as I did. During my time in Thailand for an HR event, I finally met my Htoo Pyae, who managed my paid ads campaigns across many of my clients in person. We had dinner along the river just outside IconSiam.

These reconnecting moments serve as a gentle reminder of the importance of nurturing our relationships. In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to lose touch with those who matter. But taking the time to reach out, catch up, and share experiences adds depth to our lives and enriches our personal journeys.

So, whether it’s a long-awaited reunion with old friends or a spontaneous meeting with someone from the past, I encourage you to embrace these opportunities. Each connection has the potential to spark joy, inspire growth, and remind us of the bonds that have shaped who we are today.

So, what’s on the horizon for 2026? Well, I have to scale back from one of my assignment due to budget cuts so I need to explore new ones to make up for it. This has been my plan for a long time as I much prefer to have 3 clients with smaller commitments versus one client with a big one. But I never put that into action given the master procrastinator in me. Writing my next book is also on my to-do list, assuming my upcoming health check goes well. On a travel note, my commitments will lessen, although I do have an exciting trip to South Africa planned for sixteen days in August.

On a more personal note, financial stability is also a significant focus for me this year. I’m determined to pay down my outstanding debts by 2026. Though I admit, I’ve often fallen into the cycle of committing to new big expenses right when I think I’m close to being debt-free. It’s a frustrating two-steps-forward, one-step-back situation. With budget cuts affecting my core responsibilities, I’ve also started contemplating how much longer I’d like to continue working.

While the idea of retirement, as traditionally conceptualised, feels unrealistic for me at this stage, I’m hoping to slow down my workload. Even a scenario where I work just ten hours a week and enjoy my time like a tourist in my own city sounds delightful! To achieve this, I know I must focus on clearing my debts and saving for the future. Since I’m still in the process of settling my mortgage without additional income sources, prioritising my finances is essential.

As we approach the holiday season, I’ll be taking a break from writing on LinkedIn for the next few weeks. I plan to return in January, provided I survive my treadmill workouts! Until then, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for being a part of my journey - and I look forward to reconnecting in 2026!

Adrian Tan
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