Embracing Change: The Key to Business and Personal Growth
Imagine a kaleidoscope. As you turn it, the pieces inside shift and change, creating beautiful new patterns with each movement. Each turn brings something fresh, unexpected, and yet somehow, it all fits together seamlessly. This powerful metaphor captures life itself. Life, like a kaleidoscope, is a series of shifting moments—each experience, each person we meet, and each conversation we have plays a unique role in shaping who we are. I have always seen change as essential, an inevitable force that, when embraced, becomes the foundation for both personal and business growth.
For those who don’t know me, I’m Kerryn Powell, known as The Network Catalyst. I’ve experienced the twists and turns of life firsthand, moving across industries and continents, from education and travel to entrepreneurship and community building. Each shift has added a new piece to my own kaleidoscope, reshaping who I am and how I see the world. My journey hasn’t been linear—it’s been a series of steps into the unknown, a journey that has taught me to trust in the process and embrace the power of transformation.
Turning Points and Embracing the Unknown
Reflecting on my journey, I recall many pivotal moments of change. Starting Your Time Matters (YTM) was one of the most defining. At the time, I saw a need for a new type of networking—a space where connection could become transformational rather than transactional. I didn’t set out to create another networking group but rather a community where people could come together, share their stories, and forge meaningful connections. Like each twist of the kaleidoscope, the experiences, challenges, and leaps of faith we encounter shift our perspective, often revealing beautiful new patterns that we couldn’t have anticipated.
In YTM, I’ve seen this transformative power of change in others too. Take our member “Timothy” (name changed for privacy) a YTM community member. “Tim” joined us at a time when he was hesitant and uncertain him to step out of his comfort zone, building the confidence to share his voice and make his first public presentation. Watching that step, that leap of faith and boost of confidence reminds me that each conversation we have and every change we embrace can set off a ripple effect, inspiring us and those around us.
The Evolution of Communication—and Why Change is a Constant
Throughout my career, one of the most striking areas of change has been in communication. From the days of operating a plug-and-cord switchboard, I’ve seen the world of communication technology transform time and again. As we moved to word processors, then laptops, and now to mobile phones we carry in our pockets, connecting with people around the world has become instantaneous. These shifts have not only changed the way we work but have reshaped the very fabric of how we relate to each other. Embracing these changes, rather than resisting them, has been essential to staying connected and relevant in a rapidly evolving world.
Our need to embrace change is a constant. In business and in life, communication tools may evolve, but the fundamental need for genuine connection remains. Today, technology allows us to connect face-to-face virtually, to network globally, and to engage with our communities in ways that were once unimaginable. Yet, the heart of these interactions is still the same: they are about people, trust, and the conversations that move us forward.
The Power of Change in Shaping Our Future
Life, and business especially, are full of change. We can choose to resist or embrace it, but in my experience, it’s by leaning into change that we open doors to incredible opportunities. As Steve Jobs famously said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” Each experience, person, and challenge is a part of the bigger picture, one we can only see clearly when we reflect on the journey.
For over 30 years, I’ve seen the powerful potential that change brings to both individuals and communities. I believe that relationships are the core of personal and business growth, a belief I share in my book Two Ears, One Mouth, and a Big Heart. Building relationships requires a willingness to be open, to learn, and to be genuinely curious about others. When we embrace change and step out of our comfort zones, we don’t just grow ourselves; we have the potential to impact and inspire those around us.
Embrace Your Kaleidoscope
As you navigate your own path, consider the patterns you might create by embracing the changes around you. Business and personal growth are deeply intertwined, each relying on a readiness to adapt, to explore, and to trust in the process. Ask yourself: “What new opportunities could I unlock if I embraced change?” As the pieces of your own kaleidoscope come together, you might find yourself on a journey richer and more fulfilling than you ever imagined. So let’s turn the kaleidoscope together and embrace the beauty of change.
Hello, I’m Kerryn Powell, The Network Catalyst and founder of Your Time Matters.
With a passion for helping business owners build genuine relationships and grow with purpose, I’m here to support you in reshaping your conversations and navigating the challenges of business and achieving your "why."
Whether you need strategies to strengthen your network, stay accountable, or unlock new opportunities, I can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
It starts with a conversation with me , so let’s connect and explore how we can accelerate your success together. Reach out to start a conversation that matters.
By the way, I have a dinner event on 26th November “Embrace the Change” - join me READ MORE