There is a lot of noise in our daily lives at present with the US Election results bringing Trump’s agenda back to the fore, and the Labour government’s UK budget that has left many businesses facing rising costs. There have also been natural disasters displacing many, whether it be flooding in Malaga, Spain or hazardous smog in Delhi, India. Not to mention, the continued crisis in Gaza.

There is much to worry about and be fearful and apprehensive about the future. However, November is traditionally a time to pause and reflect, give thanks and gratitude, and prepare for the seasonal transition. In my director’s blog this month, I wanted to encourage readers to reflect on their year so far and set goals for the month ahead.

As the leaves change and fall away, it is an ideal time to reflect on things that we should be letting go of. As an entrepreneurial community, we are no stranger to embracing change and could consider ways to improve our curricula. Reflect on what is not working, go through those module evaluations and identify areas that can be tweaked or even removed to make room for more authentic, engaging content. Perhaps, it is finally time to let go of those archaic assessments and start future proofing assessments for AI.

November is the month of Thanksgiving. While originally a US tradition, the UK seems to have embraced it. Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, my family always celebrated Thanksgiving with a Chinese takeaway. Food brings people together and this may be the opportune time to catch up with fellow enterprise educators that you have been meaning to contact but have been too busy so far to make any plans. Well, make that plan to meet up for a meal this month or even just get together for drinks and reminiscence.

This month you might also consider starting a gratitude journal or if you already have one but not written anything in awhile, this month is your chance to pause and allow yourself the time to retreat into a quiet space and remember all the good and wonderful experiences you have had so far this year. I know that I am grateful for the opportunity to have visited Belfast this year and attend the annual IEEC conference at Queen’s University Belfast. I am also grateful for my new job especially in the current climate of redundancies and university financial constraints.

What are you grateful for? What have you achieved so far this year of which you are most proud?

And… while you are thinking of your achievements, set goals for the month ahead. Perhaps, you want to become an EEUK Fellow or organise an enterprise exchange event in the new year or finally submit that journal article for review. Start setting goals for the next month that will keep you on track and do reach out to us in the EEUK community for advice or just a listening ear.

Dr Cherisse Hoyte
EEUK Director
Academic Director CU London| Coventry University Group