And so here we are at the end of another year in our cosy North London office, ready to relax and enjoy the festive period.

But, before we do so, we've turned our attention towards 2019. We can't help but feel inspired and motivated for the opportunities that lie ahead.

We've contacted many of our speakers, as well as asked a few colleagues, what their best piece of advice would be to take on board as soon as Big Ben strikes midnight on New Years Eve.

So each day during December, we'll add a new resolution to this page. If you have any wisdom to share with us, send us a tweet @Speakers_Corner  with #NewYearsResolution

Johnny Cupcakes

Johnny 'Cupcakes' Earle is an award winning entrepreneur & brand hysteria expert who inspires cult-like brand loyalty through his world world-renowned tee-shirt brand Johnny Cupcakes.

"My New Years' Resolution is to make time to write each day. I’m hoping to finish my book next year, and I’m typing all of it on vintage typewriters!"

Georgie Barrat

Tech journalist and broadcaster, Georgie is best-known as presenter of  The Gadget Show. She's is a lover of all things tech, and is devoted to getting more girls into STEM careers, and to helping businesses to understand millennials.

"We should think about how we use our phones and social media in the same way that we think about nutrition. What constitutes a healthy digital diet? What apps nourish our brains and which phone cravings should we cut back on? My resolution for 2019 is to be more mindful of my screen time. I’m setting daily time limits on certain apps and will try to reduce my intake of timeline scrolling."

Natalia Cohen

Natalia was part of the first all-female team to row unsupported across the Pacific Ocean. With no rowing experience prior to applying, Natalia shows how, with a positive mindset, a determined and aligned team, and a sense of humour, you can cross your own personal Pacific.

"Know and remain true to your core values at all times. They will help you make good decisions and allow you to understand what really drives you. Also, never lose your sense of humour! Laughter can help you get through some of life's biggest challenges."

Cath Bishop

From time spent in the world’s most hostile conflict zones, silver-medallist Cath Bishop tells her story of Olympic triumph from a unique vantage point to show how a strong team makes for exceptional results.

"The New Year in itself isn't always key to our resolutions, that's why they don't always stick. Work out what you want to do and why you want to do it - why it matters, what the downside is if you don't do it, and who is going to help you keep to it when times get tough. And once you've worked out the why and got your support team in place, then work out when the best time to start is - it might not be 1 Jan, it might be another date that has more meaning for what you want to achieve."

Nigel Risner

Delivering messages about relationships in the workplace and embracing opportunities, Nigel's mantra is that everyone has enormous amounts of untapped potential and that anything is possible with self-belief.

"If you want 2019 to be your year; don't sit on the couch and wait for it. Go out. Make a change. Smile more. Be excited. Do new things. Throw away what you've been cluttering. Unfollow negative people on social media. Go to bed early. Wake up early. Be fierce. Don't gossip. Show more gratitude. Do things that challenge you. Be brave. Be in the room. Be an effective zookeeper."

Anne-Marie Imafidon

Founder of Stemettes, Anne-Marie has always been interested in business, maths and technology, and is a true advocate of women in STEM industries.

"Let 2019 be your year of learning. I tend to have a word for the year, rather than a New Year's Resolution. Last year it was the word 'Nudge' - I tried little things to build habits. Next year's word will be 'Beyond'. I've spent nearly 6 years influencing and creating impact in the UK, now is the time for me to think more widely about my impact. I'm also thinking about how to translate my experience and my knowledge beyond my current reach. Also, with Brexit coming it'll be important for me to keep an eye on opportunities and growth beyond our isles."

Bonita Norris

Bonita isn't just the youngest British woman to reach the top of Everest; but she accomplished her dream without any prior climbing experience.

"Everyone thinks the summit is the 'glory moment'. But the true glory moments are the times when no-one else is watching; the discipline of a pre-dawn training session, the determination when you say to yourself “one more try”, the courage to take that step even though it terrifies you. Those are the moments I look back on with the most pride. They are the moments that matter, and they are within our grasp every minute of every day."

Andrew Grill

Former Global Managing Partner at IBM, Andrew Grill - also known as the Practical Futurist - talks about the issues around digital disruption, workplace of the future and digital eminence. 100% digital, Andrew believes that to “get digital, you need to be digital”.

"As I travelled the globe in 2018 speaking to groups and organisations of all sizes, my mantra “to get digital, you need to be digital” continued to ring true. Into 2019, disruption of all types will start to take hold and individuals will need to become more digitally curious. Only when you try the technology yourself and become personally invested in both what it can and cannot do will you be able to understand how it can help you and your business."

Martine Wright MBE

Martine lost both legs in the 7/7 London bombings, yet the tragic event gave her a profound new positivity for life. With her new, incredible strength, Martine went on to become a member of the GB Paralympic sitting volleyball team and recieve the BBC Helen Rollason Award Sports Personality of the Year 2012 award.

"Setting goals and aspirations is not something to do as Big Ben strikes for New Year. Owning and managing your journey of life is an everyday occurrence, which we have to own as individuals. Dare to dream and dare to believe. Most importantly – turn your dreams into reality – you are the curator. Only then will your journey take the right path!"

Simon Moores

Digital strategist and security futurist, Simon Moores has a deep understanding of hot tech topics, such as ‘disruptive technologies’, ‘Big Data’, and ‘cyber security’, and shines a light on the potential implications for the market and society as a whole.

"Machines are learning to learn. 2019 will be the year that we have to learn about the machines. The world we grew up in is about to change more than we might have ever imagined. There has never been a better time in history to stay informed in order to stay in business."

Jonathan MacDonald

Jonathan challenges thinking and provides new perspectives and avenues of thought, particularly on the topics of disruptive innovation, future trends and how to use change to fuel outstanding business and personal success.

"No doubt the year ahead will contain uncertainty and it will be up to each and every one of us to decide how we respond to that uncertainty in times of perpetual change. Ultimately, we can decide how productive or painful it is."

Guy Claxton

Guy is a cognitive scientist, author,  and one of the UK's foremost thinkers on creativity, learning and the brain in both business and education. Influencing educational theory and practice across the world, Guy works to create a culture which improves the strengths and attitudes that people need to thrive in a tough world.

"Don't waste your time on making resolutions that you aren't going to keep. Work on doing practical things that are likely to boost your motivation."

For further information or to book a speaker, call us on +44 (0)20 7607 7070  or email  info@speakerscorner.co.uk .

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