December 2025: What a year it has been.

This year brought milestones I’m genuinely proud of entering the Sydney property market, completing two Marathon Majors (Sydney and Berlin), conquering the Six Foot Track ultra, being challenged in HYROX, taking up boxing, and finally launching ek Private.

From a personal perspective

Running continues to be a grounding force in my life. I wasn’t a sporty person growing up and only discovered running in 2019. I’m not a fast runner (yet!), but I love long, slow distance. It has shaped my character, discipline, and thinking. Alongside running, I’ve embraced group HIIT training and, more recently, boxing.

Running my first ultra-marathon was genuinely life-changing. I’ll never forget reaching the top of Pluviometre on the Six Foot Track — knowing I had just conquered the toughest section. It was emotional. I reflected on the journey from being diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, to experiencing a stroke, to now standing there competing in races. It has been a journey in every sense.

Holiday reflections

There is so much to be grateful for. While this year brought its share of challenges, I look back with a light heart and deep appreciation for the support, trust, and relationships built along the way. Every experience has led me to this moment, and I’m thankful for the people who have walked beside me through the journey, personally and professionally.

The launch of ek Private

I have greater clarity than ever on the direction I’m driving the firm into 2026. It has been a privilege to work with clients around the world with conversations that challenge me, achievements that inspire me, and stories that truly stay with me.

I often reflect on the time spent sitting with clients, and I feel incredibly fortunate to do what I do. Helping someone gain clarity on their goals, guiding them through highs and lows, and being a sounding board across many aspects of their life is deeply rewarding; cliché, but absolutely true. As advisers, we often become more than strategists; we are confidants, counsellors, and cheerleaders along the way.

Markets this year were volatile with new highs, periods of pullback, and the emergence of new investment ideas and themes. More than ever, the role of an adviser is to filter the noise and remain anchored in what truly matters: the client’s long-term needs and objectives.

My focus this year has been on asset allocation rather than individual investments. We work alongside a strong team of global investment experts who design specific portfolio solutions, while we ensure the broader asset allocation reflects the client’s complete picture factoring in business interests, personal assets (including collectibles), and property holdings.

2026 goals and beyond

As 2025 comes to a close, my focus has been on intentionally investing in the ek Private brand and stepping more confidently into the public and digital space. With the support of Kat Gamis, a dedicated marketer for the brand, I’ve begun building a stronger online presence to support the firm’s next phase of growth. Looking ahead to 2026, our expansion will be driven through thoughtful online channels, strategic partnerships, and global connectivity, particularly as we prepare to establish offices in London and Dubai.