January Business Update: Focus, Growth & Building for the Future
January Business Update: Focus, Growth & Building for the Future
"Focus"—that’s my word of the year for 2025.
Last year, "fun" was the theme, and we had plenty of it. But this year? It’s back to business. And honestly, 2025 already feels like a weird one. Budgets are tight, DEI isn’t a priority (just turn on the news), and yet, many of us are being asked to return to offices five days a week—meaning there’s never been a greater need for skills development, inclusive policies, and people-first business models.
So, to keep myself and the business accountable, we’ll be sharing monthly updates—the good, the bad, and everything in between. This year, we want to spotlight the work behind the scenes while keeping our focus on our north star.
Sonya Barlow x LMF Network Team discussing future strategies.
LMF Network App: The Big Leap
On the eve before New Year’s Eve, I panicked.
I stayed up late, updated the LMF Network App, and launched it into the App Store, hoping someone would notice. And they did—50 new downloads! The goal? 25,450 more.
What is the LMF Network Careers App? It’s designed to build knowledge and networks through content, courses, and community conversations. We know people are tired of video-heavy social media and are craving real conversations that don’t require dancing (LinkedIn, we love you, but enough with the video updates! Give me a long-form read with a cup of tea any day).
So here we are, tiptoeing into the new year with new skills, a bold belief system, and a business pivot. If it doesn’t work? We’ll have to rethink things. But with your support, we’re hoping for growth instead.
January Highlights
Events Attended
Personal Branding – Hosted by Mumble
Morning Meditation – Bochange Wellness
Luxury Jewellery Showcase – Purdi
Workshops Delivered
Building a Professional Brand for Business – Oliver Agency
Peer Mentorship for Success – Bayes Business School
Mentoring Circle – BETT Ed
Press Features
Mirror Online: "I Got Three Pay Rises in Five Years – Now I Help Others Do the Same"
BBC Interview: "There is no surplus after the cost of our rent"
Millennial Mind Podcast – Episode #140: "BBC Host, TEDx Speaker, Author and Diversity Coach – Sonya Barlow"
We continue to expand our thought leadership efforts, ensuring that conversations about diversity, career growth, and networking reach a wider audience.
Business & Growth Updates
Current Projects & Proposals
Submitted five proposals for workshops focused on career development, skills training, and neurodiversity
Developed a new business plan for outreach and strategic growth
Content Initiatives
Business Networking Content Series – Recorded and scheduled for release
Lessons with Leaders Series – Now reaching over one million views and shared by industry leaders including Kelly Rutherford and Gilberto Silva
Client Testimonials
“The content you [LMF Network] share on professional networking and negotiation helped me secure my next opportunity with a salary increase. Please keep sharing.”
“We all found your workshop incredibly valuable and would like to book two additional sessions for International Women’s Day.”
“Your insights on online networking were extremely useful. Thank you for being transparent about professional ghosting.”
For organisations looking to bring these insights into their teams, we are available for corporate workshops and consulting engagements.
A Testimony about the LMF Network Mentoring Programme.
LMF Network App: Progress & Next Steps
Recent updates include:
New branding enhancements
Community discussion features
Six new podcasts & four new articles
App version update submitted to Apple
The goal is to refine and scale the app to ensure it provides practical career and networking support. As we move forward, user feedback will be a key driver of improvements.
How You Can Support
Invest in LMF for International Women’s Day by sponsoring a workshop, talk, or initiative
Download the LMF Network App and provide feedback
Sign up as a mentor for the next cohort of our mentorship program
Our work is powered by the collective efforts of our network. Every conversation, every piece of advice, and every shared experience contributes to the broader goal of professional empowerment and inclusive leadership.
Looking Ahead: February & Beyond
App updates for iOS and Android
Launch of a new mentorship program
Continued research into career challenges and networking behaviors
100 Career Conversations Research Initiative
The first month of the year has provided critical insights into the opportunities and challenges ahead. We remain committed to building meaningful professional networks and supporting individuals in their career development journeys.
Sonya Barlow attending LEAP 2025.
Emerging Trends in 2025
Less focus on meetings for the sake of meetings
More informal networking through in-person coffee walks and discussion-based gatherings
These shifts reflect a broader movement towards efficiency, intentionality, and well-being in professional spaces.
Questions I’m Asking Myself
What problem are we actually solving?
Where should we be advertising for maximum impact?
How do we fund this when budgets are tight?
Personal Reflections
Lately, I’ve been taking one hour every day to cook while playing music—a small habit that helps me reset and reflect. I’ve also been reading more (currently re-reading Karren Brady’s biography and recently finished The List by Yomi Adegoke).
Also, I’m watching a lot of stand-up comedy, not just for laughs but to learn about poise and presentation skills—a reminder that public speaking is as much about storytelling as it is about information.
Final Thoughts
As we move through 2025, the focus remains on growth, meaningful impact, and strategic evolution. This year is about refining our approach, strengthening our network, and ensuring that our work continues to provide value. The road ahead isn’t easy, but we’re here for the long game.
If you are navigating similar challenges in your own business or career, I would love to hear your thoughts.
What are you focusing on this year? Join the conversation and share your insights.
Sonya Barlow is an award-winning entrepreneur, presenter and author with over 100K followers. She hosts her self-titled YouTube show "The Sonya Barlow Show", authored the business book "Unprepared to Entrepreneur" and runs a business inclusion consultancy and networking app the "LMF Network". You can work with Sonya for campaigns, content and conversation. Connect via email - Hello@SonyaBarlow.Co.Uk.