As we near the end of 2024, it's time to take a moment to reflect on the significant events and innovations that have shaped our year. Our latest Polaris podcast, Holiday Reflections from Synozur: A Dynamic 2024, brings together voices from across Synozur to discuss the challenges and triumphs of the past twelve months and to share our predictions for the future.
We’re grateful for our journey with you throughout 2024. That’s why we’ve included a very special and untraditional holiday gift for you – right at the end of this post. Keep reading for more.
A Year of Innovation and Culture
In this special holiday episode of Polaris, hosted by Chris McNulty, we’re joined by Michelle Caldwell, Michelle Boyd, Josh Brantley, Stephen Rose, and Andrew Borg. Together, we delve into key moments in business and technology throughout 2024.
We asked everyone four questions and have included summaries here – and a bit of a holiday reading list. (For the full discussion, please listen to Polaris.)
Highlight from the worlds of technology and business
Michelle Caldwell highlighted advancements in enhanced geothermal systems, and their commercial potential for clean energy. Michelle Boyd was fascinated by images from the James Webb Space Telescope. Stephen Rose and Josh Brantley discussed AI's growing deployment and the gap between expectations and business value. Andrew Borg emphasized the need for ethical AI and aligning technology with human rights. And everyone commented on the midyear CrowdStrike outage and the need to modernize legacy server infrastructure.
Enhanced Geothermal Systems: See MIT Technology Review for more information.
James Webb Space Telescope: Launched in 2021, the Webb provided unprecedented clarity in astronomy with stunning images of distant galaxies and exoplanet atmospheres. The image below shows the Sombrero Galaxy in photographs from the Webb – compared with an image from its predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990. For more background, see NASA's Webb Depicts Staggering Structure in 19 Nearby Spiral Galaxies.
The Sombrero Galaxy - Source: webbtelescope.org
Highlights of Synozur’s work in 2024
The team had a lot to consider. Three highlights:
Clients: We deployed a new Company Operating System for one of our luxury brand clients who had outgrown their early days as a founder-led business. You can learn more here: Management Makeover at a Luxury Brand.
Conference Experiences: It was great to engage with hundreds of customers and community members at events like M365 Community Conference in May, and TechCon 365 Dallas in November. We’re looking forward to even more online and live events in 2025.
Polaris Pathways: We launched our inaugural podcast this year.
Favorite moments in food, music, culture, travel, books, films - anything!
Our team also reflected on their personal highlights from 2024, sharing moments and events that left a lasting impression.
Coldplay's Music Video "All My Love": Performing legend Dick Van Dyke turned 99 this month, capping a career that includes his eponymous comedy with Mary Tyler Moore, Mary Poppins, and dancing his way through Coldplay’s heartfelt video highlighting his nine-decade career and his family.
Dick Van Dyke sings with Coldplay's Chris Martin in 'All My Love' music video
Olympics 2024: Memorable moments included Snoop Dogg's hosting, and the debut of breakdancing as an Olympic sport. View Snoop Dogg’s BEST MOMENTS At The 2024 Paris Olympics to revisit more.
Shogun TV Series on Hulu: No, not the 1980 original. The new series presented a compelling depiction of Japanese culture and its intersection with Western culture. Learn more at Shōgun: The brutal Japanese history that inspired 2024's latest TV hit.
Anora (2024 film): An exotic dancer's trouble with the Russian mafia, both hilarious and heartbreaking. Winner of the 2024 Palme d'Or at Cannes and an early Oscar favorite, it’s available now on digital platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Fandango. See: Anora - Wikipedia.
Excel World Championships: Exactly what that sounds like – a global competition showcasing the advanced use of the ubiquitous spreadsheet platform. Stephen Rose judged this year’s championships in Las Vegas, which also created new opportunities for young women to break into technology. The event was broadcast on ESPN Ocho, and you can learn more at Microsoft Excel World Championship – FMWC.
And of course, travel. Some of our favorite travel highlights this year included multiple opportunities to experience the aurora borealis:
· Iceland
Aurora Borealis, May 11, 2024 - Whidbey Island (c) 2024 Christopher F. McNulty
Hopes and predictions for 2025
AI Agents: We’re waiting for new AI agents for common needs like project management or employee self-service, as highlighted during the Ignite conference.
Rise of Fractional Expertise: Due to ongoing layoffs and restructuring, a nearly unprecedented amount of senior talent – previously out of reach – is becoming available to many organizations as “fractional CXOs”.
Skepticism and Business Value of AI: Growing skepticism around AI and the need for businesses to focus on the actual value AI brings to balance the hype cycle.
Join the Conversation
Tune in to Polaris and share your thoughts on the year we've had and your hopes for 2025 at polaris@synozur.com. Let's continue to explore and embrace the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
Holiday Gift – Synozur Meal Planner
Yes, you read that right!
As we wrap up 2024, we’re happy to share a special – and atypical - holiday gift with you! Our Synozur Holiday Meal Planner is here to help you plan and track every detail of your holiday meal, from boiling potatoes to resting the roast. With easy-to-follow directions and customizable inputs, you can ensure everything is perfectly timed for your family feast. Check out our blog post for more details and download the planner to make your holiday meal preparation a breeze.
Thanks again. Best wishes for a happy and peaceful holiday season, and see you in 2025!