Reflecting on 2024: Wins, Lessons, and Everything in Between

Hi, it’s G — thinker, tinkerer, and forever caffeinated human who’s trying to make sense of this tech-driven world. As we wrap up 2024, I wanted to share a few thoughts, lessons, wins, and, of course, missteps. Kasi, let’s be honest, life is a mix of “ayos” and “ay, hindi pala.” But what a year it has been!

Starting Small: The Blog and Newsletter

This year, I finally started my blog. Matagal ko nang gustong gawin, but I kept procrastinating (hello, ADHD). Turns out, hitting “publish” on that first post was like ripping off a band-aid. Ang saya pala. Writing about AI, automation, and all my random thoughts was cathartic and opened doors I didn’t expect.

Also, I launched an email newsletter. Akala ko no one would subscribe, but surprise! It’s slowly gaining traction. Writing consistently has been a discipline-builder and, honestly, a reminder that sharing knowledge — kahit minsan feeling mo basic lang — can make a real impact.

Certifications and Wins: Checking Boxes, Learning More

If 2024 was a person, it would be an intense but rewarding teacher. I completed several Google certifications, including Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) with Vertex AI: Model Evaluation and other courses on Generative AI and ML. Hindi siya madali, lalo na when balancing other work, but finishing them felt like unlocking new levels in a game.

On top of that, I earned the Anthropic Advanced Prompt Engineering Certification, which deepened my understanding of how to create effective prompts. And let’s not forget my ongoing quest to complete the Make Academy Partnership Expert Badge. Still going through the exams from basic to expert … again. LOL. Perseverance na lang talaga.

Giving Back: AI Webinars

This year, I hosted seven free AI webinars, attended by over 1,400 participants. Nakakakilig because more than 1,000 of them came from a collaboration with Positive Workplace. It’s amazing to see how many Filipinos are eager to learn about AI and how they can use it in their work and lives.

Each webinar felt like a class reunion — interactive, energetic, and full of insightful questions. Seeing attendees light up with newfound knowledge was the best reward. And yes, the questions sometimes challenged me, but they also pushed me to grow.

Speaking Opportunities: Tourism Meets AI

One of the highlights of my year was getting invited to speak at the MICE Iloilo event. Over 100 participants from the tourism industry attended, and the topic? How AI can transform travel and tourism. It was surreal standing in front of industry leaders, sharing my insights and ideas. The experience affirmed that AI isn’t just for techies; it’s a tool that can revolutionize even the most traditional industries.

Meeting People: Community Connections

The community journey began when I joined the Discord ARC Community and gave a webinar titled "Failures," where I candidly shared all my setbacks. It felt like a cleansing activity, a much-needed emotional release. This webinar became the catalyst for meeting my Accountability Group — starting with Jerome and JR, and eventually growing to include Ced, Carl, Paul, John, and others. Each of them brought unique perspectives and support, transforming what started as a small circle into a powerhouse of shared learning and growth. 

Also this year, I met some incredible people, including Rchie Perez, founder of the Remote Filipino Worker website. We crossed paths during one of my AI webinars, and he’s now part of the Talyer AI community. His expertise in remote work has been invaluable, especially for freelancers looking to thrive in the digital age. He’s also helped me understand payment systems for remote workers (hello, Wise and PayPal!).

Being active on Reddit was another unexpected win. Joining conversations, answering questions, and learning from others reminded me how much value there is in community engagement. Platforms like r/buhaydigital are treasure troves of wisdom.

The Struggles: Overwhelm and Fear of Irrelevance

Of course, it wasn’t all wins. There were moments of overwhelm, especially juggling multiple responsibilities. There were also days when imposter syndrome hit hard. “Am I doing enough?” “Is this even making an impact?”

The fear of irrelevance was real. In a fast-moving world, staying updated felt like chasing an ever-elusive target. But instead of letting it paralyze me, I tried to channel it into action — learning more, sharing more, and leaning into community support.

Lessons Learned: The Good and the Hard Truths

1. Perfection is the Enemy of Progress: This year was a masterclass in embracing imperfection. Starting my blog and newsletter reminded me that you don’t have to be perfect to begin. One example? My first blog post wasn’t even polished, but it resonated with readers. Done is better than perfect, and progress beats paralysis.
2. Community Matters: The power of community has been a recurring theme. From the AI webinars to Reddit threads, I learned that connecting with others is a two-way street. Like that time on r/buhaydigital when I shared a tip on workflow automation and ended up learning even more from the comments. Giving value and receiving value go hand-in-hand.
3. Vulnerability is Strength: Sharing my struggles and mistakes hasn’t been easy, but it’s been rewarding. For instance, admitting during a webinar that I didn’t have all the answers led to an attendee sharing a tool I now use daily. It’s okay not to have it all figured out. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s an invitation for collaboration.
4. Focus on What Matters: With so many tools, courses, and opportunities, it’s easy to get distracted. I’ve learned that being imperfect is okay—no one has it all figured out, including me. This year taught me that aligning my actions with my goals is less about having a perfect plan and more about taking consistent, intentional steps. Sure, there were days when I felt like a headless chicken juggling everything, but reflecting on what truly matters—like building meaningful connections and prioritizing impact—helped me navigate the chaos.

Personal Growth: Balancing Work and Life

This year, I prioritized my health more than ever. Nag-workout ako consistently, aiming for 10,000 steps a day (thanks to Matteo, my chow chow-husky mix, who doubles as my fitness coach). Journaling became a daily ritual, and practicing gratitude helped me navigate tough days. Atomic Habits by James Clear was a game-changer, teaching me how small, consistent actions create big impacts over time.

The Wins: Celebrating Milestones

One of the unexpected wins was landing an Australian client, despite my focus on Filipino businesses. It was a reminder that opportunities often come when you least expect them. This partnership not only validated my work but also expanded my perspective on how AI can solve global challenges.

Looking Ahead: Goals for 2025

As 2024 ends, I’m more motivated than ever to expand my reach and impact. My goals for next year include:

• Providing tailored AI automation solutions for both Filipino and foreign business owners, ensuring tools and strategies align with diverse business needs.
• Growing the Talyer AI community to become a hub for collaboration, learning, and upskilling among Filipinos embracing AI.
• Hosting more specialized workshops and webinars that delve deeper into advanced AI applications, catering to professionals and beginners alike.
• Achieving that elusive Make Academy Expert Badge, while continuously leveling up through more certifications and hands-on projects.
• Striking a better balance between work and life, with a focus on personal growth, family time, and, of course, more Matteo adventures.

Final Thoughts: A Year of Growth

2024 wasn’t perfect, but it was meaningful. It was a year of learning, unlearning, and relearning. From hosting webinars to building a community, from personal struggles to professional wins, every moment contributed to the person I am today.

If there’s one takeaway I want to leave you with, it’s this: progress isn’t linear, but it’s worth it. Let’s keep growing, learning, and making a difference — one step, one project, one conversation at a time.

Salamat for being part of my journey. Here’s to more wins (and lessons) in 2025!