Abidemi “Bids” Adesanya: Head of Legal, West Africa & ROW – Arla

Dear 2024

You have been a babe. A crazy, chaotic, momentous and joy-filled babe.

I started the year feeling like I couldn’t grow further in my organisation, convinced that a “Head of” title was beyond me. And yet, 2024, you proved me wrong. You brought me the promotion to Head of Legal for my business regions, a role that has amplified my voice among peers, colleagues, and even superiors like never before. You gave me resilience and emotional stability, helping me navigate the heartache of both romantic and platonic relationships.

For a long time, I consciously and unconsciously censored myself, striving to avoid making waves. I’m acutely aware of the stereotypes and microaggressions that come with being a female Black lawyer—the only Black woman in my office—and I have experienced them firsthand. But this year, I chose to release some of that fear. This year, I began asking for things I’d never dared to before – advocating for new benefits, adjustments to my role, pushing back where I would have previously caved and silently raged, negotiating on both personal and professional issues that I once couldn’t even imagine addressing. 2024, you have been a year of reclaiming my voice and stepping into my power.

This year has been full of highs, especially from a professional perspective, as I worked on some truly impactful projects for my organisation. This year also taught me the incredible value of having a champion and mentor at work, and the importance of cultivating more than one. Yet, the moments that meant the most to me were the personal ones shared with friends and family. I turned 40 this year and the celebrations were simple but so special. My nearest and dearest gathered in the garden, dressed in custom birthday “aso ebi”, wrapping me in love and joy. Reconnecting with friends and embarking on impromptu adventures brought an extra layer of magic to the year. The love and unwavering support of my friends and family are my greatest blessings—they inspire me, push me to grow, and challenge me to face my fears with courage. They see the vision, even when I hesitate, and challenge me to strive harder and aim higher. I couldn’t feel more loved or grateful for the incredible people in my life.

If I could change anything about this year, it would be pushing myself even harder toward my projects and dreams. I want to be more consistent with my writing, especially for my lifestyle journal, Bids in Graceland (https://www.bidsingraceland.com/), and to actively and intentionally seek connections with like-minded people in creative spaces.

The word that best captures this year for me is discomfort. 2024, you’ve been a year of joy and high points, but also of challenges—some deeply uncomfortable moments that required careful navigation. Yet, through (most of!) those moments, I discovered the joy and success waiting on the other side. Naturally, not everything turned out the way I had hoped—because life is life—but I’m proud of myself for embracing discomfort and daring to reach for more. Thanks to you 2024, I am resolved to push further to unlock new levels of creativity—in my career, my relationships, my writing, and every endeavour that holds meaning for me. 2024 may not have been a comfortable year, but it has undoubtedly been a great one. Thank you, 2024, for the strength you’ve instilled in me. I am ready to build on this foundation and welcome even greater growth in the years to come.