“Pay attention, be astonished, tell about it” - Mary Oliver
I came across this quote a few times this year - as if it's been trying to find me! It's direct, proactive and full of energy. It is a good reminder that awe doesn't have to be rare or dramatic. It is something we can actively choose to make room for and share.
As Christmas approaches, the rush increases for a while before the pace finally eases. It always feels like a little space opens up to notice things that I might otherwise rush past.
As we head towards Christmas and prepare to welcome 2026, I am looking forward to a few days that invite exactly that rhythm: paying attention, being astonished now and then, and sharing whatever feels worth passing on.
That notion of awe is very much the theme this month - what it does for people and society and why tourism plays such an important role in creating the conditions for it.
I hope you enjoy this month's awe-inspired article and the Leadership Brief that goes with it.
Enjoy the rest of 2025 and I look forward to being back in touch again in January.
Beir bua
