I shouldn’t be here. That’s the truth (more on that at the end). It’s only by the grace of God that I got to live 358 days to the fullest.
✨ What a year…honestly I don’t know how to even process it all. I am on a train to Munich writing this down. My heart is a flood of gratitude and wonder. 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary—not because it was perfect, but because it was full—full of lessons, challenges, and moments that reminded me why I do what I do.
This year was about saying yes.
Yes to opportunities.
Yes to challenges.
Yes to growth.
As I look back, I see a year stitched together by moments of courage and connection, by stories shared on stages, in green rooms, and across borders. Some moments that stand out…
A Year of Unlikely Beginnings
This January, I found myself in Milan—fashion capital of the world—hosting Roland Berger’s Winter Partner Meetup for the third time. I kicked off the year in a city that reminded me of creativity, innovation, and community. Whether it was moderating Managing Directors’ talks or leading spontaneous piano sing-alongs, Milan set the tone for a year of meaningful connections.
???? I never thought I’d say these words, but I produced a documentary this year that got selected to 9 film festivals and won 3 international awards!! In February we organized 4 film premieres in four countries. So grateful to my amazing director Tilo Turian, our international team, and the incredible stories of the Give Hope community.
Learning Through Hustle
From the polished conference stages of Germany to the sun-soaked streets of Dubai, 2024 was a whirlwind. And behind the smiles and energy on stage are the untold stories of canceled flights, overnight trips on Flixbus, the relentless work ethic and the support of the team making it all happen.
There was this one particular week when I moderated 4 events in 4 countries back-to-back.
There was the incredible privilege of hosting the Ethereum Blockchain Awards and giving Lifetime Achievement Awards to the Ethereum founders who all flew to Zug for the event.
There was the roar of 10,000 marketers in Budapest.
There was the joy of returning to ImpactCEE for the 7th year to host my 10th event with them.
There was that one crazy moment when I instigated a spontaneous dance party with startups from 40 universities representing 20 countries at StageTwo in Berlin.
Was it exhausting? Meh.
Was it worth it? Absolutely!
The People Who Shaped the Year
No journey is made alone. I’m grateful for the people who walked alongside me—friends, family, and a team that made the impossible possible.
To my father, whose wisdom and encouragement grounded me. To my mother, who is the hardest working person I know, effortlessly running my company. To my sister, who brings creativity and passion to our social media content. They are the reason I give my best everyday.
To my team, spread right across the world. Our team logs in to the weekly meetings from Ecuador, Mexico, Bermuda, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Ireland, UAE and India. We punch well above our weight generating 100s of 1000s of views on our content monthly, inspiring people in over 60 countries around the world, and giving 100% everyday.
And to every client and partner who trusted me with your stages, your community and your stories—thank you. You’ve taught me the power of listening and giving me the most amazing opportunities to impact and love people.
Something I haven’t shared
This year was hard. I faced many untold struggles. I’m not ready to talk about those yet. But here are some learnings.
Growth isn’t neat.
It’s messy, uncomfortable, and often inconvenient.
God and family are everything
However hard it got, I relied on the unwavering love of God and family.
Gratitude keeps you in the game
When you know it’s all God’s grace and favor, it makes you say THANK YOU!
Looking Ahead with FIRE in my belly
I’m grateful for the moments of pause, like celebrating birthdays with family in the UAE.
For the moments of reflection, like producing a film that’s touched lives worldwide.
And for the moments of action, like stepping on stages across continents to share the message of Start Now, Start Simple.
I don’t know what 2025 has in store, but I feel this fire in my belly to be DISRUPTIVE. There is so much to do. So much more to be. So many more ways to serve, to love.
Thank you for 2024. Genuinely. Here’s to 2025!
Dan Ram
DanRam is Europe’s leading moderator / event MC and keynote speaker. Known for his highly engaging approach to hosting high profile events, he empowers audiences to “Start Now, Start Simple.” Facilitating groundbreaking conversations on innovation, technology, and leadership he shares the stage with luminaries like President Barack Obama, Sir Richard Branson, record-breaking athletes, and Hollywood celebrities. His international portfolio includes colleges, parliaments, Fortune 500 companies, and the biggest tech conferences on 4 continents. Fostering diversity of thought, perspectives, and voices from 30 person board rooms to 30,000 person stadiums make him a much sought-after and highly adaptable communicator in the event industry.
Congrats on overcoming the No with an emphatic Yes. Choosing to look to the Yes than the No. All the best for the coming year. Thanks for the great tips as usual.