This month’s Member Spotlight features Harley Hochstetler CPMgr FIML, Executive Director of International Operations Hubs at Nielsen. Harley’s passion for continuous improvement and knack for tackling challenges with innovative solutions have made a meaningful impact on his teams and clients, simplifying and enhancing their work and lives.
In this engaging feature, Harley shares his approach to preparing for 2025, offering actionable tips and strategies to help you set yourself up for success in the year ahead. Don’t miss his advice for driving growth and achieving your goals!
1. As a Certified Practising Manager, what is your vision for 2025, and how does this accreditation align with your professional goals?
As I look to the coming year, I anticipate significant changes within the media industry, as well as in my own professional journey. Earning my CPMgr accreditation is an essential step that I took to ensure I am prepared for whatever challenges and opportunities come my way.
2. What key industry trends or developments do you foresee impacting your field in 2025, and how are you positioning yourself to adapt?
The media landscape continues to evolve, with linear TV giving way to personalised streaming services that cater to individual preferences. I also foresee AI playing an increasingly pivotal role, broadening the scope of work and offering more flexibility in balancing time commitments. So to stay ahead, I am actively taking courses to deepen my understanding of AI—its applications and potential—and exploring ways to integrate this knowledge into my work in the coming years.
3. Can you share any specific goals or milestones you’ve set for yourself in 2025? How are you working towards achieving them?
I am aiming to shift more towards being work centred on knowledge sharing, including consulting, coaching, and business process improvement. For over a year, I have been sending out daily learning tips to team leaders and colleagues, and next year, I plan to expand this initiative into a more focused approach, with an emphasis on the area of social media.
4. What are the three things that you’re doing to set yourself up for success in 2025?
Knowing what to do depends on what happens, the three important strategies for me are:
- Mastering the use of AI.
- Establishing myself as a knowledgeable voice in leadership and development.
- Remaining open and receptive to emerging opportunities.
5. What are the best things you’ve watched, read or listened to this year?
This year, I’ve gained valuable insights from various workshops and sessions, both virtual and in-person. Some highlights include:
- Adam Grant: Unlocking Human Potential in Transforming Work Life
- IML ANZ’s Development Days particularly What Does Culture Eat for Lunch?
- IML ANZ’s MPSN, webinars and Leader Connect sessions
- Agile Leadership: Navigating Change in the Unknown
- The AWS Summit session on AI
Additionally, I found great value in offering two sessions on Agile Leadership to my direct reports and peers, which sparked engaging discussions and practical takeaways.
When it comes to books, two that stood out are:
- Strength to Strength – A thought-provoking exploration of the two stages of working life: building success and finding fulfillment.
- Limitless – A guide to learning better and faster, with strategies to unlock your potential.
