SEASONS GREETINGS FROM THE NEXUS TEAM

In the final days of 2024, the Nexus APAC team wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season!

We look forward to returning in 2025, bringing brand-new insights, strategy and analysis.

But it’s not Christmas without…..the Nexus Christmas EDM! As per tradition, we’ve compiled some of our reflections on 2024 and some recommendations for the year ahead.

Nick Campbell – Chair

Spotify Wrapped for 2024: Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey.  A classic but a good listen – also with some useful remix including 2024.

It’s not Christmas without…… going “all in” on Christmas – Family Gatherings, Carols, Christmas Bangers, Trees, Lots of Lights, Food, Movies (Love Actually & Christmas Vacation etc) and lots of Christmas Spirit!

TV shows I am looking forward to bingeing these holidays:  The Silent Service – Series 2 (Japanese TV Series) about a rouge nuclear submarine.

What was your best event/experience in 2024, and what are you looking forward to in 2025? 

2024 was a wonderful family holiday in Japan (Kyoto and Nozawa Onsen).  Looking forward to the Cook islands in 2025!

Cathy Duncan – Director of Operations

Spotify Wrapped for 2024: Story of My Life from SHREK the Musical (don’t ask)

It’s not Christmas without…… A Bailey’s on ice on Christmas Eve while watching the Melbourne Carols on TV.

TV shows I am looking forward to bingeing these holidays: I’ve been told I would enjoy The Diplomat.

What was your best event/experience in 2024, and what are you looking forward to in 2025?

In 2024, the best experience was watching two of my daughters in SHREK the Musical (see Q1). What am I looking forward to in 2025? Not finding SHREK songs on my Spotify Wrapped for next year.

Addison Ridge – Director, Federal Government & Policy

Spotify Wrapped for 2024: Stargazing by Myles Smith

It’s not Christmas without…… Backyard Cricket & spending time with family by my parents’ pool.

TV shows I am  looking forward to bingeing these holidays: Gavin & Stacey, Final Christmas Special

What was your best event/experience in 2024, and what are you looking forward to in 2025?

My best experience in 2024 – was the incredible Nexus team support after my back injury in April. In 2025, I’m looking forward to heading to Europe (and the federal election!)

Justin Fazzolari – Director

Spotify Wrapped for 2024:  La Nostra Pelle by Willie Peyote.

It’s not Christmas without……My dad dressing up as Santa Clause for my nieces and nephews on Christmas morning

TV shows I am looking forward to bingeing these holidays: Will be bingeing podcasts and a few books instead!

What was your best event/experience in 2024, and what are you looking forward to in 2025?

Best experience in 2024 was finishing off some renovations. In 2025 I’m looking forward to the Wests Tigers making the top 8.

Rebecca Dickson – Senior Consultant 

Spotify Wrapped for 2024: The Rope by Lane8  

It’s not Christmas without…… Cooking a Christmas feast for the family with my mum.

TV shows I am looking forward to bingeing these holidays: Looking forward to bingeing a few holiday books by the beach instead!

What was your best event/experience in 2024, and what are you looking forward to in 2025?

The best experience was my first road trip over the 2024 summer holiday period, and looking forward to doing it bigger and better this summer!

Jessica Brownette – Consultant

Spotify Wrapped for 2024: Unsurprisingly, Billie Eilish took out my Top 3 songs for 2024 from her new album Hit Me Hard & Soft. My favourite has to be Chihiro, though, it’s very easy listening.

It’s not Christmas without……Baking gingerbread cookies with my sister with the intention to share with friends and family (though whether that actually happens each year remains to be seen!).

Another Christmas essential is visiting the impressive Borgnis Street Christmas lights in Davidson each year. It’s a nostalgic tradition, strolling up and down the street with a melting Mr Whippy soft serve in hand, soaking in the festive magic.

TV shows I am looking forward to binging these holidays: I’ve fallen behind, so I plan to catch up on the latest season of The Bear. As stressful as it is, I can’t seem to stop watching!

What was your best event/experience in 2024, and what are you looking forward to in 2025?

I don’t think anything can top being proposed to at Mount Fuji earlier this year! Next year, I’m looking forward to the various concerts I’ll be attending, including Peach Pit, Still Woozy and Tyler the Creator (and also a little bit of wedding planning among those!)

Adelaide Hayes – Analyst

Spotify Wrapped for 2024: You’re Not the Only One I Know – The Sundays.

It’s not Christmas without……A Die Hard movie marathon.

TV shows I am looking forward to bingeing these holidays: None— sadly, I’ll binge-watch lectures for a summer University course instead.

What was your best event/experience in 2024, and what are you looking forward to in 2025?

Hiking in Albania was beautiful and unforgettable – I’d recommend the Valbona Pass, the Blue Eye, and the Grunas Waterfall. In 2025, I’m looking forward to (hopefully and finally) graduating from University!

Jesse Park – Analyst

Spotify Wrapped for 2024: Footsteps in the Dark by the Isley Brothers

It’s not Christmas without……Old-timey Christmas songs (by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, etc.), Christmas ham, and late-night socialising with friends and family.

TV shows I am are looking forward to bingeing these holidays: The Penguin, Skeleton Crew and Secret Level.

What was your best event/experience in 2024, and what are you looking forward to in 2025?

My best experience in 2024 was joining the Nexus team! In early 2025, looking forward to driving the Great Ocean Road with friends.

Josh Vines – Researcher

Spotify Wrapped for 2024: My top song was “Follow You to Virgie” by Tyler Childers – a bit of a sad song unfortunately, but what can you do? I was more intrigued that I managed to listen to over 4,000 different artists this year!

It’s not Christmas without……I think time at the beach or in the sun is requisite! I’ve never longed for a snowy Christmas, and I love our Southern Hemisphere Christmas!

TV shows I am looking forward to bingeing these holidays: Continuing to watch “The Day of the Jackal” on binge. It’s an easy-viewing action show, and Eddie Redmayne provides an interesting alternative to typical action typecasts.

What was your best event/experience in 2024, and what are you looking forward to in 2025?

Hands down, my 100km run through the Blue Mountains in May, picturesque and gruelling, already signed on for next year.

Grace Campbell – Researcher

Spotify Wrapped for 2024: I was obsessed with House of the Dragon this year. So I listened to Reign of the Targaryens by Ramin Djawadi, the show’s ‘main theme’ on repeat.

It’s not Christmas without……Singing along to Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve with the whole family.

TV shows I am looking forward to bingeing these holidays? I’ve heard really good things about Kevin Can F*** Himself. It is a dark comedy spin on the classic sitcom genre, which seems intriguing. Anything that starring Annie Murphy (from Schitts Creek) is a show worth watching!

What was your best event/experience in 2024, and what are you looking forward to in 2025?

I enjoyed travelling to Japan in 2024! I loved visiting Shirakawa-go Gassho-Zukuri Minka-en, an open-air museum that recreates a traditional Japanese farming village.

In 2025, I want to go see the Pompeii Immersive Exhibition at the National Museum of Australia.  For a history-lover who hasn’t quite made it over the ocean to the real thing (yet), this exhibition is a dream come true.