My LinkedIn is a mess. It is littered with 38 work experiences which range from Board roles to startup investments and jobs I have had throughout my career.
Scrolling towards the bottom, I find my first ‘real job’ outside of M&S and the Spurs store. It was a job at EY as part of the Graduate Advisory programme.
I was looking over my interview notes that I prepared ahead of the final interview at EY recently. Some of the notes were fascinating such as references to ‘valuing difference and culture’ to talking up my ‘transferrable skills’.
One of my favourite lines was this one, in response to the question, what motivates you?
“The opportunity to challenge the status quo and not only tick boxes but think creatively and laterally”.
I found it emotionally brilliant reading this and reflecting on how I have challenged the status quo throughout my life, such as:
- Backpacking across South America in my early 20’s
- Starting a business with my brother and friends during university (which is still around today!)
- Becoming Managing Director at Backstage Capital and investing in underrepresented founders
- Training over 600+ professionals from all backgrounds through Angel Investing School
- Consulting through Psalt to upskill leadership on inclusive behaviours and catalyse a deeper personal connection that results in a personal mindset shift for organisations like Tesco, Diageo and Nandos
Looking back and connecting the dots, it is easy to see so many breadcrumbs from back then that still hold today.
I am so happy to journal and keep track of things like this as it often provides a window into the future connecting who I was to who I am today.
For example, I know my genius is all about making authentic connections and my personal mission is about creating pathways to opportunity through entrepreneurship for people from all backgrounds. Through coaching, consulting and investing, I align heavily with this mission.
My Genius is at work when I seek to understand the world and teach others what I know. To seek and share the truth!
Do you know when your Genius is at Work?