Career Lessons at 40
In the lead up to my 40th Birthday I began to reflect on the lessons I’d made in my career.
I realised there were a few brilliant people to thank, and a lot of helpful lessons.
I have always had a driven nature, but I’ve not often felt as smart or adept as those around me. I have a passion for business, marketing, digital commerce and love working with people.
I have however been fortunate to work at great places and work with formidable people. I am really inspired by great leadership, be great ideas, by pragmatic business minds.
Here are a few of my top lessons, at 40!
No matter how hard you work, you often need someone to give you a break. I'm very grateful to Hanna who helped me move into e-commerce.
As COVID hit, I became curious about online. We didn't know the impact it would have on the Australian market but I was really passionate about it.
This was not technically in my job description but Hanna gave me the virtual floor to share insights, and opportunities to talk to global counterparts too. Behind the scenes I also began studying...
Thanks to Hanna’s backing, I moved into a Digital Commerce role in 2021. A dream job that I thought I'd left too late to move into... PAH!
THE LESSON : if you see someone light up around a topic, nurture it and give them a break if you can.
You won’t regret it.
In his first few weeks Dan told me he’d reviewed our pay & benefits. I must have been out of whack with my peers as a few months later, I was wealthier and with wheels.
Not only did Dan put his money where his values were, he also encouraged me to play big.
Dan elevated the role of Marketing in our business and my role expanded, working on the brand strategy, leading, and delivering marketing plans, true ownership of the instore budget.
This was back in 2008 but Dan’s coaching around ‘Red hot planning and Commercial acumen’ is timeless; skills I always look to hone and instil in others too.
THE LESSON (well two this time)
1. Have courage to resolve unequal pay if you have a seat at the table.
2. Think differently about your function, you could do it differently to how it has been done before.
THANK YOU #3
REPUTATION MATTERS
Alex Cole, Corporate Affairs Leader
Alex headed up the Corporate Affairs Team when I worked at Sainsbury’s. And was formidable.
Sainsbury’s sponsored the Olympics in 2012. The business was buzzing, it was such an exciting time.
Every Quarter, Sainsbury’s reported their results to the City and the CEO was often leading the charge on the business news.
I realised how this businesses’ reputation was no accident, for many reasons - great food, great values - and leaders like Alex.
Watching how she led the business during the horsemeat scandal in the UK was inspiring. Managing the narrative, the focus was on transparency, though Sainsbury’s were found to not have any contaminated meat.
You could hear Alex’s laughter as soon as you were on her team’s floor. She spoke passionately, quickly, and gave everyone she met a piece of knowledge around how to represent the business.
To Alex, along with Sarah Warby, Judith Batcher and Helen Hunter, thanks for being the ultimate role models.
LESSON: Love what you do & share your knowledge widely.
THANK YOU #4
REVERSE MENTORING
Rachel, Kerry, Khilna, Sam, Bianca
A big thank you to the team who took on this first-time manager.
A group of smart, creative, ambitious women.
I read books on ‘How to be a good Manager’ as I moved to London at 25. It was growth mindset before I knew the term.
However, its like a relationship being ‘a manager’ (hear me out). You have your ideal self, and then this other self when abit stressed or abit tired. Not so ideal.
I learnt a huge amount from the team as it changed over the years. Different styles and skillsets. Lots of ambition and progress.
Their sense of teamwork was next level – they’d not leave the office if one of the team still had a lot to do, always asking if they could chip in.
We had a good laugh too. I have a few pics like below where the guard was down which was not in 'How to be a good Manager'.
Years later I remember the challenges, their feedback, what I did right and what I didn't do as well, but mainly the real sense of ‘team’.
LESSON: The best lessons are from your team, not books. Seek and Give feedback between you and your manager, you both benefit.
Make it stand out
THANK YOU #5
GRACE AND GRIT
Michelle Cassettari, GM
Sales roles have a perception of requiring hard faced, bullish behaviour. Watching Michelle in action soon proves the opposite.
Michelle is one of the most charming people you can meet. Well known, friendly, positive, inclusive. Seeing her mix in the industry is testament to her likeability.
Yet when reviewing the numbers, forming a commercial strategy, or negotiating, she easily moves soon into a style where you know she means business. Her knowledge, approach, and quick thinking forms solutions to benefit all parties. Its impressive to watch
I made a big leap in my career when I moved to Australia. Category, and then Customer Development (or sales). Michelle showed me the ropes, both challenging and very supportive.
LESSON: Have your own style, its easier to do business with someone who knows their stuff and is likeable too.
Michelle will be one of interviewees, on Fire and Forte. I am celebrating my 40th this weekend and then I’ll share more!
THANK YOU #6
MENTORS: OPPOSITES ATTRACT
Paul O’Hara
When you’re biggest challenger becomes your mentor.
Our project had taken us to property and we were to influence some of the new stores that were being built. Paul O’Hara pushed back. I really felt in his eyes we’d approached the project ALL WRONG.
I was given the advice to get closer – both to understand his point of view and to understand how I came across to such a different person. Our first coffee was a revelation. He didn’t hate me. He didn’t hate the project. He didn’t hate the work. He just loved a robust challenge. Oh… riiiight!
Paul gave me the most brilliant interview practice. I would keep falling at the first hurdle ‘tell us abit about yourself’ became a warbling life story that made the interviewers eyes glaze over.
We sat in the local Pret rehearsing my job interviews for Australia. My interview technique was honed, and I have shared his advice to many a friend or colleague since.
Make it stand out
THANK YOU #7
EMPATHY AT WORK
Kristin Knight
I was once told by a colleague that her advice for the corporate world was to “Leave Your Emotions at the Door”.
I thought that was manageable. Then my personal life took an unexpected turn and I began to struggle.
Kirstin Knight was a determined leader, passionate about our brands and team. She was also fiercely protective. She swooped in picking up on a problem and quietly gave me some time off.
To know you don’t need to worry about your livelihood as you sort some things out is torthe greatest comfort. Life happens whilst you’re at work to.
This ties in to Nicky’s Ted Talk on Love in the workplace. It helps bring the best out in people when you don’t have to wear a mask
LESSON: Take time to get into someone else’s shoes, show empathy and you’re team will feel safer.
THANK YOU #8
Ling Tsang
THE BENEFIT OF STRAIGHT TALKING
We all need a BFF at work. And I’ve had some great ones.
Often sponsored by coffee you help each other grow and navigate your career. From Ling I learnt how to being direct can be done in a non-confronting way.
Ling talks fast, works fast, frowns if she disagrees, challenges, and takes the mickey. This style can stand out and is so refreshing. If she does not agree with something she will say it there and then. This saves times and shows complete transparency.
And no one gets hurt.
THANK YOU #9
Elliot Ravasio
PLAY BIG
Looking back I’ve realised there have been times I felt I needed to play small. And then you have leaders and colleagues who encourage you to play Big.
Elliot Ravasio is that person. What’s next? Why not? Where could that go? Why not you? Why not now?
Those around you often see your strengths and potential more than you can. Their encouragement, abit of a nudge here and there and you grow.
Tom Hampson, Bert Naber, Karl Martin, have pushed me over the last 10 or so years. Just get on and do it.
Recently I told Elliot about Fire and Forte, he lit up and told me all the reasons why this was the right thing for me.
With coaches like that, we could all be the superstars we’re meant to be
And now I am daring to GO BIG following my Fabulous 40th Birthday in Sydney.
THANK YOU #10
MY FIRST GUESTS
My 40th Birthday last week was a pinch myself moment! Dancing in the sun with great friends in sunny Sydney. Never ever thought I'd be here a decade ago.
Hugely grateful to work for a purpose driven business and for encouraging friends and colleagues. I thought people could laugh at my new side hustle - they didn't (although I realised I was enjoying it too much to care!).
Fire and Forte is about finding your passion, knowing your strengths, and having the bravery to go after them.
Life is short, just do it!
I have had the privilege of speaking to the below women over the last few months. Find out more on my LinkedIn page Fire and Forte.
Severine Yerriah - Authenticity in Leadership
Suzy Harvey - A new me: Music and Marathon Running
Clare Muscutt (WiCX) - Building and Rebuilding your own business
Lavinia D. Osbourne - Diversity and Financial Education in Blockchain
Dalal Mansour -Thriving in the Beauty Industry
By Hannah Maude
