How to gain sponsorship....
Stellar job opportunities and promotions are rarely advertised.
These roles don’t go to the most qualified candidate; they go to the most connected. How to advance your career and gain access to the hidden job market is a perennial challenge for most people in the Payments eco-system.
How do you solve this challenge?
I previously had a fireside conversation with Keith Douglas, CEO, Vocalink Limited which has helped highlight different approaches to different solutions. Keith has benefitted from the catalysing effect of sponsorship and advocacy, and in turn, others have received his sponsorship and advocacy.
Keith is driven by his values and the desire to be the best version of himself, which allow him to play to his strengths and to seek opportunities that align. He enjoys leading – it enables him to make an impact and choose his narrative.
Here are my key takeaways:
“Together is always better” – Keith knows that having high-calibre people around him directly impacts his ability to learn and grow. By being curious and not judgemental, he keeps learning, which makes him a better leader. Facing any challenge together, means that the team can own mistakes and move forward to seek opportunity.
“The vital first step is to stop, reflect and get ready to ask. Knowing yourself, understand what you bring and why it’s valuable. It's a two-way street, which unlocks relationships and aligns to the self-interest of both parties.”
?Keith is renowned for dealing with setbacks gracefully and shared that when faced with challenges you have three choices - they can define you, destroy you, or make you stronger. He chooses the latter.
“As a leader have your hand on your team members’ back rather than in their face. Advice to younger self - listen, for what's not being said during interactions andmeetings. Ensure that a quieter voice is being heard and given a platform for the benefit of better decision-making.”
Final thoughts from Keith:
“A reoccurring theme I hope for your audience is about being the best version of yourself. As Oscar Wilde once said, ‘Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.’”
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My challenge to you over the Easter break is: how can you improve your asking and gain sponsorship for your next career move?
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Click on the link below to watch the full interview:
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We will take a short break over Easter and the newsletter will return on 15th April
Our purpose at Payments Leaders Advisory is to transform Payments leaders’ mindsets, confidence, and results. For them to achieve their potential through the power of life-enhancing connections, shared experiences, and collaborative learning.
We achieve this by unlocking the ‘latent ability’ within talented individuals and teams. If you have found this article valuable, please like, re-share and pass it on to a colleague or to your trusted network whom it could help at this stage of their leadership career.
If you are a decency led leader, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have a challenge and want to work with a trusted partner, to [email protected]
Thanks again for taking the time to have this discussion and posting this Adrian Evans. I have been very fortunate throughout my career to have had the benefit of people’s sponsorship and I still rely on that today.
Vice President, Head of Revenue & Sales Operations
11 个月Love the quote 'together is always better'. A principle that Keith has always upheld as a leader.