Lessons learnt from my niece.

Lily, my niece, had asked me a while ago if she could shadow me for her work experience. She came to me last Tuesday night, after completing her Duke Of Edinburgh Award Scheme bronze absolutely shattered and yet raring to go.

I'd organised a few days packed with diverse activities and invaluable lessons that exposed her to various aspects of professional life. Lots of help and support from my network Zing365 , JOE BROWNS LTD and the Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA) . Along with some great local community groups who I volunteer for.

From exploring iconic landmarks to observing online learning programs and engaging in networking events, Lily demonstrated an impressive ability to adapt and learn.

Exploring London: The Walkie Talkie Building and Sky Garden

An early start, we were on the 6:30am train to London. Our adventure began with a visit to the Walkie Talkie Building and the Sky Garden. For Lily, it was a glimpse into a part of London she hadn’t experienced before. The panoramic views of the city from the Sky Garden were breathtaking and sparked conversations about the significance of perspective—both literally and metaphorically. It was a reminder that seeing things from different angles can provide new insights and inspiration. It also confirmed that Lily was a city girl at heart and this has fuelled her ambitions to work in London in the future.

Observing an Online Learning Sales Programme

Lily then had the opportunity to observe my online learning sales programme. This experience highlighted the importance of being present and fully engaged when encouraging others to participate in and benefit from learning opportunities. She saw first hand how enthusiasm and genuine interest can create a positive learning environment and drive engagement. It was a lesson in the power of presence and active involvement.

Networking at the MGAA Conference

Next on our agenda was attending a conference hosted by the Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA) (MGAA). This event was an excellent platform for Lily to learn about networking and business development. She observed how to identify opportunities, initiate conversations, and make meaningful connections using the social platform LinkedIn . That was an interesting conversation especially in the world of SnapChat and TikTok. Collecting exciting merchandise was an added bonus, but the real value lay in understanding how to engage in discussions that could lead to future business relationships.

A massive thank you to all that took the time to explain what they did to Lily; Andrew Tobin , Kloé Wright , Alex Goldstone , Baldassare (Barry) Sciara and colleagues, Mark Winder , Tony Pinch - Lily was so grateful to you for making it all make sense. To Jo Shorthouse and Amanda Jane F. for always being amazing. And to James Read and Michelle Bresnahan who supported me and organised the office space and the conference attendance. A great working demonstration of the power of networks and reputation.

Behind the Scenes of a Fashion Brand

We also visited a fashion brand JOE BROWNS LTD to understand the intricacies of merchandising. Lily got a behind-the-scenes look at how products are developed, marketed, and displayed in stores. This visit brought to life the importance of professional behaviours and personal boundaries, which we had discussed in previous training sessions run for Zing365 . A conversation with the HR lead Sophie Metcalf, MA, MBA, Chartered FCIPD. about people policies provided further insights into the operational side of the fashion industry. We took a trip to the Meadowhall store to see how the work behind the scenes translated to store.

Supporting Parents of Special Educational Needs Children

Our week culminated in a volunteer session with parents of special educational needs children, focusing on resilience. This session aimed to support those who are tirelessly advocating for their children. Lily’s participation in this session helped her see the significance of empathy and resilience, both in professional settings and personal lives. It was a real insight to how life skills can help those who are helping others.

Lily - SOUTH BROMSGROVE HIGH ACADEMY TRUST pupil

Throughout the week, Lily demonstrated skills far beyond her years. She was polite, professional, and eager to engage in discussions, sharing her insights and ambitions. What stood out most was her ability to embrace the variety of experiences with no fear and a growth mindset. She rolled with the mix of activities and made the most of every moment.

Sharing my work reminded me of the importance of adaptability, presence, and a positive attitude. This week was a testament to the value of exposing young minds to diverse experiences and the incredible potential they hold. Lily’s willingness to learn and engage was truly inspiring, and I look forward to seeing her continue to grow and succeed.

Kevin Mills and Kelly Round, be proud parents and thank you for supporting Lily in her work experience, she is a wonderful young woman and was a real pleasure to have around.

If you have any similar experiences or lessons learned from sharing your work with young family members, I’d love to hear about them in the comments below.