My Story - Six Months In.

My Marketing Director ( Kate Sherratt ) approached me and asked me to put pen to paper about my experience at Reward so far. She gave no guidelines, just asked that I write an honest & raw blog about what I've learnt in my first six months, and what I'd want others to take away from my experience.

Thank you, Kate for allowing me the space to be vulnerable. So here it is, my first six months in my own words, hope you enjoy.?

1. There are no silly questions, so ask them all.?

Starting a new job is always somewhat scary, and a lot of people are hesitant of asking questions, afraid their questions will be viewed as "silly" or "foolish". My seniors/colleagues of all levels made it clear from the get-go to ask any and every question I have. So I did, no matter how insecure I was about the question at the time.?

Questioning things in business is everything - you learn faster, build better relationships, and bring in a new perspective. Your "silly" question about that existing process could lead to improving efficiency and saving your colleague’s time.

So, step out of your comfort zone, ask all the questions you can, and be a sponge; I promise you'll thank yourself for it later.?

?

2. Find a company that shares the same values (and vibes) as you.?

In my previous company, I was titled "Chief Vibe Officer", as vibes to me are everything. When the vibes are low, the team is low. Vibes = productivity.?

Ask yourself what is important to you & then find it in your next company.

I made it clear early in the interview process that I was looking for a company that I could learn & grow with. I desperately needed mentors, people that cared about my growth and development ,and boy did I find that in bucket loads (shout out Kate Sherratt , Massimo Amigoni , Amber Morrison & Hollie Camm ).

Being in a supportive, caring company like Reward makes the vibes sweet every day.?

3. Put your hand up & be vulnerable. You'll thank yourself later.?

A lot of us are scared to admit when we're wrong or when we're not able to operate at our full capacity (whether that be mental health or physically related). Being vulnerable in your place of work is a scary thought, because we're taught we're meant to be 100% at work 100% of the time, no one can know we're real humans with real emotions, right? WRONG.?

Reward made it clear that when we're not "okay" - whatever that may mean to us, we put our hand up and we ask for help. I have never felt this level of support and love from a business before and it's incredible to be a part of. Being vulnerable at Reward has opened more doors for me that I could've imagined, all because I felt comfortable speaking my mind and confiding in my peers.

A massive shout out to Reward for their constant support, love and understanding throughout my journey so far.?

?

4. Celebrate the small wins.

Ya know what they say, "success is a series of small victories" or "little by little one walks far"? Listen to those words. Especially as a Junior, live by those words. It may not feel like you're making progress all the time, but if you look back at where you started and what you're capable of now, you'd be surprised.?

Reward lets us celebrate the wins, no matter how big or small. The employee recognition in this company is mind blowing - from multiple shout outs on the all-staff email, to "Rewarding You" , a monthly initiative where employees vote for colleagues who have best demonstrated our company values.?

I don't know about you guys, but I enjoy recognition, in all shapes and sizes! It makes me feel valued, fuels the hunger to improve and puts a smile on my face. Find a company that shows its employees recognition and one that celebrates the small wins.?

5. Be water.

In the famous words of Bruce Lee, "Don't get set into one form, adapt it and build your own, and let it grow, be like water." This quote struck a chord in me - and has stayed with me ever since. Life is about growing, learning, and adapting to new processes, challenges, stages, etc.?

Being in a fast-paced environment like Reward, one needs to roll with the punches, adapt to last minute changes and use these disruptions as learning curves. I've found the most growth in being in uncomfortable situations, but growth is meant to be uncomfortable - the only way to grow is to not get set in one form and adapt to it. Be okay with being uncomfortable, use that adrenaline to better yourself, your confidence and resilience.?

So, when it comes to your job, be water. Adapt, change, grow.?

?