Nuggets from a Career Journey.

Some of my mentees usually ask how I navigated my career in the humanitarian and development sectors and if there was any wisdom that I could share. I have had a fulfilling professional career for over 25 years, 15 of which in leadership positions working across Africa and Asia, working in emergency response operations, hard-to-reach, insecure contexts, and in developed and developing countries.

Some golden nuggets, life lessons, and career advice that have helped me along the way:

1.???????Family First: Family is everything and when all is said and done, we all go back to our families. Jobs come and go but our family is irreplaceable- so put them first, mend your relationship with your family- parents, spouse, children, relatives, and be deliberate. Be present and active in the lives of your children as they grow. Create a solid relationship that lasts a lifetime. The blessings and benefits of this are immeasurable and you won’t regret it. Also, prioritize your well-being and maintain a healthy work-life integration.

2.???????Have Passion and Purpose: What is a career without purpose and passion? What does the world give you and what do you give to the world? Find purpose in life and engage in work that aligns with your passion and values. Find meaning in what you do and let it drive your motivation and help you make a difference.

3.???????Education and Continuous Learning: Always invest in yourself in all aspects of life and sharpen your saw. We live in a constantly evolving world and change is the only constant- so never stop learning. Invest in your professional career so that you can stay up-to-date, relevant, adaptable and competitive. Life is a balance of learning, self-evaluation, and evolution- be it education, skills, spiritual life, etc. Investing in yourself is the best investment you can ever make. This will improve your life and the lives of those around you

4.???????Growth Mindset and Striving for Excellence: Whatever you do in your career and family always do your best and exceed expectations. Take every situation and setback as an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a lasting change. Make meaningful connections, surround yourself with people with a growth mindset, seek feedback and avail opportunities for continuous improvement. Where there is the will, effort, and improvement there is growth.

5.???????Authenticity, Humility, and Values: Be true to your personality, values, and emotions regardless of the pressure that you're under to act otherwise, and always stay humble however high you rise on your career ladder. Do not change with the tide. Lead yourself before leading others, use emotional intelligence to navigate the leadership journey, and never allow power to corrupt or use emotions instead of your head and heart. Let your moral compass (values you live by) guide you in the actions and decisions you make.

6.???????Network: This is your net worth. There are people in your industry or area of specialization who have excelled and made a difference, connect with such people who inspire you, find mentors, and engage in deep conversations that uplift you. These people can be within your organizations, family or outside- Reach out to them!

7.???????Professional bodies and Accreditation: Join professional bodies and be an active member. This may come at a cost however, they provide various networking opportunities such as conferences, seminars, webinars, online forums, and mentorship programs and a chance to connect with peers, develop skills, and progress in your careers. This could be ACCA, CIPS, IHRM-K, KISM, ACFE, CILT, etc.

8.???????Believe and connect with your creator: Invest in your spiritual growth and be connected to your creator. Islam teaches that God has instilled in all people a predisposition towards having faith, enjoying a meaningful relationship with God, and living a life of doing good. Engage in regular prayers and reflection, seek, praise, and thank God for all the bounties and blessings of God of life.

“The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.”?—M. Scott Peck

Share the nuggets that have helped you navigate your career journeys. Remember sharing is caring!