Paralympian Anne Wafula's career lessons; resetting after PTO; and much more
Hello and welcome to the latest issue of LinkedIn Insider UK. I'm Yessi Bello-Perez , the community and segments lead at LinkedIn News UK .
For this special edition, we've spoken to Anne Wafula Strike MBE, PLY , a former paralympian wheelchair racer, about her career trajectory. We are also looking at how to reset after a holiday, how to know whether you're in the right job, and much more.
Here you'll find just some of the topics currently top of mind for members. Want to add your own perspective to the conversation? Please post about any of the prompts below from your profile for the opportunity to be featured by LinkedIn's Editorial team.
Resetting after a holiday?
Whether you've gone on a holiday or not this summer, the pace at work is often slower during July and August. So as we prepare for the autumn and winter months ahead and the return to a busier pace at work, we would like to hear from you. How do you reset at work after a break or quieter summer period? What advice would you share with other professionals for taking stock and starting back up again?
Share your contribution in a post from your profile, using this link . LinkedIn's editorial team will highlight the best comments as part of its summer coverage.?
?? Why not make it a video??
If you're struggling for inspiration to do your own video on the subject, check out Emily Spaven 's, managing editor for the UK and Europe at LinkedIn News, latest contribution:?
In light of the Paralympics 2024 starting next week, we spoke with Anne Wafula Strike MBE, PLY , credited with being one of the first female wheelchair racers from Africa to compete at the Paralympics in Athens in 2004. Two years later, in 2006, Wafula became a British citizen and joined Team GB.
Since retiring from full-time athletics, Wafula has focused on campaigning for disabled and socially disadvantaged people all over the world and founded the Olympia-Wafula Foundation to promote healthy-living solutions among differently-abled and disadvantaged people, with special emphasis on education and advocacy.
We spoke to her about her career journey and the lessons she's learned along the way. Here's what she had to say.
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Q: What has been the best career advice you've ever received??
As a young disabled girl growing up, my dad always reminded me that to succeed in this rotating world and life, I have to embrace learning everyday in order to gain new knowledge and skills. He also told me I should never ‘kill’ myself by wanting to be perfect, but I should learn from a mistake I make along the way and work towards being a better person each day.
Q: What key characteristics do you think are needed for success? And how do you stay motivated??
To succeed, one needs to be persistent and not give up at first. I believe success isn't about not failing but more about getting up when you fall and pressing on. When presented with a challenge, don’t throw the towel in. I motivate myself by having small goals and trying to achieve them. I also use the goals as a motivator and small stepping stones to build on and progress further.
Q: You've been a strong advocate for disability rights and accessibility. Can you share your perspective on the progress made in these areas, particularly in sports??
Para sports has significantly grown and its visibility has gotten better. Movements such as The Paralympics have created an international platform where the abilities of disabled people are showcased. During the 2012 Paralympic Games, many people saw their attitudes about disability perceptions shift, but there’s still work to be done. We need a revised strategy that will be so inclusive and effective to get as many disabled people involved in sports at all levels.
Q: Your story has inspired many. How do you use your platform (and LinkedIn) to motivate others, both within and outside the disability community??
We all have a story to tell, and each of us has a distinctive voice, and we choose how to use it. Personally, it took me a long time to find mine, and now I use it to amplify, advocate and champion disability issues that include accessibility and inclusion in education, health, employment, and, of course, where we sit in society and our communities.?
I find LinkedIn to be an inclusive platform with an audience of forward-thinking individuals from all walks of life. So here I use my high level of both expertise and lived experience to champion inclusivity and equality as I push for meaningful change.
Share your thoughts in the comments: What's the best career lesson you've learned to date?
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By using your skills
PhD Student at Middlesex University
3 个月Very helpful!
Graduated from the University for the Creative Arts in Computer Animation Arts BA(Hons) 2023
3 个月thank you Anne Wafulas