The Power of Legacy: How Anyone Can Make a Lasting Impact

IMPORTANT NEWS

October will be the last month in 2024 for both the Code Your Own Brand of Success newsletter and for my intake and onboarding for my Personal Brand Coaching Programs.

My newsletter will be moving over to Substack, away from the constant repetitive posts we are see on LinkedIn and the push for video content making it feel as though this place is becoming Meta.

This newsletter will have a different flavour and include a new podcast, which I can't wait to share:

https://substack.com/@serendib

See you on Substack and thank you for being here :)

If you're looking for a coach, coaching or thinking about working with me as your coach, then book a call with me here:

https://hustlewithease.as.me/schedule.php

If you don't see a time that suits your timezone, reach out via DM and we can set something up manually!

Chat soon,

Kirsty

Legacy is not leaving something for people. It's leaving something in people. — Peter Strople

Your personal brand is your impact, your influence, and it’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room.

In this week's newsletter, I want to debunk some legacy myths for creating a legacy you are proud of, that satisfies you personally, and drives your intrinsic motivation.

Let’s start with a story about a guy. Let’s call this guy Steve Jobs.

“Jobs did something that few people accomplish even once: he reinvented entire industries,” wrote Time. “He did it with ones that were new, like PCs, and he did it with ones that were old, like music.”

Jobs left numerous industry and people legacies.

I’ve often read he was difficult to work with.

But was he?

Or was he just so driven and passionate about what he did and believed in that he refused to change his position?

And, did Jobs consciously think about the change he wanted to make and the legacy he wanted to leave?

These questions and points we could debate or discuss for hours.

But if Steve did intentionally think about his legacy, I would love to know what his initial ideas or thoughts were around what it would look like, what impact it would make, and the influence he hoped to achieve.

It’s all about intrinsic motivation.

So let’s say you became a software engineer because you wanted to make a big impact that left the world in a better place or made people happier or their lives easier. How are you going to do this? Are you just going to think about this from a bigger picture concept and hope for the best? Or are you going to be intentional and create a plan, actions, and goals to realize this concept?

Let’s start at the beginning with this statement:

ANYONE CAN CREATE A LEGACY.

You don’t have to be famous. It doesn’t have to take a lifetime. You can leave more than one legacy. You definitely don’t need to make sacrifices to achieve a legacy. Nor does it have to be perfect. And, it’s not about a grand gesture. A legacy can be left before you pass.

So what exactly is a legacy then?

Definition from Oxford Languages: "The long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc., that took place in the past, or of a person’s life. He left us a rich legacy of buildings that are both innovative architectural creations and genuine works of art."

ChatGPT states: "From a career perspective, a legacy refers to the lasting impact and contributions an individual leaves behind in their professional field. It encompasses the achievements, values, and influence that continue to inspire, shape, and benefit others even after the individual has moved on or retired."

Here are eight key components of a career legacy:

Professional Accomplishments

These can be significant projects, innovations, or developments that have made a lasting difference in the industry. Along with awards, recognitions, and accolades that highlight major achievements.

Influence and Mentorship

The guidance and support provided to colleagues, mentees, and future leaders is something you can offer in your workplace or even here on LinkedIn via a post. You can role model the establishment of best practices, standards, or methodologies that others continue to follow.

Values and Principles

Showcase your own ethical standards, values, and principles that can guide one’s career and inspire others. Build advocacy for important causes, such as diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, within the industry.

Cultural Impact

Have you ever thought about contributions to shape the organizational culture and environment in a positive way? Another way to build a legacy is to kickstart initiatives that fostered a collaborative, innovative, and supportive workplace.

Knowledge and Expertise

If you are a budding inventor or thought leader then publications and patents, you have created that have influenced the field. You can include educational efforts, such as teaching, writing, or speaking engagements, that disseminate valuable knowledge.

Networks and Relationships

Never underestimate the power of building and nurturing professional relationships that create a supportive network for future professionals. Spearhead key collaborations and partnerships that can lead to significant advancements in the field.

Sustained Impact

Think about long-term initiatives or programs that continue to benefit the industry or community. And then there's systems, processes, or structures put in place that endure and adapt over time.

Personal Growth and Development

Share your own journey of continuous learning and self-improvement that sets an example for others and include the resilience and adaptability demonstrated throughout one’s career.

Building a legacy isn't reserved for a select few; it’s about intentional choices and actions.

Stay tuned for the next newsletter, where we’ll discuss practical tips to create a legacy that reflects your true self.

Hi I'm Kirsty Norton and I am a refreshingly unconventional and relentless tech career coach.

If you'd like to read more of my articles then dive in here: https://www.hustlewithease.co/blog

Or if you are looking for some cool career resources, this is for you: https://www.hustlewithease.co/tech-career-growth-resources

Thinking about working with a coach, then let's talk: https://hustlewithease.as.me/schedule.php

Have a great rest of your week!