No retreat baby no surrender

I don’t really need much of an excuse to bring a bit of Bruce (Springsteen, if you don’t know me that well yet!) into the mix. But the lyrics of his opening song for his recent World Tour particularly resonated during a week that has brought a few unexpected challenges.

So “No surrender” it is.

The challenge of competing priorities, seeing me blend work responsibilities with those of caring duties to ageing parents alongside a wish to support close friends and family with some life curveballs, is one I know many of us are facing.

As someone who likes to find the joy in life where possible, my week has been lightened by lots of people. Both those who lighten the load with sharing work duties and those who are always there to lend an ear or offer solidarity or words of wisdom. Or just a good time!

During changing times, often it’s the little nuggets from others that help shape your response and resilience. With this period coming during a month which sees me mark 20 years as a chief executive, I thought I’d reflect on some of the lessons and phrases that have marked that time and shaped my response to both the good and not so good life throws our way. ?

I’d very much welcome your contributions, phrases and sayings, to add to the conversation.

Who is your who?

This question was posed to me a few years ago and still resonates. At its heart, it’s about questioning who do you turn to and who is there in your support network. Who can you really go to with problems and opportunities? There are many whos in my life. And I hope I’m lots of other peoples’ ‘who’ also! Whatever is going on, look for the people who you trust.

Not my monkeys, not my circus

Ducking responsibility isn’t in my make-up, but over the years I’ve learnt to accept that everything isn’t in my control and actually control maybe is an illusion which helps us to keep going and move forward. Trying to hold back the sea is a fruitless use of energy. So, for me this saying captures the importance of placing boundaries and letting go. Sometimes!

Life is too important to be taken this seriously

Looking for the joy matters. Recently I had the pleasure of inviting some of our graduates to the Chamber’s Women in Business event. As my time as President of the Chamber drew to a close, it was a joy to see young professionals networking, seeking conversation with our board and exploring new ideas. And most of all, having an amazing, fun time.

Never take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from.

It’s been a long time coming, but putting energy into the one person not engaging when you are speaking at an event or converting the mind of someone who hasn’t taken to you, isn’t the right focus. Instead look those who unasked, quote a bit of what you’ve said back to you, who request a copy of the speech afterwards and laugh heartily in the right places.?

Valuing difference of opinion is vitally important, but time worrying about the opinions of those who don’t offer respect back, could be far better spent.

Standing on the shoulder of giants

Whatever you’ve achieved, someone has no doubt helped ease that path, joined you on the journey or trailblazed through previously long-held bias. I spoke recently about the Suffragette movement, but whether it’s previous bosses, supportive chairs, former presidents, colleagues or family, it matters that you reflect on the helping hand allowing you to stand tall. My nan used to say beware of who you tread on the way up as you will meet them on your way down.

"Be careful of the words you say,

Keep them short and sweet.

You never know, from day to day,

Which ones you'll have to eat."

—Anonymous

Have a good weekend and following week and may you spend it with the ‘whos’ that matter.