Exactly one week before my 12th birthday, the gates of Chatham Dockyard closed for the final time in 1984, 40 years ago on Easter Sunday 😱
At that tender age, the full impact of such a momentous event in our community barely registered with me, something perhaps typical for someone on the cusp of adolescence.
Reflecting on it now, had the dockyard remained open, it's conceivable that my career path might have led me there, continuing a tradition that seemed almost preordained.
My father, a lecturer in ship design at the local college and himself a dockyard apprentice in the 1960s, found his own career at a crossroads due to the closure.
Yet, it was his response to this adversity that left an indelible mark on me. Embracing change, he embarked on self-study, transitioning to teach CAD and robotics—a move that not only transformed his career but also introduced me to the wonders of technology.
I still vividly recall the thrill of experimenting with the BBC Turtle Robot over one weekend, a memory that's as inspiring now as it was then.
This pivotal moment in my life, though not fully appreciated in my youth, significantly influenced my career trajectory and my approach to challenges and innovation.
It instilled in me a belief in the power of adaptability and lifelong learning, principles that I carry into my work every day, especially in the dynamic field of digital transformation.
As I reflect on my journey, I’m curious to hear from others: Are there early influences or moments in your formative years that you can trace back to shaping your professional outlook or career path?
#medway #dockyard #inspiration
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