The defining moment in my career happened in early 2004 💼 💼 I was working for John Lewis & Partners as a selling Department Manager, and the Managing Director of John Lewis Southampton asked me to step away from my selling role to join the HR team. 💼 Back then it was called Staff Office, these were very different times! 💼 I had been hoping to move to a particular selling department, in fact I was convinced that's why my MD wanted to talk to me. I think he knew, and on reflection I'm convinced he knew I might not be too keen on a role in Staff Office. 💼 I was professional and listened to his request, of course I said yes, these were the early days of my career and ultimately I was (and continue to be) driven by helping others achieve collective goals for the success of the team. I've always loved understanding my role in the big picture, and he knew how to paint that picture, engaging and motivating me to be my very best. ⭐ Little did I know this would be the most significant moment in my career, as over the weeks, months and years that followed I discovered my calling. ⭐ Indulging briefly in my memories of John Lewis, I worked with some of the most inspirational and hard working people, and I am fortunate to now call many of them friends. Claire Dunkason thank you for that first opportunity to be part of your team, I have zero regrets and am grateful for the huge learning opportunities that came with our time in Staff Office, and of course the fun. Today on International HR Day, I am celebrating; 🎉 the opportunity that presented itself to me 20 years ago 🎉 saying YES 🎉 the fabulous people I had the opportunity to work with and learn from at JL ⭐ You never know what is around the corner, and how one seemingly small decision can have such a powerful impact on you and those around you for days and years to come. ⭐ So, as I continue to shape my own future in HR with The Best Version I encourage you to be open and brave to the opportunities that are ahead of you, to trust your instincts and be true to the best version of you. What is YOUR defining moment? 📷 Pic circa 2011 with some of that fabulous HR team Letty Harrison Tanya Ingram Tina Lott Vicci Parker #InternationalHRDay #legacy #bestversion #bravery #reflection
Defining moment: Getting really badly betrayed and mistreated and vowing never to work for anyone ever again. Set up by myself and built a team on fairness, respect and hard work, and never looked back. 👊
Love it - that's such a JLP image! Those career-defining moments of truth are so important to recognise and reflect on. All part of the journey to where you are today 💛
Love this post, love the picture, love the memories - thank you for sharing 🙂
Absolutely love this! And is that the front page of one of ye olde Branch Chronicles?! Absolutely loved my John Lewis journey. I had a similar journey to you…..selling, selling, selling and then one day plucked into Staff Training, the Development, then R&D and one of my highlights was defo as HR Business Partner for JL Stratford City! So so awesome.
Great story! 😊
Great post Anna Tillison MCIPD My defining moment was waking up one morning and realising that I’d spend most my life sleeping, the rest working and have some leaisure time. Then making the decision that whatever I did I’d better enjoy it and if not, not to moan but move on. It has served me well and still does!
Thanks for making me smile and giggle out loud. Such amazing memories of an amazing crew. All the best Anna as you continue to shine bright 🌟
Thank you for posting, you taught me so much. I loved every minute of working in this team… we were the best 💕
Amazing progress! Anna Tillison MCIPD
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5moGosh that’s made me think! For me it was my second placement on the BA Grad Scheme. I worked for the amazing Roseann Iovine as an Account Manager in Philadelphia Sales back in 1999. Whilst marketing was always my calling I discovered just how much of a kick I get from directly driving revenue growth. Thus a partnerships then performance marketing/ e-commerce career followed. Today the inspo comes from working for amazing founders and playing a part in helping to grow their brands which I absolutely love. You spend so much of your life working I feel lucky to enjoy the ride! 😊