John D. Hadeed, MBA’s Post

This week at Primark is Colleague Appreciation Week. Yes, we should (and do) appreciate our colleagues year round and say thanks frequently,  but this week we go extra on the appreciation. For those you know me, I both love this idea – I try to always make sure others know my appreciation for them and how we work together and, gulp, really am challenged by it as to raise up some colleagues is to not mention others. And I can truly say it is hard for me to think of a single Primark colleague, in the US or elsewhere in the world that I don’t enjoy working with and don’t think is collaborative. Truly. (ok, maybe 1, but even that one is not so bad). Having said all that, here are the 7 I want to quickly highlight as top of mind and I am especially appreciative of at this moment. All of these people are kind, wise, helpful, collaborative and focused on the right stuff. It is a pleasure to work with each of them and work together for Primark. Thanks and I hope we work together for many years. Adelaida (Ade) Olivares – always keeping me informed and giving great advice. Jennifer Chong – making all we work on together, better, partnering so well and even with everything going on, never seeming overwhelmed. Samantha Wasserman - you ask the right questions, push back when you want to and work together all the time. Michael Bergeron – always pitching in if I need anything from your team, always pushing for the right thing and getting our best people. Anthony Sterner, MBA – for always including me, listening to my advice and giving me your view so we can, together, get to the right answer. Andrew MacQueen – yes, you are my manager so there is some worry about adding you to this list for the wrong reasons, but you trust me, listen to me and support me, every day. I truly appreciate that. Nicola O'Lone – when I ask you the same question for the 55th time or have to be reminded of where we are on a case, again, you do it kindly, with humor and patience. Sheena Mc Mahon, MSOL- you work so hard for the company and make it better and push for it to be even better. You are a great collaborator and friend. P.S. If I had my act together more, since this is a week of appreciation, I should have done 5 a day this week and could have been able to highlight even more people. Growth mindset for next year. Who do you appreciate at your company?

So this is me getting as close to feeling like Justin Timberlake as I ever will at the Dallas Pride Parade. Despite all the feels happening for me personally here, this moment captures what it truly means to be a part of something bigger. Beyond the music, the float, the banners, and the countless high fives from the crowd, there was an amazing group of partners (employees) coming together to stand for visibility, equality, and change (in a state that can sometimes feel unwelcoming and even hostile to those just trying to live a life as their authentic selves). Just as Pride Parades are more than just parades, Employee Resource Groups (Partner Networks at Starbucks) are more than just "DEI" hashtags and photo ops. They are an opportunity to leverage the scale and power of an organization to uplift employees, causes and communities that can directly benefit from our support.   To be transparent, I do not have an official leadership role in any of the Starbucks Partner Networks, my involvement is ad hoc and in the moment. And high fiving in parades was never part of my career goals. But from the perspective of my “day job” I see direct benefits through the lens of my professional development: influencing without authority, connecting with partners across the organization, helping others succeed, project/event planning, public speaking, community engagement – my involvement with the networks checks so many boxes. In short, ERGs drive results on many levels. So if you could use a moment of feeling like a rock star (or being a part of something bigger), consider starting, supporting or leading an ERG. Happy Pride Month. #employeeresourcegroups #tobeapartner

Celebrating Diversity – One Bowl at a Time While enjoying a sweet treat at a local dessert shop recently, I came across these beautiful, intricately designed bowls. Each bowl, with its unique pattern and color, stands out on its own, yet together they create a harmonious and captivating display. This simple yet powerful arrangement reminds me of the beauty and strength of diversity. In our workplaces, just like these bowls, each individual brings their own unique background, skills, and perspectives to the table. It’s this diversity that drives innovation, fosters creativity, and enables us to solve complex challenges in ways we never thought possible. Imagine if all these bowls were the same – the display would lose its charm and vibrancy. The same goes for our teams. Embracing and celebrating our differences not only makes our workplaces more inclusive but also enriches our experiences and broadens our horizons. Let’s continue to appreciate and champion diversity in all its forms, knowing that together, our differences create something truly extraordinary. #Diversity #Inclusion #Innovation #WorkplaceCulture

It's Colleague of the Quarter time again at Primark Birmingham High Street! We had 14 winners and to ensure everyone feels recognised we ensured to include all floors and areas of the store! Employee recognition isn't just about celebrating milestones or performance—it’s about understanding and fulfilling the deeper needs of our teams. When we recognize employees, we aren’t just giving praise; we’re reinforcing a culture of belonging, value, and growth. ✨ One of the key HR models that highlights this is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Beyond basic physical needs, employees seek psychological fulfillment—things like belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. Recognition taps into these higher needs by helping employees feel seen, appreciated, and motivated to reach their potential. 💯 By recognizing employees regularly, we’re not only boosting morale but also driving engagement, retention, and overall company success. When people feel valued, they thrive—and so does the organization. Let’s take the time to celebrate the people who make it all possible! 🎉 How do you ensure your team feels recognized? 💭 #EmployeeRecognition #HR #Leadership #EmployeeEngagement #Maslow #Culture

I was thrilled to get asked for ID in Asda when I was buying some wine (I was in my early thirties at the time). However, my youthful vibes were dashed when I got home and the first question my mother-in-law asked when I walked into the kitchen was, "You'll remember this, Catherine... where were you on the day that President Kennedy was shot?" 🙈🫨🤣 I reminded her that this had been years and years and years before I was even a little twinkle in my Daddy's eye. I was amazed that I had been treated as a 17-year-old and a 57-year-old within an hour of each other!!! Reflecting on this experience got me thinking about how perceptions of age can vary so dramatically – not just in our personal lives, but also in the workplace. Ageism can work both ways, with assumptions made about both younger and older employees. Whether you're perceived as "too young" to be experienced or "too old" to be adaptable, these biases can impact our careers and workplace dynamics. It's crucial for us to break these stereotypes and value each person's unique contributions, regardless of their age. Let's embrace generational diversity and create a more inclusive and dynamic work environment where everyone can thrive. #AgeDiversity #InclusiveWorkplace #BreakingStereotypes #GenerationalDiversity #DEI

Corporate values can be so childish. They urge us to be more child-like. As a parent m, I learned that children are curious, honest and caring. At work, I learned that companies aspire to be like this too. IKEA has a value to be caring for people. Nike has a value to do the right thing. Tesco has a value to stay curious. What happens to us when we grow up is that we get socialised and lose more of who we were. From parents, friends, school, work and society a lot of us become less of ourselves. The reason I am passionate about helping leaders be more Human at work is because it gives permission for the people they lead to be more of themselves. The more authentic you are at work, the more likely you can do your best at work. I want to hear about more company values that have child-like qualities, please share in the comments 👇🏾

🌟 More things to know about City Apparel + Merch 🌟 Promoting a Positive Work Culture! At City Apparel + Merch, our culture isn't just a buzzword—it's the heart of everything we do. That's why every week, we dedicate time in our meetings to dig into a different aspect of our work culture, both internally and with our clients. From fostering creativity and collaboration to celebrating diversity and inclusion, each week's focus helps us grow stronger as a team and better serve our clients. Our commitment to a positive work culture isn't just about having fun; it's about creating an environment where everyone feels valued, motivated, and empowered to do their best work. We believe that a strong work culture is the foundation of a successful business. It's what sets us apart and drives us to be better every day. Join us in celebrating the power of a positive work culture! #WorkCulture #Teamwork #EmployeeEngagement #BusinessSuccess #CompanyCulture

People with convictions make reliable members of the team. Out of 474 surveyed employers who hired those with convictions, only 23 had bad experiences (less than 5%). Most found them productive, with nearly half sticking around for over 3 years. 86% of experienced employers say they blend well with colleagues. Stores like Marks & Spencer even found it boosted morale and motivation. How could your business benefit from giving some of them a Fair Chance? To find out more about the Fair Chance Business Alliance, and how to get your business involved, visit ➡️ fairchancealliance.co.uk. #ChangeLives #MakeADifference

We are fortunate to employ a range of top talent from various HMPs in all levels of jobs Cosy Direct. It’s a joy when you match good people with right shaped gaps. Tempus Novo are a key partner of experience and pathos, they manage the bridge between the two orgs and back channel info. We understand if either: work family/friends home anchors are good, there’s a higher chance to move on positively and rebuild. Its motivating for all the team to be part of two of these anchors as we pass by people’s lives. It’s the reason to be an early adopter with fair chance too. Peers with ideas.

Last week, I had the best after-school day with my little one. I picked her up on a somewhat drizzly school day, and we headed to our go-to park. The air felt fresh after a bit of much-needed rain, and we were just enjoying the simple things. Suddenly, the clouds split, and bam! A big, beautiful rainbow appeared. Work, in a way, is like that rainbow – a mix of things coming together. It's about getting the little things right, making sure everyone feels seen and valued. This got me thinking about Daniel Pink's ideas on what motivates us. Understanding what makes each team member tick is key, and that applies to creating a positive workplace too. I imagined "Drive" as our motivation guide – understanding what truly inspires each team member. And though of "To Sell Is Human" as a toolkit for grasping another person's perspective, where every detail in our story matters. Maybe we can craft an HR tale where every small win and big goal we pursue adds up to everyone feeling not just successful but downright happy. Cheers to those unexpected park moments, bringing Pink's wisdom to work, and crafting an HR story that's as bright and lively as that surprise rainbow! 🌟 📘 #PinkAtHR #MotivationInRealLife #WorkplaceVibes 🌈