JTaylor’s Post

As we near our 10th Anniversary celebrations at CM Advocates LLP, these are some of the most important lessons that I have come to embrace: 1. Don't try to be better; be different. In other words; always think differently; and often inverse. 2. You should be ruthless when it come to execution. Concerning this point, I wish to borrow these two quotes: (a) “Ideas are easy. Execution is everything.” – John Doerr (b) “Strategy without execution is hallucination.” – Thomas Edison 3. Always be bold and courageous. Never give room to fear or self doubt. In the words of Peter Drucker, “The best way to predict the future is to create it." 4. Resilience and agility are critical and indispensable skills or attributes in life and in business; therefore, cultivate them. By these I mean that we should always be ready to respond quickly to any disruptions or change. On this point, here is my favourite quote from the father of the rainbow nation, Nelson Mandela: "Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again." And this too: "When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: you haven't."~ Thomas A. Edison

Beyond the years of Service We often pat ourselves on the back for sticking around a place for a long time. "Look at me, ten years here!" we boast. But let's be real: it's not just about the number of years you've clocked in. It's about what you've done with that time. Think of your career like a garden. Sure, you can brag about how long you've tended it, but the real beauty lies in the flowers you've grown, the challenges you've overcome, and the lessons you've learned along the way. Those are the things that truly matter. Every day at work is a chance to learn something new. You've probably faced some big challenges, celebrated some huge wins, and worked with all sorts of amazing people. That's the stuff that makes you who you are professionally. So, next time you're thinking about your work anniversary, don't just count the years. Take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey you've been on. And remember, the best way to celebrate is to share your knowledge and experiences with others. You never know who you might inspire. What do you think? Have you ever felt like your career was more about the journey than the destination? pls write to me your thoughts

As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, it's a perfect opportunity to look back on the remarkable transformations that have taken place since the establishment of Cunningham-Limp in 1984. Over the past four decades, our lives have been shaped by technological advancements and changes in social norms, among other things, in ways that we could hardly have imagined. Let's take a journey through time and explore the top 10 ways in which life has changed since 1984. #40Years #BuildingBetterCommunities https://lnkd.in/gbZBB-Mi

I never made a one-year anniversary post about my first job after college, and there’s a reason why. As I navigated starting my career, I also watched my parents finalize their divorce. I’ll keep the personal details off of LinkedIn, but here’s what the last year has taught me in work and beyond: • Empathy Matters: You never know what others are going through outside of work. A little kindness goes a long way. • Work as a Constant: On tough days, work may be the only constant. Sometimes, that consistency is a welcome anchor. • Embracing Change: Life and work can both present challenges. Whatever you do, adapt, pivot when necessary, and keep moving forward. So no, I never posted celebrating my one-year. I didn’t highlight achievements throughout the year, and I didn’t network with every person I met. I focused on myself, and I’d like to think I’m better for it. With that, here’s to year two and all that comes with it—hopefully, a little bit better than the last.

Celebrating my 2-year Anniversary as a Business Owner To say that time flies is an understatement. September marks two years for me as a small business owner. I am deeply grateful for all of those who continue to help me on this journey, and the many clients who have trusted me to serve their needs. I am joyfully celebrating the career I designed that plays to my strengths and honors my values. Here are some of the valuable lessons I learned along the way… 1.    Don’t take yourself too seriously – embrace humility. 2.    When you have a bad day, lift someone else up. 3.    Be an advocate for others. 4.    Be willing to ask for help and offer to help others. 5.    Your best laid plans will change – be ready to pivot and be resilient. 6.    Your value is not measured by the hours worked but the impact you make. 7.    Play is a connection to creativity. 8.    Rest is an investment in your wellbeing. 9.    Prioritize time to think, reflect, and dream – this unlocks energy, focus and productivity. 10. Take good care of your body – your life depends on it. Onwards to another year of personal and professional growth and a commitment to wellbeing, wisdom, and wonder!

Celebrating my 2-year Anniversary as a Business Owner To say that time flies is an understatement. September marks two years for me as a small business owner. I am deeply grateful for all of those who continue to help me on this journey, and the many clients who have trusted me to serve their needs. I am joyfully celebrating the career I designed that plays to my strengths and honors my values. Here are some of the valuable lessons I learned along the way… 1.    Don’t take yourself too seriously – embrace humility. 2.    When you have a bad day, lift someone else up. 3.    Be an advocate for others. 4.    Be willing to ask for help and offer to help others. 5.    Your best laid plans will change – be ready to pivot and be resilient. 6.    Your value is not measured by the hours worked but the impact you make. 7.    Play is a connection to creativity. 8.    Rest is an investment in your wellbeing. 9.    Prioritize time to think, reflect, and dream – this unlocks energy, focus and productivity. 10. Take good care of your body – your life depends on it. Onwards to another year of personal and professional growth and a commitment to wellbeing, wisdom, and wonder!

Today marks my 13th Anniversary as a member of The Brydens Group. I feel privileged to have had the chance to collaborate with influential individuals who have enabled me to forge a fulfilling path while contributing value to the organization. Reflecting on my journey, if you had asked me at the outset if I envisioned myself in my current role, I would likely have answered affirmatively. I have always been driven and recognized the unique skillset I possess and how it can effectively be utilized. My philosophy includes volunteering my talents where I believe they can make a difference, regardless of personal gain. This approach has not only opened doors to unforeseen opportunities but also allowed me to display abilities beyond my designated responsibilities. At Brydens, I have transitioned from Brand Manager to Business Development Manager and now Group Corporate Affairs Manager—a career trajectory that aligns perfectly with my aspirations. Each role has been a learning experience, allowing me to refine my skills and maintain a perpetual sense of excitement. Ultimately, it boils down to comprehending your value. In essence, if you view yourself as a brand, what principles do you stand for? My journey highlights the significance of hard work, belief, and being a bit of a dreamer. Defining your identity and ensuring that you consistently deliver on it is paramount. As I celebrate 13 years with Brydens with great enthusiasm, I hope, in your journey, you too have a narrative of growth and self-discovery, where you have carved out opportunities by recognizing your inherent value. Picture: 13 Years Ago as a Brand Manager for Wines & Champagnes at a Wine Training demonstrating the wrong way to hold a glass 😶

We were celebrating an anniversary in the office today and one of the team said I had been an inspiration over the last 12 months. I wasn't expecting that, it was lovely to get the feedback. I took this photo on holiday the other week and it got me thinking about how we inspire others, but more importantly, how do we move forward and inspire ourselves. Imagine you're standing on the shore, the place where you've always been. The sand beneath your feet represents your old self—familiar, comfortable, but limited to this small stretch of beach. The waves lap at your ankles, inviting but also uncertain. The ocean before you is vast and unknown, a symbol of potential, change, and discovery. You step into a small boat, pushing off from the shore. As the distance between you and the land grows, you leave behind all that was safe but stagnant. The shore fades into the distance, like the version of yourself you’ve outgrown. You’ve let go of the stability you once clung to, trading it for the endless horizon. Out on the open water, the journey isn't always smooth. The sea is unpredictable, like the uncertainties and fears you face in the process of transformation. There are moments of calm, where you feel the peace of aligning with something new, and moments of storm, when you doubt or struggle against the waves. But as you continue sailing, the horizon ahead becomes clearer. You begin to trust the journey, feeling the wind in your sails, carrying you toward a version of yourself that has yet to fully reveal itself. You no longer look back to the shore; the pull of the unknown future is stronger than the past you've left behind. Eventually, you see a new shore, representing the discovery of your new self— a place that holds different possibilities, growth, and deeper meaning. The person stepping out of the boat on this new land is not the same one who left the shore behind. Interesting thought to ponder, maybe it is time to find your boat!

🌟 Celebrating Our Achievements 🌟 Let’s take a moment to celebrate our achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Getting caught in the cycle of continuous goal chasing is easy, leading to burnout and anxiety as we feel we haven’t accomplished enough. As human beings, we often desire more—yet it’s crucial to recognize and celebrate our current milestones. For instance, when someone becomes a clerk, they may quickly aim to become an assistant, officer, and so on. But how often do we pause to appreciate what we've already achieved? Celebrating our successes is vital because it fosters a positive mindset and boosts motivation. Let’s make it a habit to acknowledge our progress and honour our journeys. What milestones are you celebrating today? Share in the comments!

I recently celebrated my 37th birthday with a long weekend getaway, surrounded by four of my closest childhood friends. As I reflected on the past year—both personally and professionally—here are my top three takeaways from my 36th year and 3rd year as a business owner: 1. You Can’t Do It All (And That’s OK): When I first launched Elevate, I had a clear vision of how I wanted to grow the business, but I quickly realized I couldn’t carry every task on my own shoulders. Learning to delegate wasn’t just an option—it became a necessity. Trusting others with key responsibilities has been a game-changer. 2. Build a Team You Trust: This year reinforced the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. I’ve worked hard to cultivate a team that I not only trust but who truly believes in our mission. With the right support in place, even when I’m taking a break for some much-needed R&R, I know Elevate is in good hands. 3. Celebrate Your Wins (Big and Small): Whether it’s taking a step back to reflect on how far you’ve come or simply enjoying a weekend off with friends, it’s crucial to celebrate yourself and your achievements. This year, I’ve learned that self-care and celebration are just as important as hard work. Here’s to another year of growth, lessons, and continued celebration! #birthdaycelebration #happybirthday #itsmybirthday