Simon P MARSHALL’s Post

You feel seen, don’t you? It (often) starts with a swimming badge. Well done, you. Then maybe a badge or two from the Brownies or Scouts. Certificates. Exam results. Appraisals. The validation list goes on and on. But somehow, it’s never enough, is it? Then, as a lawyer, you achieve something noteworthy—a Legal 500 ranking, a well-deserved award, or a promotion. You want to share your success on LinkedIn, but there’s that whisper in the background: “Don’t make too much noise. Stay humble. No one likes a show-off. Posting is boasting” But here’s the truth: people who tell you not to celebrate are often speaking from a position of privilege. For some, recognition has always come easy. They’ve had the networks, the opportunities, the invisible hand lifting them up at every stage. They don’t need to shout about their wins because their path has always been laid out ahead of them. Or maybe they've already plateaued and they have drawn the ladder up. They're tired of *this* kind of reward. But for others—maybe you—those achievements were fought for. They weren’t handed out like participation trophies. They represent grit, resilience, and moments of doubt. And you know what? You’ve earned the right to be proud of them. Celebrating your achievements isn’t about showing off; it’s about acknowledging the hard work that went into them. It’s about standing tall and saying, “I belong here.” Don’t let anyone dim your light because it makes them uncomfortable. So go ahead—post about your awards, your rankings, your milestones. Share the wins, big or small, and inspire others to do the same. You’ve earned this moment. I'll like your post and comment 98.79% of the time. Well done, you. #Marketing #Lawyers #LawFirms #SimonSays

As we go about our daily lives, we often get caught up in the pursuit of success and recognition. We strive to be the best in our fields, to win awards, and to accumulate wealth. But have you ever stopped to think about what truly matters in life? Charles Schulz, the creator of the beloved 'Peanuts' comic strip, once posed a series of questions to his readers. He asked them to name the wealthiest people in the world, the Heisman trophy winners, the Miss America pageant winners, and the Academy Award winners for best actor and actress. He then asked them to name a few teachers who aided their journey through school, three friends who helped them through a difficult time, and five people who taught them something worthwhile. The point of this exercise was clear: the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care the most. The ones who have helped us through difficult times, who have taught us valuable lessons, and who make us feel appreciated and loved. So the next time you find yourself striving for success and recognition, take a moment to think about the people who truly matter in your life. And remember, it's not about the awards and accolades, it's about the relationships we build and the impact we have on others. Let’s appreciate more those people and remember our moments with them whenever we struggle. #CharlesSchulz #LifeLessons #Gratitude

Embracing the Power of Communication. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with Erin Wood from the QUB Careers Team, and our conversation left a lasting impression. Amidst discussions about life, career, and personal growth, she shared a valuable piece of advice that has since become my guiding mantra: "Until you don't ask, you don't get it. These words resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the importance of proactive communication in both professional and personal spheres. It's a simple yet profound notion – the idea that by vocalizing our needs, aspirations, and ambitions, we open doors to new opportunities and possibilities. Erin's wisdom taught me that there's tremendous power in advocating for ourselves, whether it's asking for a promotion, seeking mentorship, or pursuing our dreams. And she made a crucial point – in asking, there's only gain or nothing to lose. Even in the face of rejection, we gain clarity, resilience, and the satisfaction of knowing that we had the courage to try. I'm immensely grateful for Erin's inspiring advice and for the reminder that influential personalities like her have a profound impact on our journeys. Let's continue to embrace the power of communication, advocate for ourselves, and fearlessly pursue our goals. Together, we can achieve extraordinary things! #CommunicationIsKey #CareerAdvice #PersonalGrowth Careers Queen's University Belfast, Queen's University Belfast, Queen's Business School, Queen's University Belfast South Asia

Coming April 1st: Octavia Goredema on Doing Work that Matters on Living a Life in Full with Dr. Chris Stout How do you get the job, or position, or career, where the work that you do matters - and not just to your employer - but to you? Few experiences in life are as awful as the feeling of being trapped in the wrong career. But how do you find a job that truly resonates with you? And once you’ve found it, how do you develop the confidence to take the necessary steps to arrive at the career of your dreams? Or how do you recover from a career setback and seize new opportunities? Or, what if you are returning after a time away from being in the workforce? How do you deal with the uncertainty behind a career change and what gives you the confidence to hit a reset-switch on your professional life?   These are the questions, areas and issues in which Octavia Goredema thrives, as she works to help others navigate their own personal career success.   Octavia is the host of the Audible Original series, How to Change Careers with Octavia Goredema and the author of PREP, PUSH, PIVOT: Essential Career Strategies for Underrepresented Women, published by Wiley.   Octavia founded Twenty Ten Agency, a career coaching practice, where she has coached leaders at Google, American Airlines, Tinder, General Motors, Nike, and Dow Jones, to name but just a few. Her insights have been featured in leading media outlets including Fortune, CNN, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, the Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, and Black Enterprise, among others. During the pandemic she co-hosted “HBR Now,” the Harvard Business Review’s weekly show on leadership, and this year she contributed a chapter to the Harvard Business Review’s new book, Navigating the Toxic Workplace.   I see her work as a gift shared with her readers, her listeners, and her clients. Her wisdom, her transparency in the sharing of her experiences, and what she does, all demonstrate how she lives her life in full, and in the service of others.   Octavia Goredema #leadership #career #pivot #coach #work #ambition

🌟 Exciting News Alert! 🌟 🔍 Discover the Power of Loyalty: Cherish Those Who Stayed When Others Left 🔍 At Contemplate, we're thrilled to share an insightful article penned by our very own thought leader, diving deep into the essence of loyalty and its profound impact on our personal and professional lives. In a world where change is constant and relationships evolve, it's crucial to recognize and cherish those who stand by us through thick and thin. 🔗 Read the full article here: The Importance of Loyalty: Cherish Those Who Stayed When Others Left https://lnkd.in/dreNXXus In this compelling piece, our author delves into: 🌱 The foundational role of loyalty in fostering meaningful connections. 🔄 How loyalty shapes our personal and professional landscapes. 💡 Strategies for cultivating and nurturing loyalty in all facets of life. 🌐 Why recognizing and appreciating loyal relationships is essential for growth and fulfillment. Join us on a journey of introspection and discovery as we explore the profound significance of loyalty. Like, share, and engage with the article to spark conversations and insights within your network. Let's celebrate those who choose to stay, enriching our lives with their unwavering support and loyalty. Together, let's cherish the bonds that endure the test of time. #Loyalty #Relationships #PersonalDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #ContemplateInsights

I recently had the fun task of putting these fabulous people into teams Judging teams, that is It's not quite award season, but behind the scenes, it never stops With the help of our judging committee Mayokun - Mac Alonge, Sope Agbelusi, Demi S. and the wider BTA team we have: - recruited and onboarded new judges - look out for announcements 🎉 - refined the entry forms to make sure all of the nominees shine ✨ - rebuilt the judging system and tested it to destruction 🤯 Awards aren't everyone's cup of tea, but... At the BTAs, we do our utmost to make sure the process is fair and efficient - We offer feedback to everyone who enters who doesn't get shortlisted - All finalists are interviewed before the winners are chosen - The judging process is rigorous, but it's also fun BTAs recognise people who just get their heads down and do a good job - People who often don't like to blow their own trumpet 🎺 - People who may not even be on Linkedin 😳 - People who shun the spotlight 🙈 Nominations are open - employees, solopreneurs, small and large businesses Head to Black Talent Awards and nominate - give someone their flowers 💐 #Inclusion #BlackTalentAwards

How did the bald guy on the left find his way onto the Whitby Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors? What a long, strange trip it's been (my apologies to The Grateful Dead). As I reflect, two things come to mind: 1. Re-invention is the key. In the 1990's, Richard Nelson Bolles authored a book entitled "What Color Is Your Parachute?" As a university student about to graduate, it triggered my anxiety. I couldn't read it. But the central idea stuck with me; Have a career backup plan. 2. Be ready to be surprised. That's the fun part. Embrace it. The Whitby Chamber of Commerce's board has named me Corporate Secretary. I'm still a little shocked to have been sitting in the council chamber, reciting an oath led by the mayor. What a strange trip it continues to be! With that in mind, if you are a business owner, organizational leader, solopreneur, college or university student, retiree, or ambitious employee, take it from me - You should join a Chamber of Commerce or Board of Trade. If you are in Durham Region, join us at the Whitby Chamber! Why? You'll meet people, network, grow a business, achieve some goals, and if you're like me, experience more than a few surprises.

August is National Black Business Month: Work Ethic and Learning This National Black Business Month, focus on hard work and continuous learning. These are the true currencies of success. #WorkEthic #BlackBusinessOwners #ContinuousLearning

These words from Erica Baird hold so much confidence and determination that we want you to take with you this new week. At Queen of Sales, we embrace the belief that each of us holds the potential to make a meaningful difference. This week, let’s reflect on our unique strengths and the influence we can have in our professional and personal lives. Every effort we make, no matter how small, contributes to a larger purpose and a lasting impact. As we dive into the opportunities and challenges of this month, remember that your actions, your passion, and your drive are powerful. You can inspire those around you and lead by example. Let’s make a conscious effort to uplift each other, share our successes, and support one another in reaching our goals. Here’s to a month of growth, achievement, and making a lasting impact. Embrace your role, trust in your purpose, and let’s shine together! Wishing you a fantastic month ahead filled with opportunities and accomplishments. #queenofsales #womenleaders #techsales #womeninbusiness #digitalsales #empoweringwomen #salesprofessionals #socialselling #womenInsales

Did you catch Jay Z on the Grammys? He had the audacity to use the Grammys stage to call out the Grammys while accepting one of the biggest awards of the night. Now I understand being audacious, like Jay Z, I am Brooklyn born and bred. But let's dig deeper into his message. ~“Some of you are going to go home tonight and feel like you’ve been robbed.” ~"Some of you don’t belong in the category.” That last comment got a lot of gasps from the audience, but sometimes the truth is tough to hear. I'm sure many of us have felt like we didn't get our just due. Like we were robbed of the accolades we deserved. If you are a person from a marginalized group, this probably resonated even more. The feeling of having to work twice as hard to get half as far. That is even more frustrating when you see others in the same category, who may have gotten there through social capital above talents. Here's the thing, awards are nice to have. It is always an honor to be recognized, but it cannot be your driving force. You have a duty to share your talents, treasures, and gifts with the world. Winning is a bonus, but should not be the goal. You don't need external validation to be great, give your all, and live your purpose. If the powers that be choose to recognize you, that's a plus. If not, you keep doing what you were put on this earth to do. #diversityequityandinclusion #DEI #BeGreat #Grammys #JayZ