Self-Awareness and Workplace Transformation

It's a wrap! Taking the leap into business ownership was no small decision. It followed countless deliberations, "What ifs," "Buts," and "How will I’s." It was scary, uncertain, and yet, there was a deep-seated belief that I had to try. I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t. Looking back, I didn’t have a clear picture of what the first year would look like—or what it would feel like. As it turns out, it’s been everything I hoped for and more, even with its challenges. A year of learning, growth, and surprises. A year I wouldn’t trade for the world. And at the heart of it all? The people. The clients and partners who trusted me, the conversations that made an impact, and the relationships that turned Yellow Robin Coaching & Consulting from a business into something truly meaningful. Not a Rollercoaster (But Close) Many business owners describe their first year as a rollercoaster ride. While I appreciate the sentiment, rollercoasters are not for me. Standing in line, the anticipation, the stomach-churning drops, no, thank you. For me, it’s been more like windsurfing, a sport I love. When the wind catches the sail just right, you feel unstoppable, like the world is your oyster. But you also know that conditions can change in an instant. There are glorious days when the wind and water cooperate perfectly, and there are days when nothing goes as planned, and you’re left floundering. (I’ll never forget the time I had to be rescued by the sapeurs-pompiers on a French beach - proof that we all need help sometimes!). And just like windsurfing, business ownership can leave you utterly exhausted. You might fall off the board repeatedly, but with enough determination (and perhaps a bit of grit), you manage to get back up. Through it all, my clients have been my compass. Their trust, their openness, and their willingness to embark on this journey with me have been the reason I keep getting back on the board. 10 Lessons to Carry into Year Two As I reflect on this past year, I’m not just thinking about what I’ve learned - I’m thinking about how these lessons will guide me as I navigate my second year. Whether you’re starting out, considering a leap, or facing a new chapter, I hope these resonate with you too: Trust yourself and be yourself. Staying authentic has kept me on track. I’ll continue to hold onto this as I grow my business. Stay open to opportunities. Year one taught me that the best chances often appear unexpectedly - I’ll remain curious and adaptable. Your experiences are your toolkit. Every drawer in the chest of experiences is valuable; I’ll keep opening and using them as needed. Connections matter. I’ve met incredible people, and nurturing those relationships will be key to my ongoing growth. Lean on your community. The support I’ve received has been invaluable. Moving forward, I’ll pay it forward and continue to ask for help when I need it. Take risks. The experiments that worked - and even those that didn’t - showed me the importance of courage. Year two will be no different. Learning never stops. I’ve discovered so much about my work and myself. I’ll keep approaching every day with curiosity. Embrace the emotions. Business ownership isn’t about avoiding discomfort but finding resilience and joy within the ups and downs. I’ll continue to cultivate this in the year ahead. Celebrate your wins. Reflecting on achievements has kept me motivated - and yes, there will definitely be more cake. Reframe thoughts about work/life. Something I’ve learned that will continue to shape my second year is how I think about work and life. For me, owning Yellow Robin doesn’t feel like work - it feels like a way of life. The lines between personal and professional can blur, but it works for me. Note: These lessons are in no particular order of importance. Each one carries its own weight and value, and what resonates most may change depending on where you are in your journey. Looking Ahead As I step into year two, I know there will be surprises, challenges, and moments that stretch me. But I also know I’m stepping in with a stronger foundation, a clearer sense of who I am, and lessons that will guide me through whatever comes next. Most of all, I step into year two with immense gratitude - for the clients and partners who have placed their trust in me, for the conversations that have inspired me, and for the privilege of doing work that feels meaningful every day. Here’s to another year of growth, connection, and hopefully some perfect wind in my sail!

It was a couple of weeks ago when a coaching client told me that he trusted me completely. This remark took me by surprise. After all, we were just at the beginning of our coaching journey, and yet, this early declaration of trust felt right and also reassuring as building trust is the cornerstone of every coach’s work. Yet, it was also mystifying. His comment made me pause and reflect on that delicate, intangible force we call trust. It’s like trying to grasp smoke with bare hands—ephemeral and elusive. It wasn't yet the time in our journey to seek feedback, so I found myself pondering in silence. Was it something I said or did? Or didn’t say or didn’t do? Perhaps it was something inherent in his situation or background that made him feel sufficiently secure to place his trust in me so soon? My years in the corporate world have taught me the value of trust. In some positions, trust was like a spotlight on a stage; in others, it was a quiet undercurrent. For instance, as an audit manager, earning the trust of stakeholders who were not necessarily looking forward to an audit was top of mind. The challenge was to be like a lighthouse—reliable, guiding, and unyielding. As an HR leader overseeing an offshoring process fraught with redundancies, or as a line manager entrusted with nurturing individuals’ development, trust was the bedrock upon which my effectiveness was built. I've also witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of a lack of trust in the workplace. It’s like a pebble dropped into a pond, sending ripples of dysfunction and disengagement through teams and individuals alike. The environment becomes a barren desert where collaboration withers and morale sinks. My recent client experience has led me to revisit how I feel when there is trust and what I need for the seeds of trust to grow. In terms of how I feel, I feel like me. Simple as that! In terms of what I need, it’s less straightforward, and it shifts depending on the context or my own state of mind. However, three elements are always crucial: clarity, connection, and curiosity —the three Cs. Clarity , in this sense, is like a clear, still lake reflecting an honest and open surface. It ensures transparency and reliability. Clear communication is the beacon that dispels the shadows of ambiguity, allowing others to see and trust you. Connection is akin to the roots of a tree intertwining beneath the surface. It fosters empathy and loyalty. When we establish strong connections, we create a support network where understanding and emotional backing thrive, laying a solid foundation for trust. Curiosity , meanwhile, is like a lantern illuminating the path to growth and understanding. It reflects a genuine interest in others and a commitment to learning. By showing a desire to understand and improve, curiosity builds bridges of reliability and reinforces trust. What about you? What does trust mean to you? What qualities do you seek in a colleague or manager? What type of working environment do you need? How do you build and sustain trust in your professional relationships? How do you feel when trust is present in your environment? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences. Trust is the heartbeat of our lives, and understanding how to nurture and maintain it has a profound impact. As Stephen R. Covey wisely said, “Trust is the highest form of human motivation. It brings out the very best in people.”

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs As summer unfolds, bringing sunny days and a slower pace, it’s a perfect time to pause, relax, and reflect on your career path—whether you're content or seeking change. Summer often brings new opportunities and a fresh perspective, making it an ideal moment to evaluate where you stand and where you want to go next. Why Reflect? Reflection is invaluable for everyone, regardless of job satisfaction. It's not just about setting goals; it’s about gaining clarity, making informed decisions, and finding deeper fulfillment in your work. Whether you're currently content or seeking more from your career, regular reflection can lower stress levels, enhance job satisfaction, and empower you to navigate your professional journey with purpose. Reflection Away from the Grind Summer offers a chance to break free from daily routines and gain new perspectives. Whether you’re enjoying the outdoors, spending time with loved ones, or simply relaxing at home, a change of scenery can spark creativity and illuminate new insights into your career aspirations. Questions to Ponder Here are some thought-provoking questions to guide your summer reflection, for those who are perfectly happy and for those who are considering change. For those already happy in their role: Which achievements in my career have brought me the most satisfaction and pride? How can I build upon these successes? Are there new skills or experiences I want to pursue to further enhance my enjoyment and effectiveness in my role? How can I continue to grow professionally while maintaining my current level of job satisfaction? For those who are considering change: What aspects of my current role do I find most dissatisfying? How can I address or change these aspects? What career paths or roles align more closely with my values and interests? What steps can I take now to move towards a more fulfilling career? Practical Steps for Reflection Ready to get started? Here are practical steps to incorporate reflection into your summer routine: Schedule Time: Dedicate a quiet moment each week—whether it’s a sunny morning, a peaceful evening walk, or a relaxing weekend—to reflect on your career journey. Assess Your Progress: Review recent accomplishments and challenges at work. What lessons have you learned, and how can they guide your future decisions? Set Goals: Define clear, achievable goals for the upcoming months or years that align with your career aspirations. Seek Feedback: Seek insights from mentors, colleagues, or trusted friends to gain diverse perspectives and refine your career strategy. I’d love to hear from you! How are you planning to nurture your career growth and fulfillment this summer?