On your mark get set, go!

Last month I left Google Cloud to join AWS as a Staffing Manager. While it was hard saying goodbye after 13 years, it was certainly time. I'm sharing my departing reflections I shared with my team before I left. While it's difficult to sum up all I've learned in 13 years, its a culmination of what my key take-away have been. I'm sincerely excited for this new Chapter in my new career! 

"Press forward. Do not stop. Do not linger in your journey. But strive for the mark set before you" George Whitefield. 

Know your worth & find your voice: In my view, knowing your value and self-worth are inextricably linked. Don't just sit at the table when you get the opportunity to enter the room. Make your way to the front row, on the table because it's not enough. When you find your voice, authentically, the leader you know you are will emerge. It's a hard step to take especially when you may be the only one in the room, yet one that will impact yours and other's success. 

Challenge your mind with new information: Being a better person to others starts with being a better person to yourself. This means protecting your mind from the stagnancy and atrophy that comes from “knowing it all". Learning is an ever evolving process, accept the fact you'll never finish knowing. Period. This frame of mind has kept me humble, open, creative and unafraid to fail and succeed. 

Learn to grow, from the 1 thing that is constant: change: Record your daily thoughts and feelings to gain a greater understanding of where you are in the change spectrum because change is inevitable, it’s the only constant AND is potentially a necessary tool for communicating to ourselves where your resistance or acceptance lies. But it also points out to us the traits and qualities that need work, which in turn could present us with opportunities to grow. In short, it helped build a better product, team and company!

Resist the urge to judge others: No two people are exactly alike in either body or mind because each of us is experiencing life and reacts differently. The same principle works when we’re quick to judge others. We unconsciously and consciously expect everyone’s experience to be just like ours. It shouldn't and can't be. This is especially true for those of us in staffing and have to continue challenging hiring managers, our colleagues and the business to see people’s experience from a different lens other than their own.

Get out of work routine, occasionally: we tend to get lost in our “work” bubble and have a tendency not to focus on the big picture when we are really REALLY busy. This prevents us from looking at the opportunities that lie ahead vs the barriers in front of us, especially in times of constant change. It also prevents us from taking care of ourselves and prioritizing what is important in life. Self-care is an entire topic on its own but do these small things 5-10 min of your day: (i) take a walk outside, (ii) take the stairs, (iii) eat healthier for the day, better yet skip lunch and fast, (iv) book a massage, (v) cuddle/pet a random or your dog (ask first!). Trust me you’ll feel better!

Be community minded, at work: Make a point of encouraging each other. Sounds simple but it is actually an incredible way to build a sense of workplace community and something that busy focused people forget. Acknowledging people can change the entire atmosphere especially during change. 

Find a mentor nurture it: I don’t have to tell you even Sr. Leaders have mentors. They serve as powerful allies as you navigate your professional career. They can offer insights when you’re trying to determine your next career move, and provide priceless — if emotionally challenging — feedback when you hit a rut. But remember, it’s not much of a relationship if you are not nurturing it so make sure you carve time out for it consistently. If you don’t believe me read this Fast Company article on relationship currency.

On Leadership: It is my belief that soft skills are "the true currency in client relationships", as such I recommend reading Jared Belsky book “The Great Client Partner”. It's a favorite read that highlights key points to a successful client relationship.

Find your Squad. I found my tribe in the not so like-minded people I have worked with at Google and beyond. They will be part of my extended tribe forever and I look forward to the Squad I will have in my new venture @ Amazon!

Below are some memorable pics of my 13 year run at Google…………………………….but now I can't wait to get started in my new journey at Amazon!!

Lots of love to you all!