Recently I attended a greyhairworks! event with some amazing speakers and a room full of incredibly smart people. (imposter syndrome!) It made me think as I sat on the train home that WHAT I can help people deliver is not unique – there are plenty of Marketeers around my age, with a similar background, skills and experience. The difference is HOW – the distinctiveness of me, who I am, what makes me tick and how I like to get sh*t done (to borrow GHW phrase)

According to one leadership report my strengths are :- 👍 Collaboration: I build relationships, involving others in initiatives and ensure that I partner with the right stakeholders who can enhance business results. 👍 Decision Making: When I am placed in new and novel settings I can effectively leverage varied data and perspectives to make sound judgments and conclusions that would benefit the organization.

But with that you also get the Northern, pragmatic yet optimistic mindset, the curious/nosey person who wants to understand people, the desire to be productive and make progress (progress over perfection has always worked for me) and to also have fun along the way.

It also reminded me that distinctiveness rarely comes from having a completely unique skillset. It comes from understanding how you show up, how you work with others, and how you create momentum. If you can name that — and own it — you give people a clear reason to choose you. Not to be louder or more polished, but to be more you.