Have you ever thought about what your ‘why’ is and what’s more, where it originated?
I worked out a while ago that my ‘why’ is enabling workplaces where people thrive.
I hadn’t given much thought to the source as I assumed it to be pretty obvious. Then, a couple of years ago I was inspired as part of the KPI program to dig into where it came from. The process involved reflecting on the very first time you took on board your belief, what was the event or circumstances that resulted in you adopting this sense of why you are here and the difference you want to make.
Can you imagine how extraordinary it is that in 1975 a city of London-based group of accountants was multi-racial and gender wasn’t a barrier?
Reaching back for where my own inspiration had come from had a simple but surprisingly emotional answer. It was the Chartered Accounting firm I had joined at the age of 16.
My parents were separating, and I felt vulnerable and alone. A kindly teacher introduced me to Stewart Simpson who instead of talking me into staying at school, offered me a job as a trainee accountant with a recently established path to becoming a fully qualified accountant down the track.
Stewart’s offer of this job changed my life.
This firm though small at the time was exceptional. Can you imagine how extraordinary it is that in 1975 a city of London-based group of accountants was multi-racial and gender wasn’t a barrier? This diverse bunch of people worked hard, learnt together, laughed a lot...and there was a fair bit of partying too!
When after more than 6 years I passed my final exams to become a qualified accountant, I couldn’t wait to get out and see the world. A 2-year contract to Australia with Ernst and Young saw to that.
Roll on 40 years over this side of the pond (!) and a surprise email gave me a year’s notice of a reunion.
It was a special one gathering together those who had worked together since those early days, through mergers with other firms, to today being part of Grant Thorton.
The photos are pictorial evidence of this wonderful lunch. More importantly, the chance to connect and reminisce was extraordinary and heartwarming. We agreed that the culture of support and win-win that we experienced back in the late 70s was exceptional and almost certainly accounted for the enthusiasm for getting back together as well as looking to form new connections.
What was extra special was the opportunity to say thank you in person to Stewart for giving me that life-changing opportunity and to Brian Moritz, still the best mentor I’ve ever had.
Stewart was taken aback but delighted that his decision had meant so much to me. It was another example that expressing gratitude has such a positive effect on all those involved.
I’d love to hear your stories or reflections on the source of your why and look forward to seeing them in the comments section below.
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