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My all-time Top 5 professional highlights.

In the span of the last seven years, my career in internal communications has unfolded in ways that the younger version of myself could scarcely have dreamed. This journey has not only been about professional development but also about personal growth and self-discovery. As I reflect on this remarkable voyage, I am excited to share with you what I consider my "All-Time Top 5" career highlights. These moments have not only shaped my professional identity but have also left an indelible mark on my personal life.

Each highlight is a story of challenges embraced, skills honed, and boundaries pushed. From orchestrating large-scale communication strategies to fostering intimate team connections, these experiences encapsulate the essence of my professional ethos. They represent the peaks of creativity, the depths of empathy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that define my career.

Join me as I share these pivotal experiences, each a testament to the power of communication in shaping organisational culture and driving change. Welcome to a glimpse into my world, where every challenge is an opportunity, and every success is a stepping stone to greater heights.

1. A BWS Night At The Museum

In collaboration with our Marketing Team, Creative Studio, and Leadership Team, we transformed the traditional corporate conference format to unveil our F24 strategy in a uniquely engaging BWS style. Breaking away from the conventional 9-5 schedule, the event kicked off at 3pm, setting the tone for an unconventional and dynamic experience.

The launch began with an insightful presentation on our F24 strategy, followed by a guest speaker who shared valuable perspectives on mental fitness, aligning with our focus on holistic well-being. As the day progressed, the event seamlessly transitioned into an evening of brand immersion, offering a deeper connection with our identity and values.

Highlighting the celebration was the Unboring Awards dinner, where we honoured Team Members with playful and memorable accolades, such as 'The Most Chaotic Offsite of F23'. These awards not only acknowledged the hard work and achievements of our team but also infused a sense of fun and personality into the recognition.

The night culminated in a one-of-a-kind experience with the House Of Pride and Cool Room. These immersive spaces were designed to encapsulate our brand's essence, offering our team a memorable, engaging, and truly 'unboring' experience. This innovative approach to launching our F24 strategy exemplified our commitment to creativity and team engagement, rewriting the rules of corporate events.

2. The BWS Experience

Initiating a transformative journey, The BWS Experience program propelled BWS into a new era of customer service training, earning an Imprint Award nomination and three LearnX awards: Best Customer Experience Program, Best Learning & Development Team, and Best Customer Experience Team. The initiative redefined BWS's ACE service principles to align with our refreshed brand, aiming to create an unboring customer experience.

Central to this program was revitalizing our team's engagement with customer service, embedding our new brand proposition into every interaction. It sought to deepen team connections, fostering a shared sense of purpose and aligning values and operations with our collective vision. This approach recognized the integral link between team dynamics and customer satisfaction, focusing on creating a unified, culturally rooted experience.

Building on our strong background in customer experience training since 2015, the program adapted to post-COVID challenges. It reintroduced in-person training for over 6,500 team members, blending refreshers with new learning experiences. This approach catered to the team's eagerness for face-to-face learning and interaction.

3. Interactive Calendar

Designing and launching BWS Central remains a career highlight for me, transforming our internal web platform from a cumbersome folder structure to a user-friendly, modern web-based design. Since its inception 6.5 years ago, a key focus has been maintaining its engaging and dynamic nature.

In 2017, facing the challenge of refreshing our summer communications, I drew inspiration from the concept of an advent calendar. This led to the creation of an interactive calendar on the BWS Central homepage. This innovative feature, designed to engage our team, allowed users to click on each day to receive updates and communications. But it offered more than just information; it was a gateway to daily 'metaphorical chocolate delights'. These delights included recognition of team members, inspiring stories, and showcasing highlights from our internal social spaces.

This interactive calendar not only enlivened our communication approach during the summer but also fostered a sense of community and excitement within the team. It served as a daily reminder of our commitment to keeping BWS Central not just informative but also fun and engaging. This initiative represents our continuous effort to innovate and enhance internal communications, making BWS Central a central part of our team's daily experience.

4. Summerfest Summer Roadhsows

One of my most cherished initiatives at BWS was 'Summerfest', a series of roadshows where our leadership team toured the country, presenting our strategy and plans for the summer season. This initiative holds a special place in my professional journey, particularly as it occurred during a pivotal moment for our team, which had largely formed amidst the challenges of COVID-19. For many, it was the first opportunity to connect in person with our in-store colleagues.

The essence of Summerfest transcended beyond mere business updates; it was an invaluable opportunity for personal connections and getting to know our team on a deeper level. These interactions weren't just about sharing plans but about building relationships, understanding individual contributions, and fostering a strong, united team spirit.

A profoundly memorable aspect of Summerfest were the smoking ceremonies we participated in at various locations. These ceremonies were not just culturally enriching experiences but also symbolised the launch of our Reconciliation Action Plan. They provided a moment of reflection and recognition of our commitment to cultural awareness and inclusivity within our organization.

Summerfest was an unboring celebration of our team, our culture, and our shared future

5. Crisis Responses

Reflecting on my professional journey, a standout area of growth and contribution has been in crisis communication. While it may seem sombre to label this as a highlight, I take pride in the capability I've honed to respond effectively and sensitively during crises. The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point, where, like many internal communicators, I quickly adapted to become proficient in crisis communications. This experience was crucial when we faced an unprecedented challenge requiring a response unlike any before.

My approach to crisis communication is deeply influenced by my empathetic nature. Some might attribute this to being a 'sensitive Sagittarius', but I believe it's my deep empathy that uniquely positions me to act with care and consideration in critical situations. This attribute has been instrumental in guiding our team and business through difficult times.

The aspect I'm most proud of during these challenging periods is the way our team, or 'the matrix' as I fondly refer to it, comes together. In moments of crisis, we unite to lead the business, providing unwavering support not just for our internal community but also for each other. It's this collective strength, compassion, and effective communication that enables us to navigate through trials, reinforcing our resilience and commitment to our team and business.