10 lessons from 10 years in business
Ten years ago, I had a coaching conversation with myself. It went something like this...
“It’s time to move back home to the North West. I’m ready to start my own business based on strong values, developing people and creating exceptional customer experiences. I will make it a success and be able to buy the home I’ve always dreamed of.”
And Wow, did I achieve it!
It’s been an absolute privilege to build Zest for Life over the last decade. I always tell the people and organisations I work with to reflect on, and celebrate, their successes, so today I am practising what I preach.
My personal highlights
From day one, I’ve been supporting businesses and helping teams and their leaders to move forward and reach their goals - from achieving 5-star Trip Advisor reviews and Red Star ratings, to building more engaged, motivated teams and increasing personal development opportunities. It’s incredible to see individuals and teams develop and grow before my eyes, and to see organisations become more focused on their customers.
I’ve had so much fun along the way. I have fond memories of team-building and trust exercises, and getting creative with Sharpies! I’m proud to have wonderful relationships with fabulous people and businesses, and to have built a loyal client base that respects and relies on my expertise.
The culmination of all this work is the recent launch of our Exceptional Leadership and Exceptional Service Makes Sense programmes, which I’m delighted to announce are now available as open online sessions.
On the personal front, I love my life! I bought my dream house with a beautiful garden. I live closer to my family and have a (fairly) balanced life travelling to clients across the UK and still get to see my friends in London. I’m also happily married, which was not in my original plan, but there are some amazing things in life you cannot plan for and I guess my husband is one of them!
10 lessons I’ve learned
1. Set strong values to live by
Zest for Life’s values are Respect, Integrity and Health. Living and breathing strong values guides you in life and work, as well as in managing the expectations of others.
2. You need clarity to move forward effectively
If you or your team are not clear on the outcome or objective, you cannot move forward. Clear communication is crucial.
3. Choose projects you’re passionate about
Be true to yourself. If you’re not energised or enthused by it, don’t let anyone persuade otherwise. Find the right person who’s passionate about the subject.
4. Explain the ROI in training
Sadly, many organisations and leaders don’t understand the benefits of training and development. When leaders understand the potential results and return on investment, they become more open to the possibilities of learning.
5. People have so much unlocked potential
Your people are your best asset. They have potential to go way beyond their current reality. They simply need to be heard, guided and supported to be the best version of themselves and to do the right thing for the team and organisation.
6. Customers matter more than ever
Many businesses have lost sight of their customers’ needs, wants and desires, as well as the true value of their team. Zest for Life still has a big job to meet its ambition for the UK to become renown for exceptional customer experience.
7. Find fabulous people to help you
People that come recommended by trusted friends and colleagues are the best people to work with. Ask for recommendations and follow them up.
8. You can’t trust everyone
Some people are untrustworthy and may not share your own values. There will be times when people don’t keep their promises, expect you to work for free, or underhandedly steal your ideas. These are learning experiences.
9. Set goals and set out to achieve them
Even coaches have personal coaches! When you need to find focus, coaching helps you to set personal or professional goals and build a plan to achieve them.
10. There is still SO much to learn
Since starting Zest for Life, I’ve gained my Level 7 CIPD Certificate in Organisational Development and Design, upgraded my CIPD status, and become licensed to facilitate ‘StrengthsFinder’ sessions, enabling teams to work more effectively together. I love learning and I’m still hungry to do more.
Throughout our ten years, one thing has remained constant at Zest for Life, and that’s our energy, passion and enthusiasm for learning, developing great leaders and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
I want to say a huge Thank You to everyone and every organisation that has shared our journey so far. Without a doubt, there is still more to come. I know that Zest for Life will only get better with age.