GVY BlackRock Inc.’s Post

As we approach the year-end, I find myself reflecting not just on the work we've accomplished, but on the culture we often glorify—one that equates working harder and "being grateful" for what we have with success. While gratitude is important, it’s equally essential to recognize that asking for fair compensation, standing up for your needs, or requesting balance isn’t a sign of being ungrateful—it’s a necessity. In the corporate world, we’re often driven by hustle culture: moving from one task to another, running on autopilot, and calling December's holidays a "break." But let’s pause for a reality check. These breaks are not just moments of rest—they are time to step away from the relentless pace, acknowledge fatigue, and confront the realities we often push aside. It’s not about "recharging to hustle harder," but about stepping back, regaining perspective, and addressing what as truly needs to change for ourselves. Let’s remind ourselves that standing up for what’s fair, creating boundaries, and re-evaluating priorities are not acts of defiance but steps toward a healthier, more sustainable approach to work and life. It’s time we rethink what we glorify and aim for solutions that truly serve us.

☀ Summer holidays are a time for relaxation and recharge, but for those of us in the financial industry, they often bring a unique set of challenges. While managing summer holidays in the financial industry is no small feat, with the right strategies and tools, it’s possible to balance the demands of our work with the need for rest and rejuvenation. How does your team handle the summer holiday season? Share your strategies and let's support each other in navigating these summer months. #summerholidayjuggle #inovoteksolutions #financialindustry

What defines a great workday for you?  For me, it’s seeing the direct impact of the programs we implement—witnessing smiles, satisfaction, and real change in the lives of the communities. It’s a reminder that the work my team and I do goes beyond tasks and targets—it’s about purpose and impact.  𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰: 📚 Quality Education – Education is the foundation of sustainable futures and path for more opportunities. Investing in learning opportunities empowers individuals and communities, opening doors to brighter futures and long-term growth.  💧 Better Healthcare and Safe, Clean Water for All – Access to basic needs like healthcare and clean water isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity. Prioritizing these areas ensures healthier, more resilient communities and paves the way for sustainable progress.  🤝 Building Stronger Communities – True impact is reflected in how we uplift and support one another. We’re committed to strengthening communities by partnering with community leaders, supporting local entrepreneurs, and fostering home-based economic growth to empower individuals to create sustainable livelihoods. Giving back to our communities during challenging times is not just a responsibility—it’s one of the most fulfilling parts of our journey. Over the past years with IFS and the IFS Foundation, I’ve had the privilege of being part of this incredible journey and witnessing the real impact we create on the ground. As we step into 2025, I’m excited to keep making a difference—drop by drop, brick by brick, and step by step. 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱!

After a couple of recent chats with friends who are exploring career and life options, I wanted to share a framing that's been helpful for me over the past three years... ⚡ Rewirement planning ⚡ 🖤 🐑 Around three years ago I made the really tough and yet really easy decision to leave BBH Global 🖤 🐑 ❤️ Really tough because I loved it, like LOVED IT. Really easy because I love my wife and family, and it was time to start life in a new country closer to family ❤️ But more than a new start, it signalled a new mindset that I increasingly value and share with whoever I can. I also appreciate that it's completely from a position of privilege, but not without some sacrifice. 👨👩👧 I call it Rewirement Planning. 👨👩👧 👴 If statistics are correct, I'll be able to retire when I'm 65, no 67, actually make that 70+ at the rate of change 👴 My knees already crack when I walk up the stairs, I dread to think what that looks like in over 30 years from now. My daughter will have moved on from cuddles on the sofa, and dinosaur chasing in the park (hopefully). 😴 And so, it just doesn't add up. By the time I retire I'll be re:TIRED 😴 So, we decided to change things. To not focus on Retirement (sure we save appropriately etc), but on Rewirement. - We've rewired our working day to walk our daughter to daycare and pick her up everyday, usually with a couple of park pit stops in between! - We've rewired our working week to 4 days, to have weekends with family and friends and the first day of the week just with the three of us. - We've rewired our working year to ensure we can spend meaningful time (6 week chunks) overseas or taking time out here with family visiting from overseas. 🌎 As the world changes at a faster pace than ever, so does family and decisions around it. 🌎 So, IF YOU CAN, consider how you can plan to rewire and not just retire. #noholdingback #onlyunholdingforward

Not an End-of-the-Year Recap As the calendar year comes to a close, end-of-year recaps seem to be everywhere. And then there’s the big 31st—a night with so much pressure to celebrate, often falling short of the hype compared to many other parties throughout the year. For me, it all feels a bit awkward, especially here in Central Europe, where the season is dark, cold, and introspective. But that’s why I’ve made the conscious decision to free myself from this end-of-year deadline and instead add some lightness and uplifting vibes to the season. Each year holds its ups and downs, challenges, highlights, and lowlights—both professionally and personally. I try to take one day at a time, adding as much life, lightness, and joy as I can in this very moment. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows—but a good amount of it actually is. So here’s to steady growth, freedom, love, and health—not just for the start of a new year, but for every single day. What about you? How do you approach this season and the transition into a new year? #FreedomToGrow #HealthAndHappiness #OneDayAtATime #StayInspired #GrowthJourney

Do you ever feel like company holiday gifts aren’t enough? Your team wants more than a holiday gift—and you do, too. You care about your team. Every year, you spend time and money finding the perfect holiday gift to show them how much you appreciate their hard work. But deep down, you might still wonder: Is this enough? You’re not alone. Many business owners face this same challenge—giving a gift to check the box while knowing their team really needs something more. What if, instead of a temporary gesture, you could give them something lasting? Imagine a team that’s inspired because they: Know the Vision – They’re clear about where the business is headed and their role in getting there. Understand the Mission – They see how their work matters and contributes to something meaningful. Work with Purpose – They have clear goals, expectations, and the autonomy to thrive. This season, it’s too late to change the story—but next year can be different. By investing in clarity and purpose now, you’ll create a team that feels motivated, aligned, and ready to succeed. And by this time next year, you won’t just be handing out gifts—you’ll be celebrating growth, progress, and a business that feels as rewarding as it should. P.S. The best leaders invest in their teams, not just with gifts, but with purpose. Let’s make next year’s holiday season one to celebrate. Share your successes or challenges in supporting your team in the comments. DM me, or schedule a free call with me to create a plan of action for the next year that will be a gift your employees love all year long. https://lnkd.in/gpCmA2-Y #employeegifts #holidaygifts #employeesatisfaction

🌞 Is Summer the New January? At the start of the year, we all focused on January as the time for fresh starts—the usual “New Year, New Us” mindset. However, there’s a growing trend to treat summer not just as the dry patch you have to survive, hiding in the office, but as a natural check-in point. While people rest and recover on their vacations and the heat intensifies, there’s a natural tendency to slow down. This allows us to focus on systematic thinking, rather than getting buried under countless to-dos and busy calendars. During the long summer days, we took the chance to: 👉 Recharge and rest, taking time away from our daily responsibilities 👉 Bring in new ideas and perspectives 👉 Focus on our overarching goals and strategies 👉 Review our progress on projects 👉 Regroup and realign our priorities 👉 Build strategies and plans for the last busy stretch of the year Now, as summer comes to a close, we feel focused and ready for the rest of the year! 💪 Did you turn summer into a mid-year reset? #bishopco #bishopcolifestyle

Reflecting on the Year—And Embracing Every Season of Life As the holidays approach, it’s natural to look back at the year—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Some years bring big wins, celebrations, and milestones. Others are about growth, loss, or simply making it through. Both are part of the journey. Growth isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet, steady, and unseen—but it’s still growth. Not every year has to be groundbreaking. Sometimes, we’re in seasons of transition. Sometimes, we’re playing a supporting role instead of taking center stage. And sometimes, we’re just doing our best to keep going—that matters too. Time keeps moving, no matter what. It’s not about having a perfect year; it’s about how we spend the time we’re given. Whether this was your year to shine or a year to quietly rebuild, it all counts. So as we wrap up this chapter, let’s celebrate the wins, honor the struggles, and look forward to what comes next. #HappyHolidays

BlackRock Best Practices. My entire career has been as an expat. At Tetra Pak, I worked for 12 years, and my daughters loved Christmas—whether Santa brought them gifts in Switzerland, Turkey, or Sweden. It was a company that valued families, offering pensions for expat spouses. That’s where I learned the importance of having not just employees but their families love the place where we work. Turnover in the U.S. is high—up to 50% annually, according to the BLI. I thought the companies I managed were doing well in retention until I attended today's #BlackRock’s Family Day. It was the best example I’ve ever seen. James, another family member sitting next to me, mentioned how impressed he also was about the quality of people we were having access to. Photos weren’t allowed, but what impressed me was the commitment. Senior executives took the time to explain what BlackRock does and how their products create value—not just for clients, but for employees and their families too. Among others, I appreciated Rick Rieder personal stories and humility, how much I learned about geopolitics from Catherine Kress, infrastructure from Willie Alford II, and retirement from KC Boas. Jessica Baird did a fantastic job on social impact, and I’m proud that a family member of mine works for a company ranked in the top 1% for employee engagement in volunteer activities. Melanie Kuchinski Rodriguez did a super job mastering the whole event with contagious enthusiasm. Hats off to BlackRock—a true masterclass in managing family days. #EmployeeEngagement #RetentionStrategies #CorporateCulture #Leadership #SocialImpact #BlackRock #VolunteerEngagement

This infographic highlights 5 key things your institution 🏦 can do to ensure your IT 💻 department runs smoothly during summer vacation 🏖️ season! We understand that for a small IT department it can be challenging for IT personnel to take time away from the institution. These tips, including partnering 🤝 with third-party companies to co-manage IT operations, will add peace of mind to all. #LessWorryingMoreBanking #SafeSystems #CommunityBanking https://lnkd.in/eS7saW6h