Hayley Smith’s Post

She was totally excited about the new job she had been offered. She had the right aptitude and the right attitude for the job. And knowing her, we all felt that she would hit the deck running and make her presence felt. And here she was, just a year later, looking somewhat devastated - she was completely disillusioned and wanted to leave her job. Setting her up for another job was really the 2nd step. The 1st step was to find out what happened, how bad the situation truly was and what her options were, going forward. For as long as I have known her, she never gave up without exhausting every option known to mankind! A little dramatic but she was truly built that way. There were multiple challenges she had faced: ❌ no budget allocated for training and development because her team "was just the support team and not the sale team who bring in revenue"; ❌ inability to celebrate major milestones achieved by her team because the management was very tight-fisted; ❌ micro management on every issue including staff rotation ❌ ignoring positive feedback with disbelief and blaming any negative feedback on the inability of her team to manage their work; ❌ she felt herself regressing completely. Of course she was miserable! I would be miserable too if I was in her place! In her words "they tell us that support functions are important but they still choose to ignore my team except when something goes wrong - and I will ultimately have to shoulder this" All metrics I have ever learnt over the years tell me the same thing about customer-centricity and buying experiences. And yet when it comes down to the finality, many leaders still opt to ignore the value of support and focus on sales, sales and sales. We went through some possible options in the coming months but the true professional that she is, she was determined to make sure she completed her deliverables so that her team would not suffer injustice at the end of the year during appraisal time. What do you think? Is there still a future for those who want to get into support roles rather than sales roles? What would your advice be to them? To her?

I have been posting and or reposting about challenges in the workplace that many Stakeholders simply do not see or they choose to let their Chief of Staff manage. Which means, in most cases, Stakeholders only learn about a serious problem when it escalates. There has been so much content in the last 6 months, clearly - there is a LOT wrong in too many organizations. After a zoom meeting with a CEO last week, we both agreed that, through our resources, somewhere in the range of about 75 people, in a certain industry, are out in the marketplace looking for a change. The sad part of that talk was, only about 8 of these folks can repeat their success over and over. The rest change jobs every 12 to 24 months. This post is great because it puts the focus on the US. The individuals. Choose to create your own brand. Choose to make you and your brand relevant. When you and your brand are out there doing what it takes to help others succeed, everyone wins. Stakeholders hear it, even when they are not listening. Please keep posting this kind of content folks. It helps all of us learn, get better and learn that change is a requirement - not an option.

Not long ago, I found myself in a situation many dream of: PROMOTION It was a promotion that came with ->A shiny new title ->A significant pay raise ->The promise of new challenges and responsibilities. On paper, it looked perfect. But life is rarely that simple. My manager outlined the benefits and expectations of the new role. My mind drifted to the team I currently lead, a group of dedicated individuals who had become more than just colleagues. We had developed a rhythm, a sense of camaraderie that made each day enjoyable and productive. I thought about the projects we had in the pipeline, the milestones we had achieved together, and the sense of fulfilment I felt at the end of each day. As my manager finished his pitch, I felt a knot in my stomach. The opportunity was incredible, yet something held me back. I realized that I wasn't ready to leave behind the joy and satisfaction my current position brought me. The higher position might have been a step up the corporate ladder, but it would mean stepping away from the work environment I loved. After a night of contemplation, I returned to my manager and, with a deep breath, declined the offer. I explained my reasons, and to my surprise, he understood and respected my decision. Staying where I was felt right, and I continued to thrive in the role that made me truly happy. Sometimes, the best choice isn't the most obvious one. It's about finding what truly fulfills you, even if it means turning down a seemingly perfect opportunity. Have you ever had to make a similar choice, where following your heart meant going against conventional wisdom? How did it turn out for you?

Can't understand why you're feeling stuck at work? No promotion, Toxic Boss You’re great at what you do, you have not been promoted for many years. However lately, your motivation has waned. You feel unchallenged and discouraged by the direction your career is taking. If this resonates with you, please know you’re not alone. The number one mistake I see people 5-10 years into their career - but unhappy in their role - make? 👉 They tell themselves they’re not allowed to change their minds. They feel guilty when they realize they’re on an unfulfilling career path. But they stay out of guilt, fear, or a combination of the two. Instead, what you need to do is: ✨ Get clear on what you truly want ✨ Suddenly it becomes easier to evaluate your current situation and make necessary changes. You start to feel motivated again with a renewed sense of self and goals that align with your priorities. My clients experience all of this and more... ☀️ “When I faced a layoff, Hakim guided me through the entire process of securing a new role in a different industry... I found a fulfilling position that brings me joy every day.” ☀️ “I felt stuck in my current role... Hakim helped me sort out my priorities and make key decisions about what I desire for the foreseeable future.” ☀️ “Hakim helped me through a significant transition point in my life and in my career... She supported me every step of the way, asking thought-provoking questions, and serving as a critical outside perspective to my strengths. Ready to make a real change? Let’s connect. DM me, or book a call! Feel free to call or WhatsApp me 0n +256705933075

🌱 Turning the Page : Embracing the Next Chapter 🌱 So, I recently lost my job. It’s never an easy thing to go through, and it definitely threw me off at first. But after sitting with it for a bit, I’ve decided to look at it as an opportunity, a chance to reset, reflect, and focus on what’s next. 💪 Losing a job doesn’t define me. Instead, I’m choosing to see this as a step forward a chance to grow, sharpen my skills, and explore new opportunities that align with my goals. I know I’m not alone in this, so I’d love to hear from those of you who’ve been through something similar. What helped you stay positive and keep moving forward? Feel free to share your thoughts, I’d appreciate the advice and encouragement! 😊 #NewChapters #GrowthMindset #StayPositive #CareerTransitions

I think I've been pretty lucky in my career journey. Looking back to where I started and where I am now, there's just no comparison. No comparison in either the business impact I make, nor in my annual earning potential. Nor the satisfaction I get in what I do. It hasn't been all smooth sailing. I've accepted jobs that paid very well, but were toxic work environments. I've been promoted many times. But also fired a few times. I've worked with managers who helped my career, and some who deliberately held me back. I've re-invented myself several times, developed totally new skills and pushed beyond my comfort zone often. So why do I feel lucky? Because I'm exactly where I want to be. Every step I took was a deliberate decision that I made. Good or bad. Even when things were out of my hands, I took control by choosing my reaction and the strategy for my next steps. To me, success in a career is less about the money, titles or the kind of job you do. Success to me is being 100% in control of your career destiny. That's where I am today. And that's why I feel lucky. If you feel stuck in you career journey, with others seemingly in control of your destiny, take the time to stop and think about how you can take back that control. #jobsearch #careers #careersuccess

I have been getting these questions asked to me quite frequently lately... "How hard was it transitioning from a 12 year career to something brand new?" "What are some challenges you have faced in this new role?" "Was it difficult to transition from Restaurant to Business Solutions?" "What made you decide one day that you needed to make the change and why Business Solutions?" Let me tell you... It was NOT easy at all. After I left the Restaurant industry I had an entire plan, and as we all know, plans don't always go the way you expect them to. I loved working in the Restaurant Industry and I LOVED being a Manager. Making an impact on my staff and even the guests is what brought me joy. But, after 12 years and being only 28 at the time, i was severely burnt out. I did not expect Toshiba to be where I landed, but truthfully, I could not be happier. Learning brand new products has been the most challenging for me. Who knew there was sooooo much that went into copiers? I really struggled at first, I was really hard on myself, and it was extremely scary stepping out of my comfort zone and getting into something completely different. But I can say I have an amazing Team / Boss who have made this transition very easy for me. This career change has made me grow in so many ways i would have never expected and I am so thankful I finally took the leap of faith. I would say I didn't chose Business Solutions, it chose me. My advice ... TAKE THE LEAP OF FAITH! You have no idea what opportunities are out there for you.

𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗼? 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗹. 💊 I once worked with someone who was stuck in her own career matrix—offered a promotion, but terrified of making the wrong move. The fear of screwing up her future had her paralysed. It was like standing in front of two pills: 🔵 Stay in the comfort zone, avoid the risk. 🔴 Take the leap, and see where it could lead. She chose to take the red pill. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗿: 1️⃣ Clarify your goals – We drilled down on what she really wanted long-term and if this promotion aligned. 2️⃣ Assess the risks – We weighed the risks vs. rewards, looking at both short-term wins and long-term impact. 3️⃣ Make the call – Armed with a clear strategy, she made the bold move. And guess what? It paid off. That promotion turned out to be a major win for her career, pushing her closer to her vision. 𝗦𝗼, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂? 🔵 Play it safe or 🔴 Take the leap? 💬 Ever had to make a decision that felt like a red pill/blue pill moment? Let’s talk about it below!👇 P.S. If this resonates, share it with someone standing at their own crossroads. ♻️ #jobsearch #jobhunt #job #career #careers #careerchoice

Remember, at one point, the job you currently hold is the one you fought to get. Even if it’s changed over time, it’s likely still a stepping stone toward where you’re meant to go. Bouncing from job to job in search of a mythical “dream job” rarely pans out. More often than not, it’s the persistence and growth within a role that shapes your career into something fulfilling. A dream job isn’t something you find; it’s something you create. Here's what I've learned along the way: 💡 Adaptability is key: Life throws curveballs—new bosses, organizational changes, layoffs. Your dream job will change, but your ability to adapt and infuse your role with passion is what will define your success. 🎯 Own your career: Your career is yours to shape. Infuse your passions and unique flair into everything you do. The role may not be perfect, but you can create something amazing within it. 📊 Results matter, but so does passion: Deliver results consistently, and you’ll gain freedom to mold the role. Your dream job evolves when you exceed expectations. 🚀 Stretch roles build careers: Always look for opportunities to go beyond your job description. I've turned stretch roles into springboards for creating roles I’m passionate about. 🔑 Share best practices: Sharing what works not only lifts others but opens doors to bigger, more fulfilling projects. 💬 Leverage your passions: Social selling became my passion, and by leaning into it, I created opportunities that fueled me while staying in my core role. 💼 Don’t chase titles, build relationships: Your next big opportunity often comes from the relationships you build. Make sure your reputation precedes you. ⚖️ Balance ambition with presence: Explore new roles, but make the most of where you are. You fought for this role—craft it into something you love. ⏳ Embrace the journey, not just the destination: Every experience, even the tough ones, leads you closer to your dream job. Take risks and learn along the way. So, the real question is... are you waiting to find your dream job, or are you ready to create it? #DreamJob #CareerGrowth #SalesLeadership #StretchYourself #PassionInWork #SocialSelling #OwnYourCareer #Adaptability #RelationshipsMatter #CreateNotFind

I know what’s keeping you from leveling up in your career. You’re stuck in a rut. Caught up in the routine. Working 8 to 10-hour days. Not taking lunch. Waking up in a rush to get to work, get the job done, come home, and do it all over again. You’re so caught up in the daily rat race that you don’t make the time to see yourself doing more. You just put your head down and get the work done (hoping someone will notice and reward you) You’re stuck in survival mode. No wonder you’re not getting promoted. You’ve become consumed with your current role. There’s no real growth happening. That’s no way to live. It’s time to pick your head up. Look around for opportunities. Start positioning yourself for more. Talk to your mentor about your progression plan. It’s up to you to get unstuck.