Nigel Morris-Cotterill’s Post

As the end of the year approaches, I find myself reflecting on the journeys taken - both professionally and personally. I once worked at LGE/PFL. It’s hard to believe it has been nearly 2 decades - since I first met and worked alongside my 'PFL crew'. Although we haven’t shared an office in all that time, I sometimes reminisce about how we bonded over impossible deadlines and chuckle at the absurdities we managed to survive together. I remember how easy it was to be friends, as well as colleagues. That time in our lives felt so much simpler. Less responsibility, fewer commitments, and lighter hearts. We didn’t know it then, but those really were the days, weren’t they? Seeing each other every day, sharing the most mundane or momentous details of our lives. We celebrated birthdays, weddings, welcomed new babies, navigated breakups. And we faced the unspeakable loss of Femi Sangowawa - someone who will always be missed. Behind all those shared workdays, out-of-office adventures, and spontaneous catch-ups lie a history and authentic friendships I treasure deeply. For that, I’m forever grateful! In December, I will be hosting a special Zoom-in with my former PFL colleagues. 🤩 Some of us have moved across continents, switched industries, or taken on new challenges, but the bonds we formed remain a reminder of what really matters. It'll hopefully be a good chance to remember the laughter, the struggles, and the growth we experienced together! To all my former colleagues: I can’t wait to hear where life has taken you. Let’s continue to inspire each other and carry forward the lessons we’ve learned. ⭐ #reconnect #oldfriends #gratitude #careerjourneys #endofyearreflections #linkedin

The summer holidays are drawing to a close, and we’re ready to start our next chapter. My daughter is beginning her final year of secondary school, and my son is starting his own secondary journey. Balancing a career I’m passionate about with the joys and responsibilities of life has been both an honour and a juggling act. My career in the learning disability sector began when I returned from maternity leave in 2010, a new mum determined to make my mark while nurturing my family. Over the years, I’ve risen from senior manager to CEO, all while growing my family and remaining dedicated to my roles as a parent, partner, and professional. It’s important to recognise that working full-time doesn’t diminish our personal roles—whether as parents, caregivers, or individuals with passions and responsibilities outside of work. In fact, it enriches them. The resilience, dedication, and passion we bring to our work are the same qualities that shape our personal lives. I’m incredibly proud of the well-rounded, brilliant individuals my children are becoming—not in spite of my career, but alongside it. As my children embark on their own educational journeys, I’m reminded of the countless others who are managing this delicate balance in their own unique ways. Whether you’re just starting out or have been walking this path for years, know that your dedication is seen and respected. We juggle meetings and responsibilities, deadlines and personal time, often feeling like we’re constantly moving pieces on a complex chessboard. To all those who share this journey, past and present: I see you. I respect you. And I’m inspired by you. Let’s continue to support one another, lifting each other up in this shared experience of striving, loving, and leading by example—for ourselves, for our colleagues, and for those we care about. Here’s to embracing every role we play, knowing that we are enough in each one. #Leadership #CareerAndLife #WomenInLeadership #CEO #WorkLifeBalance #Inspiration #Respect #LearningDisability #WomenInBusiness #CareerGrowth

🕒💼 Reflecting on What Truly Matters Recently, I came across a powerful image: a man holding a sign stating, "In 20 years, the ONLY people who will remember you worked late will be YOUR KIDS." This triggered me and made me think deeper. In our pursuit of professional success, it's easy to forget that the moments we miss—family gatherings, birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays—shape the memories and relationships that mean the most. It's not just our children who notice our absence, but also our spouses, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and friends. To all my friends, colleagues, and teammates, let's remember to balance our dedication to work with our commitment to those who matter most. Every late night at the office is an occasion missed, a memory not made with someone we love. Let's make an effort to be present—not just physically, but with our hearts and minds—when it matters most. Because at the end of the day, the success that truly enriches our lives isn't measured just by achievements at work, but by the laughter, love, and companionship we share with others. Here's to creating memories that last a lifetime, both within and beyond the walls of our workplaces. 🌟 #WorkLifeBalance #FamilyFirst #MakingMemories #ProfessionalGrowth

Life can feel completely disconnected with our values, I experienced this twice It's like waking up with the sense that something’s missing. the 2 moments were: 1 - After my maternity leave—no sense of purpose and unsure of what was wrong. 2 - After the layoff—it forced me to shake things off and apply the lessons I learned from my post-maternity leave experience. I was around 40 at that time, in that mid-life phase when we start questioning our path. 👉🏼 It’s your chance to listen to these moments : it feels uncomfortable because we don’t have all the answers, but it’s worth making it loud because you know what? ✨ ✨Time flies!✨✨ And I really didn’t want to have any regrets. 👉🏼 What you can do as a first step: ✅Reflect on what truly matters ✅List down your dreams. All of them, even though you think they’re too big ✅Realign your life with your values. Once you manage to reach out to a supportive ear, you can rediscover fulfillment and happiness. ❇ >> What’s your experience with the mid-life phase? Has anything changed? ✨ If you need support to help you navigate this phase, reach me out! This is one of my favourite topics

Today marks a special milestone for me-my third work anniversary and my return to work after maternity leave. As I step back into the office after my maternity leave, I find myself navigating a complex mix of emotions and challenges. Balancing the role of a new mom with my professional responsibilities has been one of the rewarding yet demanding experiences of my life. The past year has been a whirlwind of joy, growth, and new experiences as I embraced motherhood. The support from my family, friends, and amazing colleagues has been a constant source of strength and inspiration. I’m deeply grateful for the understanding and encouragement I received, which made this transition smoother than I could have hoped. Returning to work has been a journey of its own. The transition has its share of difficulties, from managing the guilt of leaving my baby to adjusting to the rhythm of professional life again. Yet, despite these challenges, I'm reminded of the strength and resilience that motherhood has instilled in me. The support from my colleagues and the flexibility offered by my workplace have been invaluable in making this transition smoother. I’d love to hear from others who have experienced a similar transition—how did you navigate returning to work after a significant life change? What has helped you the most? To all the working parents out there, your experiences and stories are inspiring. Let's continue to support each other and advocate for workplaces that recognize and adapt to the unique needs of working parents. Here’s to finding our balance, embracing the challenges, and celebrating the victories—both big and small. #WorkingMom #MaternityLeave #ReturningToWork #WorkLifeBalance #Motherhood

Happy Independence Day! Let us rejoice in that spirit of freedom and run after our happiness, both in work life and personal, in the pursuit of happiness. How are you celebrating this 4th of July? Share your festive plans below! #4thofJuly #IndependenceDay #Celebration #AccountingCommunity #FinanceCommunity #WorkLifeBalance #BenchmarkSearch #DFWJobs

Happy Men’s Day! Today is a moment to recognize and celebrate the contributions men make to their families, workplaces, and communities. It’s also a day to reflect on the quiet resilience and strength that many responsible men bring to their roles every single day. Yet, Men’s Day often goes by with little noise or celebration. Perhaps it’s because these contributions are so seamlessly woven into everyday life that they’re not always noticed. But that doesn’t mean they’re any less valuable. Men deserve to be appreciated too. 🙂 This is especially true for men who step into roles that demand extraordinary strength - for instance, independent solo caregivers who carry responsibilities on their shoulders with no option, but to keep going. They don’t look for excuses, just ways to make things work, probably one day at a time! Of course, no single day can truly capture the importance. But today serves as a reminder: let’s take a moment to appreciate the men around us for all that they do, often quietly and without asking for acknowledgment/validations! #HappyMensDay

🌟 Coming Back Strong: Embracing the Next Chapter! 🌟 Tomorrow marks a significant milestone for me as I return to work after a year-long maternity leave. The past year has been a whirlwind of joy, growth, and challenges, but I'm beyond excited to rejoin the workforce with renewed energy and perspective. Returning to work after maternity leave isn't without its hurdles. Balancing the demands of a career with the joys of parenthood can feel overwhelming at times. Yet, it's also an opportunity for personal and professional growth unlike any other. As a new parent, I've gained a fresh outlook on time management, resilience, and the importance of self-care. Parenthood has taught me to approach challenges with patience, creativity, and a sense of humor—qualities that undoubtedly translate into the workplace. I'm eager to reconnect with my colleagues, dive back into projects, and contribute to the success of our team. While the transition may have its moments of adjustment, I'm embracing it with open arms and a readiness to tackle whatever comes my way. Here's to new beginnings, exciting opportunities, and the journey ahead. Let's make this next chapter one of growth, achievement, and shared success! 💼👶 #BackToWork #NewBeginnings #WorkingParent #ExcitedForTheFuture

🌟 Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: A Journey of Growth and Balance 🌟 After a fulfilling maternity leave, I was excited (and a little nervous!) to step back into the professional world. Returning to work has been both rewarding and challenging in ways I didn’t fully anticipate. Balancing career goals and motherhood has introduced new layers of time management, emotional resilience, and prioritisation. Here are a few reflections on this new chapter: 🤹♀️ The Juggle is Real: From broken nights to full on meetings day, finding balance is a daily practice. It’s a reminder that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. 💡 Adapting My Work Style: I’ve had to rethink my approach to work and productivity. Efficiency is key, but so is giving myself grace when things don’t go as planned. Some days are seamless, others are a learning curve. 💬 The Importance of Support: A big thank you to my manager Kelsey Bowden, my team, colleagues, and my husband who have been so supportive and understanding during this transition. Having a network to lean on has been invaluable. 👶 Shifting Perspectives: Motherhood has changed how I view both work and life. I’ve become more intentional about setting boundaries, but also more passionate about achieving meaningful impact in my role. To all the working parents out there navigating similar transitions—whether it’s your first time or your fifth—you are doing an amazing job. Here’s to finding balance, embracing the challenges, and building new strengths along the way! 💪 #WorkingMom #MaternityLeave #WorkLifeBalance #CareerJourney #ParenthoodAndCareers

Ever wish you had the financial freedom to skip that daily grind? 💭 But think about it—if everyone stopped working, society as we know it would come to a halt! 🛑 If you're feeling the drag of that 40-hour workweek, here are some ways to remember that there’s honor in working, even when it’s tough 💪✨ 💼 Contributing to Others: People who serve and uplift others are often the most respected. Caring, trustworthiness, and being essential to society go a long way! 👨👩👧👦 Providing for Family: Supporting loved ones deserves real respect and admiration. You’re building a legacy! ❤️ 🏢 Adding Value to an Organization: Every job done well brings value, and in return, you get paid! Cha-ching! 💰 💪 Creating Dignity and Pride: Pride in your work—even if it’s not glamorous—creates inner strength and confidence. 🤝 Being Part of a Social Network: Work connects us. It impacts families, friends, and communities. You’re a part of something bigger! 🌐 🎖️ Honoring Authority: Respecting leaders and coworkers sets you apart. It builds a positive reputation and opens doors. 🚪✨ Whether you're self-employed or working for someone else, there’s value in honest effort, supporting family, and serving others. Who knows, you might even find yourself loving that job you once dreaded! 🌟💖 #TransformationTuesday #FindTheValue #FinancialFreedom #PrideInWork #ContributeAndThrive #HonorInWork