Embracing our stories

I once dropped out of one of the two most famous universities in the UK.

It’s not something I often talk about.

And yet, it’s part of my story.

I was reminded this weekend that our life path is forged by all our stories.

Not just the ones on our CV.

Successes and achievements. Mishaps, failures and cringeworthy moments.

The degrees we completed, and the ones we didn’t. (That’s a story for another day.)

All the internships, holiday jobs and other activities that make up our professional mosaic.

Yes, I’ve worked in public affairs, media relations and corporate communications.

And I’ve:

⚱️ Helped learning disabled people make ceramics in a Cardiff arts centre

🍺 Pulled hundreds of pints at the village pub and students’ union

🌏 Co-organized a first Earth Day celebration in southern Japan

🏠 Fielded public housing enquiries from migrants to Vienna

🛩️ Couriered market research surveys across Europe

🚘 Translated adverts for Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart

📝 Taught English to Japanese businessmen

Every one of us has a whole collection of these off-CV anecdotes and stories that shape who we are today.

They may be detours, U-turns or loop-the-loops. Or regular milestones along the way.

Perhaps they make us proud, laugh, or even wince…

But I know that embracing our stories means embracing who we are –

With all our flaws, quirks and humanity.

Stories to be cherished. Stories to be told.

I wonder: What invisible threads are woven into your professional story?