Here’s what these founders and directors cite as the most impactful resources and activities for professional development in their careers.
Recently, we took to our LinkedIn community with the following question:
“What has been the most valuable resource or activity for your professional development?”
Casting the net pretty wide, we expected a variety of responses – and fortunately, our respondents didn’t disappoint!
What has resulted is a wealth of insight, invaluable to those looking to balance work-life, further their career, improve their mental and/or physical health, or reaffirm their commitment to their role – applicable to just about anyone, in any industry.
Now, this article is mostly activities-focussed, so stay tuned for part two if you’re more the resources type!
Dallas Wallace
Managing Director: Giide
In my professional development journey, embracing a growth mindset and proactive learning strategies has proven to be essential. Adopting the daily habits of those who excel in their fields has been hugely beneficial. This practice provides active engagement with seasoned professionals through networks like the Entrepreneurs Organisation. This mentorship provides invaluable insights, guidance, and practical tools that promote continuous improvement. These groups also provide structured learning events as well as systems and tools that can be greatly beneficial.
Integrating this approach with a commitment to maintaining personal well-being – covering physical, mental health, diet, and relationships – ensures that I am well-rounded and prepared to meet professional challenges effectively. I find that if I am not at my best and start to drop my standards regarding my personal commitments, this often has a domino effect that makes its way into other areas of my life.
These strategies of learning, networking, and personal development encourage a disciplined and intention-driven progression towards achieving both personal and professional goals. I have come to believe that investment in yourself – be it physical, spiritual, or professional – is the highest form of self-respect, and helps to build a strong self-image.
Also on The Big Smoke
Dr Nici Sweaney
Founder and Director: AI Her Way
As someone who delivers a lot of PD, I’ve found the most impactful activities are those that deliver immediate, tangible results. PD should focus on connecting with participants, being highly relevant to their specific industry, and providing actionable steps for quick application. Too much PD shares high-level or theoretical information; people thrive on real-world tools and quick wins. That’s what motivates and inspires.
Additionally, as a leader in my own business, I’m passionate about supporting continuous learning. We set aside an hour each week for my team to explore topics they’re passionate about. We treat this time as essential, sharing insights that not only boost our collective knowledge but also affirm that ongoing development is vital to our operations. Approaching PD with this mindset keeps our team engaged and pushing forward. It lets your team know you care about their development, which in turn is great for business.
Also on The Big Smoke
Jad Al Masri
Law graduate, and Violinist, Composer and Creative Director: Jad Al Masri Music
Periodisation. Periodically committing to a certain way of behaving for a specific period of time. An example can help illuminate this point.
In launching my 2023 concert, the three months leading up to it were periodised to prioritise: concert deep work, university, and health/fitness. Anything outside of these three domains was not attended to with the same level of priority. This enabled me to launch the project successfully.
There is a caveat, however. Any astute and ambitious reader would implicitly understand this is unsustainable. Accordingly, I also periodised the months after my concert to prioritise recalibrating myself to the human experience; adventure, socialisation, novelty, and importantly, rest and reflection.
As such, intentionally periodising between intense periods of work and non-work allowed for immense personal growth, richer life experiences, and continued momentum in my professional development over the long term; as it was through balancing the extremes did I glean greater meaning and avoid personal stagnation. Moving forward, it will also allow me to enter the next intense work period with greater vitality. A simple idea. Yet a profound impact.
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