Hi ,

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Today is a remarkably special Monday in our household – my son has turned 20! 

I once prayed to see this milestone, and now that it's here, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude.

He's grown into a fun, funny, and incredibly talented young man with a bright future ahead of him.

His journey, however, hasn't been without its challenges.

Life threw him some curveballs early on...

A life-threatening anaphylaxis to sesame at less than a year old, a severe mould allergy that stunted his growth and affected his lungs, and then, at just three years old, cancer... a brain tumour.

Doctors spoke of miracles, yet I give them the credit when a 40-year-old cancer treatment (designed for adults!) worked.

Through it all, he's shown incredible resilience, facing each obstacle with courage and determination.

Today, he has no chip on his shoulder; he has an awesome life ahead of him.

Why am I sharing this personal story?

Because it highlights a crucial quality I look for when helping businesses build their teams...

Resilience.

Life throws us all curveballs.

It's how we respond to those challenges that truly define us.

When hiring, consider those who have demonstrated resilience in their lives. Whether it's overcoming medical hurdles, navigating family challenges, or adapting to a new culture.

Think about:

• People with dyslexia or autism or any neurodiversity: They've learned to navigate a world that wasn't designed for them, developing unique strengths and perspectives.
• Those who've faced family or health challenges: They've built resilience through adversity and possess a deep understanding of empathy and support.
• Individuals who've moved to the UK under duress: They've shown incredible courage and adaptability in starting a new life.

These individuals are often made of different stuff.

They possess a grit and determination that can be invaluable to your team.

They're problem-solvers.

Innovators.

And natural collaborators.

So, as you build your team in 2025, look beyond the CV and consider the life experiences that have shaped your candidates.

You might be surprised by the hidden gems you uncover. It could make all the difference as you build your team.

Happy Hiring!

Helen

PS. Want to learn more about hiring for resilience and building a truly remarkable team? Let's talk! Book a free strategy meeting today.