The Values That Shaped Me — And How They Can Help You Too

Leaving school at 16 and stepping into the world of work was a defining moment in my life, as it is for many. At that age, I didn’t have a clear map for the journey ahead, but I was fortunate to be handed something just as valuable: a compass. My first employer had a robust set of values, instilled in all new joiners from day one. What made them truly meaningful was seeing those values consistently demonstrated by everyone, at every level.

Much like a compass, these values provided direction. They helped me navigate unfamiliar territory, make grounded decisions, and stay true to a sense of purpose, even when the path ahead wasn’t always clear. They became the foundation for my personal and professional development, shaping my behaviour, mindset, and work ethic — and influencing the person I am today.

How These Values Shaped My Growth

As I reflect on my journey, I can see how these core values influenced not only my early career but also how I’ve navigated change and growth over time:

• Courage – Facing new challenges, whether speaking up in meetings, stepping outside my comfort zone, or making difficult decisions took courage. Learning to face these situations head-on taught me to embrace, rather than avoid, challenge.

• Discipline – Staying focused, managing time effectively, and maintaining professionalism are key at every stage of a career. Discipline has helped me stay reliable, improve my skills, and adapt to new demands.

• Respect for Others – Working with people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives taught me the importance of respect. Valuing diverse viewpoints has strengthened my ability to work collaboratively and build meaningful relationships.

• Integrity – Integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching. That’s meant taking responsibility for mistakes, being honest with colleagues and clients, and consistently delivering high-quality work, fostering trust and credibility.

• Loyalty – Loyalty to my team and employer has meant showing up, supporting others, and working toward shared goals. It’s helped me build long-lasting professional relationships and a real sense of collective success.

• Selfless Commitment – Success in any professional setting requires teamwork. Focusing on collective goals rather than individual achievements has taught me that shared success is far more rewarding than personal gain.

Expanding My Values

As I’ve progressed through my career, now navigating my fourth professional chapter, two additional values have become central to who I am:

• Compassion – The power of empathy and kindness can’t be overstated. Whether supporting colleagues, mentoring others, or leading teams, compassion has helped me foster trust, deepen connections, and create more positive work environments.

• Tenacity – The ability to persevere through challenges, setbacks, and uncertainty has been vital throughout my journey. Tenacity has kept me striving for excellence, learning from failure, and pushing beyond limits to achieve growth and success.

Values as a Lifelong Guide

These values weren’t just lessons for my early career, they’ve become lifelong guides. They’ve helped me build resilience, adaptability, and a strong moral compass, qualities that continue to shape who I am today.

Whether you’re just starting out, changing direction, or building on years of experience, I believe these values can help you too.

What about you? What values guide your personal and professional life?

If you're looking to reflect, realign, or rediscover what drives you, and want someone to help you along that journey, I’d love to connect. Whether you're seeking clarity, support, or a sounding board, I’m here to help.

👉 Get in touch to explore how we can work together.