What have you learned about yourself during isolation? I’ve always known that I am creative, sociable and get things done. You’ve heard much about my interests, so I won’t go there again. But more recently I’ve learned even more about the value of memories. Last weekend’s television coverage of the best of Glastonbury evoked memories of music icons as well as vintage fashion. And who wasn’t singing along with David Bowie and wow, didn’t he rock that Alexander McQueen brocade coat? I’ve learned how much I value the Arts, although right now we’re all reliant on virtual opportunities to engage.

It’s been 14 weeks since the PM suggested that we should, “travel to and from work where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done at home”. In the interim, we’ve heard stories of brave frontline workers (and we’re all grateful to them), innovative hoteliers who’ve opened village stores in their car parks and thousands of jobs lost. It seems that we all know someone who’s job is redundant and many more who are furloughed.

Living in West Sussex I am acutely aware of the thousands of jobs and amazing people who rely on Gatwick Airport for their livelihoods. News of impending redundancies is even more poignant. Just three years ago I was working alongside the Gatwick HR team (as an interim) creating the Gatwick Jobs Fair with around 1,000 airport jobs available in an area of high employment.

Fast forward three years and I’m sitting here thinking about how realistic it would be to create an event that brought together (virtually of course) local employers and business leaders instead of job seekers. An employer conference with the sole objective of keeping the local Sussex economy buoyant through more flexible working practices, volunteering schemes and harnessing the creativity of local entrepreneurs. This is not just about Gatwick, it’s about Sussex so let’s talk if you think it’s a good idea. Together we could create some magical opportunities for learning and skills transfer in support of those (sometimes) forgotten sectors like Social Care. And let’s not forget the Arts, so essential to our well-being.

I’ve always tried to encourage people to live their best work life and right now that’s such a challenge for so many. So today (once again) I’m advocating the importance of positivity and of living in the here and now, rather than thinking too far ahead. No surprises I’m promoting the power of self-reflection and the power of understanding your strengths. I’m challenging you to step outside your comfort zone, and make a list of your actual achievements, rather than a list of what they were supposed to be. And don’t forget to include all that you’ve achieved these past few months. This is your story and it’s whatever you want it to be. Get in touch if you need some help framing your story.