What Defined You and Made You Who You Are Today?

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, "What truly made me into who I am today?"

Was it your genetics, your upbringing, those early career challenges, or that pivotal step into leadership?

As business professionals, understanding what has shaped us is not just reflective, it's essential. Because until we know ourselves and what defined us, we can't determine what comes next, on our journey.

1. Your Genetic Blueprint. The Foundation of Potential (This prompted me to write this blog, refer to graphic, my ancestry DNA map)

We're all born with certain traits that influence how we think, feel, and lead. Genetics set our baseline, they determine our energy, our temperament, and emotional balance, however they don't determine your destiny. (Leaders aren't born)

Self-aware leaders learn to harness and play to their natural strengths and manage their reactive behaviour's. Knowing how you're wired, gives you the power to choose how you show up and be present, every day, every hour.

2. Upbringing and Conditioning. The Beliefs You Inherited (I went to 3 different primary schools and 2 different secondary schools).

Your early environment shapes your outlook on success, authority, and your tendency to take risks.

Perhaps in the infants, primary school and secondary, you were encouraged to be bold, by your peer group, or play it safe. These early messages, usually embed your values, which drive your leadership behaviours today.

When you reflect on your upbringing, you'll uncover the invisible scripts that influence how you make decisions, handle conflict, and respond to challenges daily. Once discovered and seen, those scripts can be rewritten, with support from others.

3. Early Career. The Crucible of Competence (I've shared before, I was made at Mercedes Benz)

The first few years of your career test your resilience and adaptability. You learn what excellence requires, and you discover who you want to become professionally.

It's also where the power of environment becomes clear.

Jim Rohn famously said:                                                             "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with."

Reflect on this statement. Your chosen environment - drives your behaviour!

Your past colleagues, mentors, and leaders that you have had, and currently surround yourself with, directly shape your professional growth. When you engage with business professionals who've already achieved what you aspire to, you absorb their mindset, habits, and discipline. Find the appropriate and right network, not just to motivate you, but you'll find, it also multiplies your momentum and drive.

4. Growth Through Challenge. Becoming a Manager (I first became a Sales Manager at 28)

Stepping into management introduces a new kind of growth. Management challenges you and tests your patience, empathy, and strategic thinking. It's no longer just about your personal performance, it's about helping others as individuals and to gel as a team to succeed. 

The step into Management was a huge learning for me. In these moments, the people around you matter even more. You have to seek out those who have navigated similar challenges before. Tap into and learn from their experiences. You'll find, their wisdom will shorten your learning curve and expand your leadership capacity too.

5. Leadership. Redefining Who You Are (My first true leadership role was in 2009, when I was 41).

Leadership isn't a destination, it's a huge step and evolution.

You have to learn to Lead by managing through people. True leaders integrate every stage of their journey, their background, conditioning, and professional experience into a clear sense of purpose. And it's very much about being authentic too.

Even seasoned leaders need the right "circle of influence".

So, if you are new to Leadership, or looking for direction, surround yourself with other driven, insightful professionals,  who will challenge your assumptions and also sharpen your strategic thinking.

"Who you spend time with, becomes both a mirror and a catalyst for who you become".

To answer the blog post Question

To me, everyone is the product of their biology, their past, and the people they surround themselves with, and who they choose to learn from. But none of these set limits.

The leader you become is defined by your willingness to look in the mirror, step out your comfort zone and then evolve, by most importantly, in who you allow to influence your next chapter.

Ask yourself:

What defined me today, and who will define what's next for me?

"Grow Through Connection, Not Isolation"

I believe transformation happens in the right company. I coach, mentor and support businesses leaders along with leading business SLTs with consulting programs. I often connect clients with experienced business leaders and professionals, who've may have already navigated the challenges you face today and tomorrow.

Only through togetherness can you gain clarity, confidence, and the tools to grow with purpose. 

So, what's stopping you, starting your next chapter surrounded by success?

For further information or to meet up for a coffee and chat – please contact/DM me.

By working together, we can begin the next steps in your leadership journey