Page 100 - Delivering Authentic Customer Experiences

Principle 7 Delivering Authentic Customer Experiences

Doing what you love

I remember having a conversation with my Dad when I was a
teenager. Having spent his life doing jobs to keep a roof over our
head and food on the table, he believed work was something to
be endured rather than enjoyed. I disagreed, and in a manner
commensurate with being a teenager, told him I was never going
to do a job I didn’t enjoy. I recall him shaking his head and saying
Life’s not like that Jac, to which I replied, it will be for me. You have
to love the arrogance of youth.

Years later when I was in my mid-thirties, my Dad reminded me of
that conversation and said Fair play to you, you’ve always enjoyed
your work. He was right, although I can’t tell you I’ve ever had a
structured plan or a written list of major life goals.

On reflection, my ambition was fundamentally influenced by my
Nan’s response to a question I asked her when I was a small child.
I idolised my Nan. She was my best friend, role model and
inspiration. Here’s the question I asked, If you could have anything
in the world what would you want? She simply answered I want
to be happy and healthy. How wise those words were, and I guess
subconsciously they stuck with me as they’ve been my focus
throughout my life, as demonstrated in the cheeky response to
my Dad and most of my life choices since.

89