ARISE Newsletter August 2026, Issue 24. Insights to help mid‑career professionals rise, advance, and flourish Dear Readers, Welcome to the August issue of ARISE. This month, I continue with the quarterly theme, Personal Image. As mentioned in last month’s issue, your personal image can be the turning point for a meaningful career shift. When you are clearer about your own perspective on personal image, something powerful happens: your behaviour becomes aligned with your

When I chose Personal Image as my theme for Quarter 3, I didn’t anticipate the number of insights, level of interest, and moments of change it would generate. I’m grateful to everyone who took the time to complete my questionnaire; it truly shaped my journey. How the Theme Shaped My Growth Researching the topic and my own reflections sharpened my observation of others and helped me give more constructive feedback. Recently, I had a challenging but rewarding conversation wi

When people hear the words personal image, they often think about appearance alone. Whilst presentation certainly matters, I have learnt that personal image is much deeper. It is the way we carry ourselves, the confidence we project, the values we uphold, and the impression we leave long after we have left the room. As a Black woman with locs, a woman of God, and someone who has built a career in the corporate world, I have discovered that personal image is not about changing

ARISE Newsletter July 2026, Issue 23. Career Planning Insights for Mid‑Career Professionals. Dear Readers, Welcome to the July issue of ARISE. This month marks the start of our quarterly theme: Personal Image. This theme is relevant because July is typically the time we refresh our image for the season of celebration and sunshine. This month, I invite you to extend this refresh intentionally to the career you are building because your personal image is one of the mos

Personal image is a topic that fascinates me. I often wonder whether people are intentional, laissez-faire, or simply oblivious to the image they project. The multi-layered aspect of personal image makes it even more fascinating for me, as it encompasses physical appearance, digital image, behaviour, presence, values, and identity. The pressure to be on top of all these aspects can be difficult. No wonder some people choose to adopt a laser-fair approach to their persona

Many people think personal image begins with what others see. In my experience, it begins with what we believe about ourselves. The way we carry ourselves in a room, contribute in a meeting, apply for an opportunity, or advocate for our own ideas is rarely about how we look. It reveals how we see ourselves. Personal image at its truest level is an inside-out job.

Looking back on my first attempt to use data in a presentation, I remember feeling completely overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available. The real challenge wasn’t analysing the data. My first challenge was choosing the right data that would resonate with my audience and reinforce the message I wanted to deliver. Then came my second challenge, which was selecting the most effective visual to clearly communicate my point. Those early struggles are history, but th

Making an impact with your voice in meetings is a skill. Some mid‑career professionals do it with ease, while others find themselves shrinking back. Many sit through meetings silently wishing they didn’t have to speak at all. Three decades ago, I was one of those professionals who sat silently in meetings, counting the minutes and dodging all invitations to contribute. With the support of a mentor, I learned how to rebuild my confidence and use my voice with intention. Below

. Board membership is a position many mid‑career professionals aspire to. These positions include Non‑Executive Director roles in corporate organisations, trustee roles in charities, and board positions in school governance. Mid‑career professionals are attracted to these roles for various reasons: the opportunity to make a difference, to explore their appetite for senior leadership, and to gain diverse leadership experience. Whilst some of these positions require extensive s

Stepping into a new level often means more opportunities for collaboration, visibility, and influence. With this new breath of focus comes a higher likelihood of encountering colleagues and stakeholders who challenge your confidence, dismiss your ideas, interrupt you when you speak, overlook your direction, or drain the room with their energy. These dynamics can cause even the most capable professionals to hesitate, second‑guess themselves, or retreat at moments when their vo

“ People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This quote by Maya Angelou captures something essential about communication. Public speaking is not just about delivering words. It’s about connection, presence, and the impact you leave behind. When you make people feel something, your message stays with them long after you’ve finished speaking. Public Speaking is one method of communication that can ach

According to recent research, mid‑career is often marked by "frustration, stagnation, and a sense of despondency." These findings echo what I hear repeatedly from professionals whose progress has stalled despite years of commitment and sound competence. A recent conversation with a friend mirrored the insights from this research. “Planning my next career move feels overwhelming. I feel stuck. The job market is difficult to navigate,” she said. “ As we talked, she described

The Hidden Link Between Your Career and Your Financial Resilience The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority estimates that 49% of adults show signs of financial vulnerability, and around one in four has low financial resilience. At times, this vulnerability sits beneath the surface of seemingly successful careers and comfortable lifestyles. Many professionals invest heavily in career development—earning qualifications, building networks, and pursuing promotions—yet spend little

The Power of Planning " Look before you leap ” was a comment shared with me by a mid‑career professional who had been job‑hopping for more than three years without a clear goal or fulfilling outcome. His biggest regret was accepting job roles without taking the time to evaluate them properly. He highlighted his frustration with unchallenging tasks, constant restructures, loneliness, and rigid work patterns. Over time, this situation left him feeling vulnerable, unfocused,

More money, better career prospects, and more favourable working conditions rank amongst the top three reasons why people want to change jobs.

My experience as a qualified accountant across a range of roles in banking and financial services has given me a practical, real-world perspective on money, strategy, and long-term planning. As a result, I am passionate about helping people work their way towards financial independence, whether that means retiring early, gaining greater flexibility, or simply living their best lives on their own terms. For professionals in their mid-career, aged 45 and above, financial plan

Your career is a garden — sow wisely, nurture consistently, and watch it flourish.” Advancing your career as a mid‑career professional can feel challenging. At this stage, progress requires more than technical expertise. It requires strategic planning, bold action, and a shift in mindset. Career growth may mean leading a bigger team, managing larger budgets, or stepping into roles with greater influence. Yet many professionals face stagnation, skills gaps, or even age bias,

Accent Bias: A Silent Barrier to Opportunity I recently overheard someone expressing deep frustration with his job search. His words struck me: "Just because I speak with an accent does not mean I think with an accent." I felt the weight of his frustration, and it made me pause. Listening to his story, I gathered that despite having the right qualifications, skills, and experience, he had been searching for a job for over two years without success. He believed his accent was

Are you thinking of getting a new role? Returning to work after a break or considering retirement. Whatever it is, planning and...

Today, I stand proudly as a Regional Organiser for one of the largest Trade Unions in the country; a role that brings me deep fulfilment...