We’ve made it through yet another week of business not as usual, everyone. While the days ahead are typically times of celebration for many readers, they’ll unfold differently than in previous years.

Celebrating positivity

It’s not uncommon for me to receive notes from people expressing appreciation for positive images and messages I share here and on social media. I appreciate these messages, and also appreciate positivity in others.

A positive attitude won’t change the fact that we’re in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, but it can impact how we get through this – and other – challenges.

Sarah Howson

Sarah Howson is another person who brings a positive attitude to life and to those around her. Sarah hails from England, but spent much of her childhood in Florida before the family returned to England. I interviewed Sarah for my Real Careers series just over three years ago, when she was still a new mum.

Since then, Sarah founded the Bucks, Berks & Oxon PA Network, also known as the Buckinghamshire, Berkshire & Oxfordshire PA Network or – for short! – BBO PA.  The BBO PA recently celebrated its first anniversary, and Sarah and I are waiting for containment of the COVID-19 virus so that we can reschedule my planned presentation to BBO PA Network members in Windsor, England. Sarah is also, along with Marianne Whitlock, a Co-Founder and Director of Strategic PA Recruitment.

In recent LinkedIn posts, Sarah has been identifying and celebrating her own “Weekly Wins” and encouraging others to do the same. With our shared focus on the positive, Sarah happily endorsed expanding on the concept here and in my upcoming book. Sarah also agreed to me sharing some of her recent wins with you.

Sarah Howson’s wins of the week

“I was astounded by tonight’s #ClapForCarers turnout. It’s one of the most emotional moments of my week. It makes me so proud to be part of something to appreciate all of those who wholeheartedly deserve to be thanked!

The spring sunshine = incredible. I love savouring our daily walks plus the paddling pool was out today, lots of fun!

I managed to catch up with and speak with several BBO PA Network (Bucks, Berks & Oxon PA Network) members this week which makes me happy. Hearing first hand how Assistants are dealing with varying situations is incredible.”

Lucy Brazier’s wins of the week

Lucy Brazier is the CEO of Marcham Publishing and publisher of Executive Secretary Magazine. With the support of her dedicated team, Lucy presents Executive Secretary LIVE conferences on different continents. To date, I’ve been part of Lucy’s LIVE events in the UK and USA, and we’ve mapped out my presence in the programme for other continents.

We had planned to be in Wellington, New Zealand this August, but that LIVE event is now being planned for next May. In the interim, I’ll be one of a number of speakers presenting during what will be an impressive event, the LIVE Global virtual conference on June 19th and 20th this year.

If you’re going to register for this June event and would like a 10% discount, you can use the code SHELAGH10 when completing your registration.

Lucy’s wins of the week: I asked Lucy to identify her wins of the week, and here’s what she said. “My weekly win is all the trainers coming together to support each other and the profession.

The Monday night training sessions that Vickie Evans and I have been holding for all the speakers we work with have seen between 25 and 40 trainers and speakers online learning from one of their peers every week.

It makes me so happy that they want to share knowledge with each other that will, in turn, benefit our global community.”

What are you grateful for this week? What would you like to celebrate?

Wins do not have to be major; small wins are also worth noting. In contemplating your response, consider Sarah Howson’s words: “What are you grateful for? What has happened this week that you would like to celebrate?”

What wins have you experienced this week?

Please briefly describe up to three of your “Wins of the Week”, with recognition that Shelagh may edit remarks for individuals’ privacy and for publication here and in her upcoming book(s).