Embracing Multi-Potentiality: A Journey Through Diverse Passions and Skills
In a world that often champions specialisation, being a multi-potentialite can feel like both a gift and a challenge. Multi-potentialites are individuals with multiple interests and creative pursuits. They tend to thrive in environments that allow them to explore various disciplines and take on diverse roles. As a General Manager for small business, my journey is and has been, a perfect example of how embracing multiple paths can lead to success and fulfillment.
I had never even heard of the term until 2015, when I saw a Ted Talk that Emilie Wapnick did – ‘Why some of us don’t have one true calling’. It was so enlightening, and I felt very seen and understood after watching it. I’d always felt a little bit ‘rudderless’ with no specific end goal for my career, and I really enjoyed the variety of projects and roles I’d had over the years.
My professional evolution has spanned various roles, each adding a layer of experience and insight that have helped me shape my current position.
Starting out in college (studying Rock Music) as a singer when I left school, I later worked in a variety of Customer Service and Sales roles, including a couple of years in Public Service, and discovered great connection skills (making up for my stage fright as a singer thankfully!). As I progressed in this field, I worked my way up to become a Customer Service & Telesales Manager, building on my natural communication and interpersonal skills, which I’ve found to be essential in every area of business. The ability to relate to others, understand customer needs and the importance of customer experience, have laid a strong foundation for the work I do now. Later, as a Helpdesk Manager, I was able to further develop my knack for troubleshooting, thinking on the spot, and operational efficiency – qualities that have proven invaluable throughout my career.
After having my first child, I took on the responsibilities of a Business Manager in a small capacity when I started working as a freelance consultant – organising paperwork, basic bookkeeping and financial management, allowing me the opportunity to start to recognise the enjoyment and fulfilment I get from working for a small business. This role was pivotal in my understanding of small family business dynamics, the importance of effective communication and administration, as well as how to build trust with the client.
My journey then took me all the way from Scotland to Australia, where I established and ran a coworking space for 6 years, re-igniting my passion for teamwork, community building and entrepreneurship. This venture was not just about providing a physical space; it was about fostering collaboration and innovation among diverse professionals.
Here’s where I am sitting comfortably today
Now, as a General Manager for a select few small and medium businesses, I leverage my eclectic background to create an environment that embraces flexibility and adaptability. The variety of my experiences has allowed me to approach challenges from multiple perspectives, which is particularly beneficial in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing business landscape. My path has taught me that no single role defines my capabilities; rather, it is the blend of my experiences that makes me a sought-after, trusted leader and provider of support.
My enthusiasm for collaboration has increased steadily over the years, resulting in the co-creation of a co-operative organisation with some close colleagues and clients in 2022. We work together on purposeful business projects that fit well with our shared values, and continually see growth in our individual businesses as well as the collective.
Beyond professional experiences, my interests and studies in counselling, psychology, leadership, and change management further complement my multifaceted identity. Understanding human behaviour is crucial in any business setting, and my base knowledge in psychology informs my ability to manage teams effectively and foster a positive workplace culture, not only for my own business, but also actively creating and encouraging it in the businesses I work with and for. This understanding helps me implement strategies that empowers business owners, contractors and employees, and which enhance productivity.
Leadership is not just about managing people; it’s about inspiring them.
By studying leadership principles, I have learned to be a more effective communicator and motivator. I’m committed to creating an environment where team members feel valued and empowered to contribute their unique talents, aligned with the idea, and a firm belief of mine, that diverse teams drive innovation and success.
Change management is another area of focus in my ongoing professional development. In our rapidly evolving world, businesses must be agile and responsive to change. My training in this area has equipped me with tools to guide my clients through a huge variety of transitions, whether that be new technologies, processes, market shifts, or even changes within their personal circumstances which require some innovative pivots or adjustments. Ultimately, my diverse interests and experience allow me to tackle challenges with confidence and creativity, establishing me as a leader who is not only reactive but also passionately proactive.
Being proactive is so under-rated in my opinion, and once you make that shift in your thinking, you will see your results soar and your clients will be recommending you.
Discovering I’m a multi-potentialite has given me challenges, particularly in a culture that often values depth over breadth. However, I have come to deeply appreciate the interconnectedness of my skills and experiences. Each role I have undertaken, and each area of study, has enriched my understanding and ability to contribute to meaningful work. Rather than limiting me, these diverse paths have provided opportunities for continuous growth and highly successful collaborations.
Embracing the multi-potentialite within can lead to a fulfilling career that thrives on diversity and adaptability, making a meaningful impact in today’s interconnected world. If you’d like to explore more about the term and what it means, please visit Emilie’s site here – “Puttylike”. There’s even a quiz to help you decide if you are or aren’t one!
And here’s a little insight into the many eclectic pieces of my journey!
