Kali Dennett’s Post

Want to know what career opportunities are available at SMG?🚀 Introducing our Career Journey Series where we'll be sitting down with SMGers to discuss their career journeys and experiences at SMG. We are proud to follow a unique progression and development model at SMG, our approach is performance-driven and allows our people who are showcasing exceptional skills and achievements to be rewarded and recognised. We also understand that career progression and development aren’t always linear - it can go in many different directions 👈👆👉 We encourage SMGers to explore opportunities in different areas, helping them to gain diverse experiences and expand their skill set in unexpected ways. 📈 Whether you're shifting roles to explore a passion, seeking new challenges, or simply eager to diversify your expertise, we encourage lateral moves as a pathway to personal and professional growth. 👋Meet Karis Lonsdale, who started SMG as a Client Executive on the Co-op partnership back in 2017 and is now a Senior Strategy Manager as part of the Strategy team, a change which saw her move into a whole new specialism. We caught up with Karis on her new role and what drove her decision to make the switch… 🔗 Click on the link below for the full blog! #careerjourney #development #progression

Early in my career, I used to think that working with a reputed brand should be the goal.   But, after making 3 switches in 5 years of my career, I have realized one thing.   That is, it is never about the brand you are working with.   In the initial few days after joining, you feel ecstatic in bragging about the brand you are working with.   But, in the long run, it is all about the work and the manager you are working with.   So, if you are changing your job, do your research on the quality of work you would be doing.   And find out about the work culture where you would be joining.

Recently got promotion as a Assistant manager

Location scouts are always interesting, but yesterday’s VIP tour of iconic Fenway Park was a ‘monster’ of a time. Ten-year-old fanboy Tim would be ‘green’ with envy, let me tell you. ⚾ Bad puns aside, I tell people all the time that a career in video marketing is second to none because most days, it’s like having an all-access, unfiltered, behind-the-scenes pass into the inner workings of industry masters. Just like Dorothy in the Land of Oz, we get to peek behind the curtain and witness how innovations are concocted, technologies are forged, and champions are bred. We're in the board room, the locker room, and everywhere in between… Capturing the essence of brand journeys  Telling the stories of leaders shaping our future Showcasing the human side of corporate giants In what other career field do you get to hang with the C-Suite, brainstorm with visionaries, and be a part of strategic brand discussions? Or in the case of yesterday, literally stand in Red Sox manager Alex Cora’s office, stroll along center field, and explore the backstage halls of baseball legends. And the best part? Every day is a new adventure, every project a new creative opportunity. It's more than a job; it's a front-row seat to the world's most exciting stories.

Early in my career, I used to think that working with a reputed brand should be the goal.   But, after making 3 switches in 5 years of my career, I have realized one thing.   That is, it is never about the brand you are working with.   In the initial few days after joining, you feel ecstatic in bragging about the brand you are working with.   But, in the long run, it is all about the work and the manager you are working with.   So, if you are changing your job, do your research on the quality of work you would be doing.   And find out about the work culture where you would be joining.

What’s the hardest job you’ve had? As I think about this question, there are few over the years that come to mind… ✅Working in retail at Sak’s Fifth Avenue, right out of college and my performance goals were based on selling $50 dollar lip glosses…to tourists. No one wanted to spend that on makeup—especially when they just wanted to take pictures. ✅Leading the launch of a rare disease drug. The days were long, nights were late and there was always a problem that needed to be fixed. ✅Working for a company where their values didn’t align to mine. The work was challenging, but the hardest part was feeling internal turmoil about the executive decisions and direction. Everyday was agony! But the one job that is the hardest… is being a mom 🧒🧒🧒 When you are faced with something “hard” — consider if it’s “energy filling”. Even if something is challenging it can still be rewarding, align to your values and make you feel fulfilled. My hardest job of being a mom, challenges me everyday…but it is so “energy-filling” Tell me what your hardest job was ⬇️⬇️! —— Hi! I’m Liv and I help c-suites, executives and leaders connect with clarity and confidence to achieve ideal outcomes.

🚀 Embrace the Journey: Reflecting on Your Path to Success 🚀 As my colleague, Mike Mello celebrates his remarkable 9-year anniversary milestone, I'm inspired to take a walk down memory lane like he did in his post (check it out!). It's incredible how each step we take in our careers shapes us into the professionals we are today. And now, I'm curious. Where did your journey begin? What pivotal moments paved the way for your current success? Let's celebrate our diverse paths and share the stories that define us. Here's mine: 1. French Fry Girl (working carnivals, festivals, football games, car shows, etc.) 2. Lehigh Carbon Community College BookStore Cashier 3. Hostess turned Waitress/Bartender because we were understaffed one night 4. Division I Field Hockey Athlete - Go 'Cuse! 🍊 I would say this is my most pivotal job before starting my career in staffing I learned SO much from this "job" and I'm so lucky to have made the BEST friends from it! 5. Field Hockey Coach for various camps & clinics Drop a comment with where you started! #CareerJourney #ProfessionalGrowth #ReflectAndInspire #Recruiting #staffing #sports #firstjob #growth

I attended a wedding today, and heard the priest say to the bride and groom: “I am sure you prepared for this wedding, but have you prepared for your married life?” A lot of us prepare ourselves to get that hard-earned promotion, but forget to plan how to maintain and make good once you gain the position. Others would, immediately work on getting the next higher position rather than making a mark on their recently promoted position. Enjoy it, celebrate it, nurture it, make it count. Getting promoted is more than just you getting what you worked hard for, but it is also upper management knowing that you will greatly contribute when you’re in the helm. Make promotion as something you deserve, and not entitled to. Getting the promotion is only the start of you deserving the position.

  Excited to share that I’ve recently started a new role as Global Early Careers Lead at Hiscox! A big thank you to Summer Curtis and Mike Dimitriadis for this amazing opportunity.    The job market has been incredibly challenging, and I’ve faced my fair share of setbacks. For those of you still navigating this tough journey, I want to share a few strategies that helped me stay focused and positive:    1. Build your network: Finding your tribe is crucial. Over the past four months, I’ve reached out to countless people inside and outside my network for virtual coffee chats. These conversations provided invaluable insights and support.  2. Set small, achievable goals: Breaking things into manageable steps makes a huge difference. Having an accountability buddy kept me on track, and checking off those to-dos was incredibly satisfying.  3. Embrace the tough days: It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Acknowledge those emotions—it’s part of the process. Looking for a job is a brave undertaking.  4. Upskill yourself: Take advantage of free resources like podcasts and YouTube videos to grow your skills and stay sharp.    Special shoutout to my career coach Rachel, as well as Jennifer, Ivy, and Zephaniah—your support has been invaluable. I appreciate each of you!    To those still searching, keep going—you’ve got this.  

Access to Opportunity: The Power of Seeing What’s Possible Growing up on a council estate, opportunity wasn’t exactly abundant. You’re surrounded by limits and by what’s around you, so sometimes it’s hard to imagine anything different. That’s why my placement year at Waitrose & Partners was a game changer for me. I was now in a world I hadn’t seen before, which was full of new possibilities, new roles, and a new way of thinking. All it took was an opportunity, which I can’t thank Lis Gray and Sue Storer enough for. So, when I eventually became a Senior Buyer at Marks and Spencer, whenever I did store visits, I would routinely invite shop floor colleagues to spend a day with me at head office. I wanted them to see a different side of the business and, hopefully, to realise that there are so many paths open to them beyond the shop floor. Similarly, when I was interviewing for Trainee Buyer positions and a candidate fell just short of getting the job, I’d extend the opportunity for them to shadow me for a day. Hopefully, to stand them in good stead to be successful the next time around. Sometimes, all it takes is the opportunity to see what’s possible to change one’s life. For those of us who have been fortunate enough to find that door, maybe part of our job is to hold it open for others. Do you have examples of providing access to opportunity for others? I’d love to hear them as it can maybe inspire others to do similar things 😊