Minds&More’s Post

March 2024 #VIE A sea of opportunities 🌊 When abroad, one thing that can scare us is the range of possibilities that lie ahead 🔍 From what courses to take to what events to attend. One feels overwhelmed by endless choices that would not happen in a place familiar to us 🏠 The same goes for new information, supermarkets, and entities. My best advice is to take your time to make your own choices and choose your own opportunities 😍 Respect our own time and decide what is right for us. 🚀

Challenging Assumptions This year, I committed myself to trying out new things, one of which happened to be golf. Given this, I signed up to join the Golf Club at University College Dublin. Let me tell you about one particular event that challenged my perceptions. Our club decided to switch things up and try a new location for our last event of the semester. When I looked up the address on Google Maps, I was surprised to find it was located on the third floor of a shopping plaza. My initial reaction was disbelief – I mean, a golf course on the third floor of a building? It didn't fit my preconceived notion of what a golf course should be like, as I had always associated golf with vast outdoor courses. Despite my reservations, I followed the directions to the third floor. To my surprise, I found an indoor mini-golf course. It was a different experience from what I had expected, but I enjoyed every moment. This experience got me thinking. It made me realize how often we have a fixed idea of what things should be like, which can sometimes close our eyes to exciting new opportunities. It's a reminder always to keep an open mind and be willing to challenge our assumptions. I've learned that embracing change, even when initially overwhelming, can lead to discovering new and unexpected opportunities. Stepping out of our comfort zones and being open to new experiences is where growth and learning happen. So, if there's one thing I'd like to share with all of you, it's this: don't be afraid to question your assumptions, embrace change, and explore new opportunities. You never know what exciting experiences and insights might be waiting for you on the third floor of a shopping plaza. #GolfClub #NewOpportunities #EmbracingChange

Who Made You the Expert? 🙏 Your journey did! Don’t ever underestimate the wealth of knowledge you’ve accumulated throughout your career. Every experience, good or bad, has helped shaped you. I was reflecting yesterday, and drawing on some past experiences (including Simply Mad About The Mouse Phil Jackson 🥴) We are the sum of all our parts, celebrate them. Try this: List out some of the things you’ve done like a gratitude list. You’ll be amazed at how they’ve built your expertise. Management Trainee: Learned everything (including what I didn’t want to know) about kitchen manufacturing. 3 Years at Disney/Buena Vista: Mastered the art of “fast marketing” in a dynamic environment. 2 Years in Gaming: Navigated the rapidly evolving gaming industry. Cold-Call Sales: Sold hotel memberships over the phone, persuasion and resilience. Running a Posh Curry House in Sydney: Embraced hospitality and management. Co-Founder of a Restaurant Business: Teamed up with a Michelin-starred chef to create culinary magic. 30 Years with Blue-Chip Brands: Worked across every sector you can think from Red Bull, Land Rover, Disney, Under Armour, Campbell’s, Bupa, and Levi’s. Founder of a 15-Year-Old Agency: Launched from Red Bull’s offices, growing and evolving ever since. Created and run a Boutique Spirits Brand: Creativity and drinking. Co-Founder of a Sustainability Business: 4 UK years focused on carbon management and ESG—now a finalist for Consultancy of the Year. • Planted 1.5 Million Trees 🌳 • Offset >200k tonnes C02 🌍 • Recovered >275k Ocean-Bound Plastic Bottles 🐳 Married for 20 Years: The true meaning of a partnership. Father for cumulative 40 Years: Negotiating skills to rival a hostage negotiator So, next time imposter syndrome creeps in or you surprise yourself by swiftly cracking a problem, remember—it’s your rich tapestry of experiences at work. Embrace your journey. You are the expert because you’ve lived it. PrettyGreen SkootEco | B-Corp Metropolitan Spirits Ltd.

The day has come… 🧟♀️😨 Dear network, I’m officially looking for my end-of-studies internship (or better yet, full-time employment)! As I finish my Master’s in Wine Commerce and Marketing at ISVV - Institut des Sciences de la Vigne et du Vin in Bordeaux, with the final touch of my International Master on Wine Tourism Transitions and Innovations - WINTOUR experience in Portugal, I’m ready for new challenges and opportunities! 🍇 A little about me:   After completing my Bachelor’s in International Economy and working as a manager, I embraced my love for fine wine and travel, leading to the sharpest—and best—turn in my life. Fast forward two years, and I’ve had the pleasure to:   - Work at a 1st Grand Cru Classé château in Sauternes as a wine tourism guide and event coordinator   - Make some of the finest Bordeaux wines with my own hands (…and occasionally my legs, too 😁 )   - Represent my country at Wine Paris 🍷  🇺🇦 - Visit many breathtaking domains across France and Portugal for inspiration and knowledge   - Learn French (hands down, the toughest task yet!) and many other stories that I can share in 5 languages during our future afterwork What drives me? Wine is more than a business—it’s a way to unite people and share stories through unforgettable experiences. With my background in management and marketing, obsessive attention to detail, and love for creating memorable events, I think I can become the missing piece of your team. 🔍 Areas of interest:   - Wine commerce, distribution, and portfolio management   - Creating unforgettable wine events (tastings, expos, salons—you name it!)   - Business partnerships and negotiations   - Project management, media content creation…and maybe even stealing the moon 🌝 📅 Availability: Starting February, for at least 6 months   📍 Location: Prioritizing Paris and Bordeaux, but open to new adventures! Check out my hefty CV attached below, and don’t hesitate to reach out! Let’s create something amazing together. I would be very grateful for your reposts and suggestions ❤️

🌟 What an Incredible Day with The Goring Hotel’s Team! 🌟 Yesterday, I had the pleasure of facilitating a truly inspiring session with The Goring's Heads of Departments, and we couldn’t have asked for a better place to host it than at the beautiful Broadwick Soho. We explored ideas, challenged perspectives, and mapped out the future of the hotel together. We kicked off by imagining The Goring’s story five years from now—what would a magazine headline say? From there, we reviewed what’s working, shared a few laughs, and got real about the areas that we can elevate! 👏 The Innovation Stations had everyone buzzing with fresh ideas on guest engagement, service excellence, and teamwork. A personal highlight was the Cultural Jenga activity, where each block revealed what makes The Goring unique and how we can build on that foundation. The energy was contagious, and it reminded us that culture isn’t just what we say but what we all do every day. And, of course, we wrapped up by spotlighting the rising stars in the team through a Star Search speed session — recognising the people who are already making a difference and are set to lead the way. At Umbrella Training Ltd we’re not just about apprenticeships. We’re here to deliver the tailored solutions your business needs to grow and thrive. Huge thanks to everyone for your openness, enthusiasm, and fantastic insights. Here’s to more days like this! 🎉🌱 #HospitalityTraining #Leadership #Culture #Teamwork #UmbrellaTraining

🎢A rollercoaster of emotions at GORM HQ this week: Chief Operating Officer Beatriz Gómez Moreno: These past few weeks in Ireland have been fantastic (who would have thought?), as I finally got to meet in person so many people I've been in touch with online for years. Meeting face-to-face has shown me how valuable and enjoyable real interactions are, making my time in Dublin even more special 🇮🇪 Communications Intern Lorna Kaufmann: Been trying to implement the saying "slow but steady wins the race" this week. There's no point in rushing if it's going to impact quality 🐢 Digital Marketing and Communications Executive Eilís Walsh: "I'm feeling inspired and grateful this week - I am amazed by the really talented people I come into contact with through my role, building my network at home in Ireland and abroad. The jigsaw pieces are slowly coming together for me in ways so I am choosing to be grateful this week."🧩 The Wideshot Programme Coordinator Ayesha Syeddah: "A company’s culture doesn’t exist without its people - own the responsibility of defining it for the betterment of everyone around you, including yourself." 🗣 #WeeklyRecap #LearningAndGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #SocialEnterprise #TeamWellbeing #WorkCulture #Ireland #TeamSkills #DiversityInclusion #InterculturalManagement #InternationalTeam

"Living and working in a different language has increased my cultural awareness" Casi, Purchasing Manager at Lidl International, has been part of #teamlidl for 5 years. She began her journey as a trainee in the purchasing department at Lidl GB, where she specialized in fish products. 🐟 Now, as part of the Lidl International Job Rotation Program, Casi has moved to Germany and is taking on a new challenge—working on baked goods and frozen desserts for the first time in her career! 🥨🍨 Having always lived in Great Britain, working in a non-English-speaking environment was initially daunting, but it quickly boosted Casi’s confidence. "At first, it was challenging, but it’s been a great way to grow both personally and professionally!" 💪 After five years in London, moving to a smaller German city was quite a change, but one she’s embraced wholeheartedly. "The area is so green, with vineyards, castles, and charming old towns to explore! Plus, it’s easier to travel to other European countries, which adds to the adventure." 🇬🇧🇩🇪 For anyone considering international experience, Casi’s advice is simple: "Be a ‘yes’ person, put yourself out there, and meet new people. Focus on what you'll miss about your new country when it's time to leave!" Have you ever pushed yourself out of your comfort zone for a new experience? 👇 #LidlInternational #LidlExpats #teamlidl 

Yesterday, I had the chance to serve as a race ambassador at a local race, the Staten Island Half Marathon. My role was simple but meaningful—answering questions from runners like “Where can I get safety pins for my bib?”, “Where’s the gear check?”, and “How do I get to the start line?” After each question, or sometimes just in passing, I made sure to encourage them with a cheerful, “Have a great race!” 😃 It might sound like a small interaction, but I felt completely in my element (supporting runners AND solving problems). And it makes sense—according to the Gallup StrengthsFinder, one of my core strengths is Woo (Winning Others Over). People with Woo thrive in roles where they get to meet new people, connect quickly, and make others feel at ease. That’s exactly what I experienced throughout the event, and it reminded me how powerful it is to know your strengths—and lean into them. Understanding your strengths helps you intentionally align with roles, organizations, and projects that energize rather than drain you. If you're not sure of what strengths you may possess, assessments like Gallup StrengthsFinder are a great place to start. Knowing your strengths gives you clarity, boosts confidence, and helps you show up as your best self—whether at work, in volunteer roles, or anywhere in between. Yesterday's fun reinforced that if I don't get to interact with new people in my professional work, that at least I can take on race ambassador roles to feel fulfilled! ☺️ Have do you ensure to leverage your strengths? #employeeengagement #futureofwork

🎓 Did you know? An impressive 90% of students in Switzerland’s hospitality programs secure employment within just six months of graduating! With world-class training and industry connections, your dream career in hospitality awaits!🏨 #CareerReady #HospitalityIndustry #StudentSuccess #Switzerland #GlobalOpportunities #Graduation #JobPlacement #CulinaryArts #TravelAndTourism #FutureLeaders

I took to the streets of Dublin to gather insights on what the coffee community anticipates for this year's Aeropress competition Here are 3 major takeaways I’ve learned by engaging in the coffee community over the last 8 years From my starting role as Barista to now Account Manager for over 100+ locations 1. Community Engagement: Engaging with the industry has always been a top priority for me, and it’s this passion that led me to host the Aeropress Championships last year. The coffee industry has always been built on relationships and making sure the industry has events and spaces to network is so crucial. 2. Healthy Competition: There has been nothing more important to my growth than pushing my comfort zone. Competitions don’t need to be a high intensity environment but they push you to adapt and grow. 3. Student Mindset: Having a student mindset throughout every stage of my career has allowed me to become a human coffee sponge. Competitions like the Aeropress championships make you test your sensory skills, your brewing techniques and presenting skills. I truly push to host these coffee events because they’re more than just contests… They’re invaluable opportunities for industry professionals to connect, share ideas, and recharge. Something I wish there was more of when I got my start in the coffee industry 8 years ago… We hope to see you there! For more details, visit link in the comments