Bold Moves: The Power of Bravery and Intention-setting at Bloom Scotland’s Latest Event

Hi, I’m Sallie Bale, founder and President of Bloom Scotland, as well as Head of Strategy at Lane. I’ve loved building a community of over 1,000 women in the comms and marketing industry in Scotland, and our latest panel event is a testament to the hard work of the Bloom Scotland Board, and our events team at Republic of Media. 

If you weren’t able to make it, here’s what I took away from listening to our panellists. 

Scotland’s female marketing community came together at the recent Bloom Scotland event, ‘Being Brave, Setting Goals & Making Changes’, sponsored by JCDecaux and Republic of Media. Expertly chaired by AJ Robertson, the panel of three inspiring women – Kylie Reid, Daniela Gauntlett, and Clare Elder – delved into the essence of bravery in the face of career changes, the importance of setting tangible goals, and the journey of self-discovery amidst the challenges and rewards of professional evolution.

The subsequent #IAmRemarkable session facilitated by Kelly Ling was a testament to the shared resolve to celebrate achievements, no matter how big or small. It was a reflective journey that underscored the power of a supportive community in propelling individual and collective growth.

Sallie Bale Speaking at Bloom Scotland Event 2023

My top 5 highlights from the panel

1. Being a Generalist: Kylie Reid highlighted that being a generalist is not a drawback but a versatile strength, suggesting a broader skill set can be a significant asset. Is there anything you interpret as a negative story in your career? How can you reframe it and see the positive in it?

   
   

2. Intention Setting: Rather than the conventional approach to setting goals, the speakers, particularly Daniela Gauntlett, proposed viewing them as intentions, which offers a more flexible and less pressurising way to approach personal and professional development. What are your career intentions for 2024?

   
   

3. Failure as a Positive Force: Clare Elder’s perspective on failure was particularly transformative. She conveyed that failure is a natural part of the learning process and can be reframed as a stepping stone rather than an obstacle. What’s your natural reaction to failure?

   
   

4. The Importance of Values: Dani’s advice on aligning career moves with personal values and strengths rather than external expectations was another pivotal insight, prompting an introspective look at career progression. What are your personal values?

   
   

5. Everyday Bravery: The panelists shared that bravery isn’t all about grand gestures and big leaps; it’s found in the daily acts of stepping outside your comfort zone, whether that’s speaking up in meetings, asking for help, or simply choosing to start the day with a mindset geared towards positive change. This everyday bravery is what fuels larger transitions and achievements.