Sliding door moments

I was very impressed with a recent The Rest is Politics episode with regards to the discussion on “the conversation that changed everything” campaign.

Whilst I have not had to have such a conversation in relation to addiction (thankfully). It did make me think of major conversations in my career. Just some of these sliding door moments:

1. As a an undergraduate: Some 1-2-1 time with feedback on an essay. Dr Ayton wouldn’t remember this but it was hugely helpful in my ways of thinking and writing. If that conversation had not happened, I certainly would not have been as successful at university and since then.
2. Early career: talking to the recruiter at Codemasters (whose games are now on this amazing website) during and after interview about opportunities, the gaming industry, etc. The first (only?) time I turned down a job and a real sliding door moment (for mostly good hopefully).
3. As a postgraduate: Dr Cox helping with various aspects of my dissertation work that still impact how I research and manage my activity today.
4. In a job hunt: various conversations with recruiters over the years could fit in here.
5. Line manager conversations: too many to list

Part of the trigger for all this reflection is that I am close to having been in my current role longer than any other I have held – 🤯 – if we discount my long love affair with Somerfield 😉