Take the risk or lose the chance. Just over six years ago I started my current role with Mott MacDonald. I was stepping into the unknown and leaving a role I was well established in at my university.

While weighing up this key decision in my life, my eldest daughter Florrie bought me this sign which I’ve had hung up in my office at home ever since – “Take the risk or lose the chance”.

While I was aware of the risk, it also felt right, important and exciting so I took it, buoyed by Florrie’s wisdom. I’m so, so glad I didn’t lose the chance. As my old boss, mentor and friend Professor Paul Olomolaiye PhD DEng FRSA said some time ago, “this role optimises you”. He knew well what makes me tick and these were wise words too.

The risk I took and the chance I’ve had has, not least, allowed Triple Access Planning to move from concept into the realms of professional practice – hence the framed image next to the sign that was sent in appreciation by another boss of mine at the time Paul Hammond.

Anyone else out there feeling like they are working to the max at the moment? I have the impression that it is a widespread feeling right now at least in the professional circles I’m in. No matter how fast you type, how much inspiration and perspiration you try to muster, how efficient you try to be, it just continues to feel very busy!

This week for me has been one of those insanely busy weeks where you just don’t quite know how all the deadlines are going to be met alongside fielding the important emails. I had to laugh therefore as I looked behind me today. It was as if the sign was trying to say ‘I hear you’ as it now dangles, having almost fallen apart, ‘you’ve been hanging on by a thread this week mate!’.

But the chance is still important to me and the peaks of workload come to us all so I will dig out a hammer and get that sign looking ship-shape again – and head into next week with refreshed determination.

In the meantime…… it’s #metalfriday 🤘

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