How to Add Value with Initiative and Creativity

📢 To everyone in the job market: You’re more than a resume. Searching for jobs is exhausting. The waiting, the rejections, the self-doubt… it can wear you down. But I want to remind you that your value is not measured by how many interviews you land. You bring experience, creativity, resilience, and a unique perspective that no job posting can fully capture. If you feel stuck in your job search, consider stepping outside the traditional apply-and-wait approach. Here are some out-of-the-box, creative ways to stand out: 🔷 Show, Don’t Just Tell  Instead of just listing skills, create something to showcase your expertise. A case study, a mock strategy, a personal website, or even a short video introduction can leave a lasting impression. Visual storytelling is powerful. 🔷 Engage, Don’t Just Apply  Comment on industry leaders’ posts, share insights on LinkedIn, or write about trends in your field. Thoughtful engagement can get you noticed before you apply. 🔷 Pitch Yourself Differently  Consider an interactive presentation, a short project proposal, or a creative storytelling approach that aligns with the company’s mission. Don’t just rely on a traditional cover letter. 🔷 Network Beyond the Obvious  Attend niche virtual meetups, contribute to industry online groups, or start your own professional roundtable discussions. Many opportunities arise from conversations, not job boards. 🔷 Reverse-Engineer Opportunities Identify companies you admire, research their challenges, and reach out with tailored ideas on how you can add value. Use design thinking and product management principles. Initiative speaks volumes, and you don’t have to wait for job postings. 🔷 Reverse Mentorship Offer to mentor someone within your target company, in an area where you have unique expertise. It builds relationships and positions you as a valuable contributor before you're even hired. 🔷 Personalized Impact Reports Instead of just a resume, create a short report outlining the impact you could have on a company based on your skills and research. Quantify your potential contributions. 🔷 Tell an Impactful Story You are not just looking for a job. You are looking for your next opportunity to create impact. Use the STAR method to tell your story about your great work and impact with a clear format about the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Most importantly, keep going. With this intentional approach beyond what's on your resume, you're expanding your surface area of possibilities. New places, new people, an expanded network, a stronger brand about your work ethic and growth mindset... they all increase the likelihood of opportunities. And you’re more likely to find the right role where your skills, passions, and purpose align. What unique strategies have helped you stand out in your career journey? Share below and with someone in your network who is in the job market.

I've talked with hundreds of finance leaders since starting Abacum. Many feel like they aren't given the chance to live up to their strategic potential–and they're usually right. But they often overlook the key to breaking out. So I tell them all the same thing: If you want to get out of that back-office function, you have to add value. And it might sound impossible if you're currently getting shut down the minute you suggest something beyond the spreadsheets, but anyone can do it with the right approach. Here's how the most powerful finance leaders get their team on their side: → Stop asking why and start asking what if Go beyond what happened and try to architect opportunities. So don't go to the team and ask, "Why did you overspend?" Instead, start looking for ways to reallocate resources to maximize ROI. → Stop reporting on last quarter's P&L Instead, model how today's decisions will impact next year's valuation. This positions you as the strategic leader that you are instead of the budget police. The team doesn't need you to repeat what they can find in a spreadsheet. They need someone to look into the future and see how current decisions can shape the future of the organization. → Stop policing budgets Focus on creating value instead of controlling costs. This way, you'll help your team hit their goals, you'll answer questions execs haven't even asked yet, and your team will become the engine of growth. It begins with you mapping competitors' allocation strategies to identify gaps in your own, automating variance analysis so you can spend less time on reporting and more time on scenario planning, and bridging the gap by translating operational KPIs into CFO-ready financial narratives. There's no magic wand you can wave to make this transformation happen, but it starts with the big question: How can I add value here? By doing this, you can move beyond the formal empowerment that comes with a fancy title or a mandate from leadership and actually win the authority of the people in the room.

I look for initiative. I value people who act before being asked. Initiative is not heroics. It is making the next move clear, doing the first rep, removing one step, writing the draft, shipping a v0. Winners do this. As a leader, my job is to reward that behavior. When someone brings me a problem, I ask for a proposed solution. If it is sixty percent right, we iterate. The speed of the first attempt beats the perfection of the tenth meeting. When teams do this consistently, efficiency follows. Fewer status meetings. Faster feedback. Better customer outcomes. At Brevo, our GTM teams win on proactive work. A rep templatizes a new outreach that cuts response time. A marketer rewires a nurture campaign to reduce time to first value. A manager removes two steps in a deal-closing. None required a committee. All created momentum. Excellence comes from many small acts of initiative, repeated in the same direction. How do you make initiative safe and expected on your team? #Leadership #GTM #Ownership

How many times have you heard someone say, ‘We’ve always done it this way,’ or ‘No, we can’t do that because…’? As sellers, it can be frustrating! 😖And while, these statements might feel logical, they could be the fastest way to lose a deal—or miss out on the creative idea that could help you win one. As sales professionals, we’re not just selling products; we’re solving problems, driving initiatives, and designing solutions tailored to our customers’ objectives. But here’s the challenge: our competitors are often selling the same things. So, how do we stand out? The answer lies in how we approach selling—not just what we sell. And that’s where I’ve been inspired by a concept from Duncan Wardle’s book The Imagination Emporium: the power of “Yes, And….” When we default to “No, because…,” we shut down ideas before they’ve had a chance to grow. We stay stuck in the same “river of thinking,” unable to innovate or offer anything truly unique. This mindset can feel safe—it’s rooted in what’s worked before—but it also keeps us from creating the differentiated solutions our customers are looking for. The magic happens when we shift to “Yes, And….” ✔️ It sparks creativity. Most of our conscious brain is consumed with day-to-day tasks—emails, meetings, and presentations. But innovation happens in the subconscious, where unexpected connections and ideas emerge. “Yes, And…” helps unlock that creativity. ✔️ It builds momentum. When we agree to build on ideas instead of dismissing them, we create bigger, bolder, and more innovative solutions. ✔️ It fosters collaboration. Sales success doesn’t happen in silos. Bringing together diverse perspectives helps ideas grow into solutions that truly stand out. ✔️ It differentiates us. Customers don’t just want products; they want partners who think differently and design unique solutions to their challenges. “Yes, And…” empowers us to deliver on that promise. Here’s how you can put this into practice: ✔️ In your next sales meeting with your account team, commit to saying “Yes, And…” to build on others’ ideas. ✔️ Hold off judgment—let ideas grow before evaluating them. ✔️ Celebrate small wins and steps toward creativity. What are your thoughts on “Yes, And…” in sales? How do you encourage innovation on your team? #sales; #deals; #innovation

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭: 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 “𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫” Have you ever come across a business model so innovative that it leaves you questioning, why didn’t I think of that? Let’s talk about the genius of Free Water and what we can all learn from their approach. Here’s the pitch: - Free Product: Free Water gives away natural spring water—yes, for free. - Unique Revenue Model: They cover costs through ads printed directly on the packaging. - Social Impact: For every water distributed, they donate 10 cents to build water wells in Africa via Well Aware, an organization with a 100% success rate. Why does this work? 1. Value for Everyone: Consumers get free water, advertisers get a creative ad platform, and communities in need get clean water. 2. Memorability: Turning their product into a marketing tool (with QR codes and logos) ensures that every interaction is also a conversation starter. 3. Simplicity with Purpose: They’ve aligned their mission (providing clean water) with a sustainable and scalable business model. Now, what can you take away from this? 1. Challenge Traditional Thinking: Look at your product or service. Can you make it free or more accessible by monetizing in an unexpected way? 2. Create Win-Win Solutions: Align your value proposition with broader impact. If every stakeholder wins, your model will resonate. 3. Simplify Execution: Make it easy for people to understand your mission and take action (e.g., QR codes on packaging = instant engagement). Innovation isn’t just about the product—it’s about rethinking the entire ecosystem around it. Think big, act bold, and always find ways to give back. What do you think? Could this model inspire your next project? Let’s discuss!

💡✨ Innovate Without a Big Budget! Embrace Simple Solutions! ✨💡 Innovation often conjures up images of cutting-edge technology, massive R&D budgets, and high-profile labs. But the truth is, some of the most impactful innovations come from simple, cost-effective ideas. Here’s why thinking simple can drive powerful change: 1. Resourcefulness Over Resources: True innovation is about making the most of what you have. Limited resources can spark creativity, pushing you to find unique solutions that might otherwise be overlooked. 2. Simplicity is Scalable: Simple ideas are often easier to implement and scale. They can be adopted quickly across different markets and demographics, making a broader impact without requiring significant investment. 3. User-Centric Solutions: Innovation should address real needs. Sometimes the most straightforward solutions are the most effective because they directly tackle the problem without unnecessary complexity. 4. Agility and Adaptability: Simple innovations can be adapted and improved upon easily, allowing for rapid iterations and responsiveness to feedback. 5. Collaboration and Inclusion: Simplicity lowers the barrier to entry, encouraging more people to contribute ideas and collaborate. This inclusive approach can lead to a more diverse and innovative environment. How to Foster Simple Innovation: ▪ Identify Core Problems: Focus on the root of the issue you want to solve. Often, the simplest solutions are the most effective. ▪ Embrace Constraints: View limitations as opportunities to think differently and innovatively. ▪ Encourage Creativity: Create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas, no matter how small or simple they may seem. ▪ Prototype and Iterate: Quickly build and test your ideas. Learn from failures and refine your approach. Remember, you don’t need a hefty budget to innovate. A fresh perspective, a clear understanding of the problem, and a willingness to think outside the box can lead to groundbreaking solutions. #innovation #ThinkSimple #Resourcefulness #creativity #ProblemSolving #AgileInnovation #SimplicityInDesign #CollaborativeInnovation #CostEffectiveSolutions

Ever found yourself facing a team that might not naturally be considered "creative," but you know deep down there's untapped potential waiting to be ignited? That's where the real magic happens – when you transform a group of individuals into a powerhouse of innovation! Here are a few strategies to nurture creativity in even the most unexpected places: 1️⃣ Diverse Perspectives: Embrace the beauty of diversity within your team. Different backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets can create a melting pot of ideas that spark innovation. 2️⃣ Encourage Curiosity: Cultivate a culture of questioning and curiosity. Challenge your team to explore the "what ifs" and "whys" to uncover new solutions. 3️⃣ Collaborative Storming: Gather your team for brainstorming sessions. Fostering an environment where no idea is too outrageous encourages free thinking and inspires unique concepts. 4️⃣ Cross-Pollination: Encourage your team to draw inspiration from unrelated fields. Sometimes, the most innovative solutions come from connecting seemingly unrelated dots. 5️⃣ Empower Ownership: Give individuals ownership of projects and allow them to take creative risks. When people feel their ideas matter, they're more likely to contribute their creative juices. 6️⃣ Learning from "Fails": Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Encourage your team to share their failures and lessons learned – these experiences often lead to innovative breakthroughs. 7️⃣ Structured Creativity: Implement frameworks like Design Thinking or Ideation Workshops. These structured approaches can guide your team to think creatively within a defined framework. 8️⃣ Celebrating Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate every small burst of creativity. This positive reinforcement encourages more innovative thinking. 9️⃣ Mentorship and Learning: Pair up team members with differing strengths. Learning from each other's expertise can lead to cross-pollination of ideas. 🔟 Lead by Example: Show your own passion for creativity. When your team sees your enthusiasm for innovation, it's contagious! Remember, creativity is not exclusive to certain roles or industries – it's a mindset that can be nurtured and cultivated. So, let's harness the potential within our teams, empower individuals to think outside the box, and watch as innovation unfolds before our eyes! #InnovationAtWork #whatinspiresme #culture #teamwork #CreativeThinking #TeamCreativity #LeadershipMindset #bestweekever

HR filters out what makes you interesting, especially for generalists. Instead, own your unique qualities and showcase them as assets. Here's how: Step 1: List out all the unique experiences, hobbies, or side projects that might not fit into a typical job description but contribute to your perspective and skills. Step 2: Create a “Personal Value Proposition” document that ties these unique traits to potential benefits for employers. For example, if you’re an artist and a marketer, explain how your creative mindset leads to 'innovative' (everyone's favorite buzz word, right?) campaigns. Step 3: Incorporate these unique elements into your elevator pitch. Example: "I'm a marketer with a painter's eye—mixing data and creativity to craft campaigns that hit you in the feels and crush it in the metrics." Step 4: Develop a “passion portfolio” webpage or blog where you share these unique experiences, linking it in your resume and LinkedIn profile. Direct potential employers there to see the full picture 🖼 Fired up after Jeanine Suah + Milly Tamati shared their thoughts on HR and wanted to get tactical. More from Generalist World 🌀 coming your way 👀

COMMs pros, let's go from being an afterthought to a strategic partner with a seat at the table in our organizations. 🫱🏼🫲🏾 Here’s how we get ahead of the game. 👇🏾 Be PROACTIVE, not just reactive. Don’t wait for someone to ask you to get involved in projects and initiatives. Let's be strategic about finding ways to offer our insights and expertise early. But what if we don't know what's going on or what activities are being planned? Here are a few practical ways to be proactive and embed yourself in your organization: ✅ Schedule regular check-ins with peers and team leaders. A quick weekly, monthly or quarterly meeting with department heads keeps you informed about upcoming projects before they become urgent. This gives you time to plan strategically instead of scrambling at the last minute. No more "when did y'all decide to do that?" ✅ Share results from social media and other campaign wins with peers and leadership. Photos, stats, comments, testimonials -- anything that shows you are connecting with audiences. This not only highlights the value and impact of comms, but also presents our work as an ongoing effort, not something we do every now and them for “big events.” ✅ Offer communications-related ideas to leadership. Instead of waiting for requests, proactively pitch ideas for engagement, brand awareness, events or storytelling opportunities. If you see an initiative, resource, or product that could benefit from a communications push, share your ideas for how to get it done! Leaders will start to see you as a strategic asset and partner, not just an in-house service provider who’s good at “photoshopping stuff.” ✅ Create a communications intake process that makes it easy to keep you updated. This could be a form, checklist, or meeting - any method that encourages early and frequent collaboration. When your teams find it easy to share ideas with you, they’ll start making it a habit. ✅ Stay visible and vocal in meetings by asking the right questions: 👉🏽 "What’s the goal of this initiative?" 👉🏽 "Who needs to know about this?" 👉🏽 "How will we measure success?" The more you insert these questions into conversations, the more people will naturally start thinking about communications as they plan. ✅ Build relationships beyond your team. The more people trust and understand what you do, the more they’ll bring you in early. Take time to connect with leaders, program managers, and other departments. When they see you as a strategic thought partner, they’ll invite you into discussions before decisions are finalized. Bottom line? When you take the initiative to build relationships, demonstrate value, offer expertise and make it easy for people to share with you, people will start seeing comms as a necessary part of the team. So I'm curious to know - what’s worked for you in making sure you’re involved early? ⬇️

Most people confuse initiative with overwork. Initiative is eliminating permission from your operating system. You move work forward before anyone points you at it. You create momentum instead of waiting for someone to create it for you. Here's what this looks like in practice: Treat momentum as your responsibility. Something is stuck. You unstick it. You create the next step without waiting for clarity or formal assignment. Solve problems at the source. Scan for what's breaking, what's slowing, what's unclear. Address it before it becomes a bottleneck. Start earlier than the deadline requires. Begin when the work becomes knowable. Most people begin when the work becomes unavoidable. Avoid two traps that kill momentum: Waiting to be asked means you're already late. Waiting for perfect information means you never start. You need enough to begin, then you learn as you go. Build a reputation for reliability. When people see you push work forward without being nudged, they trust you with bigger challenges. Initiative compounds into opportunity. Do first. That separates those who execute from spectators. ----- I help ambitious leaders escape burnout through systematic frameworks. Supercharge your career with my Leadership Superpowers newsletter: gplead.com/nl