Bright Network Values: What 'Growth Mindset' means to me
With three years at Bright Network under her belt on three separate teams, Business Development Manager Anna De Pascalis is a fantastic example of one of our core values: 'Growth Mindset'.
Never shy of a challenge, Anna has continued to embrace feedback and work on her own professional growth.
In this piece, Anna shares why having a growth mindset is so fundamental in everything we do for our partners and our members at Bright Network.
My journey with Bright Network
After graduating from university, I joined the business in 2019 as an intern in the Student Marketing team and travelled around the UK representing Bright Network at freshers’ fairs. At that time, I knew I was passionate about the mission and the business, and was keen to move into a permanent, client-facing role. Luckily for me, there was an opportunity in the Digital team where I spent the next 2.5 years getting stuck into delivering marketing campaigns for our partner firms and building strong client relationships.
In this role, my focus was to say ‘yes’ to everything that came my way! This helped me develop a wealth of experience and each opportunity allowed me to learn from new mistakes and grow as an individual. During this time, I worked on designing, delivering and hosting a new event series in response to the pandemic; developing a new social media product and taking it to market; and raising over £1,000 across two challenges in collaboration with Bookmark, our charity partner.
After two years, I’d become comfortable in my role and I felt it was time for the next big challenge. Having proactively sought feedback throughout this time, I had some very open conversations with my manager about what the next step could be for me. With the support of my manager and the People team, I was able to explore a lateral move into the Commercial team. Now, I'm three months into my current role as Business Development Manager! I am so grateful for the challenge, but also for the support of my colleagues across the whole business in my transition.
I believe throughout my journey with Bright Network since 2019, I’ve really embraced my growth mindset, and always sought out new ways to push myself. Now in my third role in the business, I’m excited about all the new challenges on the horizon!
"In such a fast-paced business, it’s essential for you to have a growth mindset"
The importance of a Growth Mindset
At Bright Network, things are constantly changing. Everyone in the team is empowered to challenge the status quo and run with new, innovative ideas. In such a fast-paced business, it’s essential for you to have a growth mindset – which to Bright Network means pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and continually seeking feedback to grow and develop as a professional.
I had underestimated the importance of receiving and providing feedback before I joined Bright Network and have seen and experienced first-hand the impact it can have both on individuals and the business as a whole. We pride ourselves on the quality and frequency of feedback being delivered – ensuring it’s offered as soon as situations arise; that it’s clear and actionable; and that it's delivered as part of an honest, two-way conversation.
Having a growth mindset means seeking feedback when things go well but crucially also when things don’t go to plan. It might feel uncomfortable to face at first, but these moments are the biggest learning opportunities and hearing the perspective of someone on the outside is incredibly valuable for personal and professional development.
Growth Mindset in action
A colleague who has particularly impressed me is our Head of People Ally Monk. He has been incredibly transparent about his Bright Network journey with the whole business, not being afraid to speak openly about the challenges he’s faced in his role over the past year, and the steps he took to overcome them.
He is a great example of the importance of embracing challenges, persevering, and leaning on others around you for support. By pushing through challenges, you can achieve great things.
"Don’t underestimate the power of giving and receiving feedback!"
Growth Mindset advice for anyone looking to join Bright Network
My main advice is don’t be afraid to speak up. At Bright Network you’ll be encouraged to question and challenge even the simplest of things, whether that’s internal processes or your own career progression, and I would encourage you to do so. Having a voice opens you up to new opportunities to solve problems, innovate, and grow in your career.
Secondly, keep feedback as a priority. Don’t underestimate the power of giving and receiving feedback and lean on others if you aren’t sure how to navigate it – as our CEO James says, "feedback is the breakfast of champions!"
Are you looking to join a values-driven business where having a growth mindset is a key to success? We'd love to hear from you! Have a look below at some of our current openings.