Emily's first Anniversary at Juniper

Like our March calendar quote, “The two elements the traveler first captures in the big city are extra human architecture and furious rhythm.”, I too have found a somewhat furious new rhythm to my working life. I have been incredibly fortunate to visit three cities in Europe – Amsterdam, Rome and most recently, Dublin and have seen first-hand exactly what Juniper does best.

As I write my ‘First anniversary blog’, I am sitting in a hotel conference suite, eagerly waiting to offer support whilst learning is facilitated in a room full of over 30 participants. People working for the same firm, who are currently strangers , but within a few days will be leaving as colleagues and friends with new knowledge and additional skills. What a pleasure not only to be so deeply entwined in a client project but to watch these connections being made; like the roots of a giant old oak. Together with the client we provide the sustenance and light that these participants soak up and which subsequently enables them to grow, stronger than before.

Here at The Juniper Co., I too have grown, like a sapling new to this field of consulting, maturing each day with the skills I am learning, the confidence I am gaining, and the knowledge I am acquiring. I haven’t forgotten my roots. I naturally draw upon previous transferable skills to provide value each day to the team. However, I feel that through Juniper’s nurturing environment, I have been stretched beyond my comfort zone and what I thought I was capable of and I’m proud of that. I have been challenged in my thinking and influenced to work smarter, not harder. Through Juniper’s superb example, time and time again, of offering a psychologically safe space to question and challenge, I now feel more confident to openly speak up and offer personal insights to the team and know that my feedback is appreciated.

So, what else have I learned? I have learned that feedback is a valuable tool in one’s development and that I should embrace feedback – both giving and receiving it, with a metaphorical hug. I have learned that at times I need to slow down to speed up; taking the time to stop and think about what will work best for my client, is valuable beyond measure. I have gained skills that enable me to be more forensically curious with a view to giving a broader perspective on a project, for example, by asking effective open questions. Finally, I have learned that identifying the ‘even better if’ can truly make a difference in helping to build others’ confidence, and solidify my relationship with the client.

My year at Juniper has been so many things but most of all it’s been insightful, rewarding, and at times, a lot of fun!