Rebecca Barraclough

Volunteering isn't always about showing up with time and goodwill—it can also be about showing up with expertise. Skill-based volunteering allows professionals to contribute their unique talents to causes that need them most, creating deeper and more sustainable community impact. Whether it's a graphic designer shaping a nonprofit’s brand or a financial consultant helping streamline operations, this approach ensures time is used effectively with long-term results in mind. Moreover, volunteers often gain just as much as they give—growing their skills, expanding their networks, and discovering new perspectives. When the right skills meet the right needs, the outcome is often transformative for both the giver and the receiver. 1. Understanding Skill-Based Volunteering   Skill-based volunteering focuses on using a person’s professional abilities to support causes and organizations. Unlike general volunteering, which often involves tasks like distributing supplies or helping at eve...

Training is more than a one-time event—it’s the starting point for long-term employee growth and sustained organizational performance . Training materials shape how well new skills are understood and how well they are retained and applied over time. When done thoughtfully, training materials become tools that support employee confidence, productivity, and engagement throughout their entire career journey. A common mistake organizations make is viewing training as a checklist item—something to complete quickly during onboarding or in response to a policy change. However, the most successful companies treat training as a continuous investment in their people. This begins with crafting relevant, accessible materials designed with the long view in mind. Designing for Different Learning Styles Employees come from diverse backgrounds, bringing different experiences, learning preferences, and comfort levels with new technology or information. Training materials that support long-term success ...

Adaptability is the silent force behind all progress, whether in nature, science, or business. It is the ability to evolve, adjust, and reimagine ourselves in response to changing circumstances. From the survival instincts of living organisms to the innovation strategies of modern companies , adaptability remains the common denominator that fuels success. Those who can pivot gracefully, learn rapidly, and respond intelligently to change hold the most significant advantage in an unpredictable world. In professional life, adaptability often means more than simply adjusting to new job roles or technologies—it’s about adopting a mindset of growth. It is the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone and embrace uncertainty with curiosity rather than fear. For many professionals transitioning across industries, such as moving from biology to business, adaptability becomes a guiding philosophy. It transforms the challenges of change into opportunities for reinvention and self-discovery. Lear...