I arrived late to the board away day, battling a severe tension headache. Determined not to miss the sessions, I pushed through the discomfort.

Later, during a networking session with our managers, Joanna Hartnup, manager of our Pilgrims View Home, approached me and asked, "Are you struggling with a headache?"

Surprised, I admitted I was. Right then, she asked me to sit down. I was puzzled at first, but she revealed she’s a trained beautician and offered to give me a friction massage. Right there, in the middle of networking, Jo worked her magic. It felt incredible!

This experience was a powerful reminder: being a Director is just a title! We're all human, and help is always available if we stay humble and approachable.

Don't hesitate to accept support when you need it. The role of a Chief People Officer / HR Director is a demanding one, so get the help that you need.

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