“These people are always forging their own path and doing things differently!” - the Judges

In the fourth part of the Celebrating Success: Blog Series on the Impact of Awards on Career and Business, following The Freshies in June, today we talk to the lovely Sarah Dearden.

Enjoy.

1.Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
Coming Home (Short Art Documentary) (youtube.com)

2. What award did you win, and why is this award significant to you?
I won the Triumphant Trailblazer award and because it was peer nominated is just amazing. I have been established for just over a year and to be in that category is just brilliant. I have always struggled with my confidence, I love what I am doing and its validation that what I am doing is worthwhile and people believe in me.

3. How did you feel when you found out you had won the award?
It was the first award of the night and I was utterly shocked and elated. I did not expect it – I was buzzing to be there a be finalist, but to win is just another level.

4. What role do you believe awards and recognition play in motivating individuals and enhancing performance?
We all want to feel valued and feel respected, and whilst I'm not doing what I do to be accredited, it is always great to get that recognition, and it helps for people to know what you do.

5. So what next, how will receiving this award influence your goals and future aspirations?
I was a finalist in 4 categories and I really like this one. The notion of being a trail blazer, to know that people can see that I am approaching things differently because that is exactly what I am doing. It feels really appropriate.

Thank you Sarah for talking to me and sharing your insights. This was the first time I had met Sarah and it was like we had known each other for years - Sarah is so passionate about what she does, and the work she is doing is just amazing and having such an impact! This award is just one of many I am sure Sarah will go onto collect throughout her mission.

This is the category criteria:

These people are always forging their own path and doing things differently!

They switch things up and can adapt and overcome with ease 💪

They run towards change with a “hell yes!”

Stay tuned as we talk with the Positive Pioneer winner from the Freshies Awards next week.