“The award means a lot to me as I think kindness should come first ” - Jenna Atkinson

After a break for a summer holiday, I am pleased to bring the eight part of the Celebrating Success: Blog Series on the Impact of Awards on Career and Business, following The Freshies in June organised by Fresh Perspective, today we talk to the lovely Jenna Atkinson

Enjoy!

1.Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

I am Jen and I am an Associate Solicitor in the family team at Harrison Drury. I am hardworking and really care about my job and helping people through what can often be one of the worst times of their lives. I specialise in divorce, matrimonial finances, domestic abuse and children work. I also am involved in various charities as I believe making a difference in the community too is so important and means a lot to me.

2. What award did you win, and why is this award significant to you?

I won the Captain Kindness award at the Freshies 2024 for the second year running which I was extremely shocked by. The award means a lot to me as I think kindness should come first and I set up a campaign in 2020 called “Be a little kinder” which is all about advocating kindness and surprising others with random acts of kindness to create a ripple effect of kindness across society.

3. How did you feel when you found out you had won the award?

I felt extremely proud to have won the award with a different set of judges as it made me think I must be doing something right and I always want to be remembered first and foremost for being a good person with a kind heart.

4. What role do you believe awards and recognition play in motivating individuals and enhancing performance?

I believe awards and recognitions do motivate you as it makes you believe more in what you are doing and that other people can see it too and champion what you are about and trying to achieve. Kindness and empathy is essential in my day to day job working in family law and I do really care about what I do.

5. So what next, how will receiving this award influence your goals and future aspirations?

I want to continue building a great reputation as a family lawyer in the North West, make a difference to clients, community and charity work and be the best Mum I can be to my little boy (and our lovely pooch haha). To set an example to my son of being a good person too is what I will always strive to do and to follow what makes you happy and your passions.

Thank you Jen for talking to me and sharing your experience.

I have known Jen for several years now as we attend some of the same networking events, and it is no surprise to me at all that Jen won this award for a second year - she genuinely is one the kindest and most caring people I have ever met. And the world needs as many Jen's as possible.

This is the category criteria for the Captain Kindness Award and this just describes Jen down to a tee:

These people always put others first, every day of the week and are there to lend a helping hand.

You can check out previous blogs here

Stay tuned as we talk with other outstanding winners from the Freshies Awards next week.