My time at Gilligan Sheppard—A reflection

I will never forget the day of my interview, wearing heeled boots, pants and a stuffy blouse that covered my tattoos. This was my first interview in a corporate setting, and I could’ve peed myself. That morning, I’d scrambled together my nicest outfit and had contemplated taking out my piercings for half an hour.

Imagine my surprise when I walk into Gilligan Sheppard’s office to find a receptionist with stretchers in his ears, fully tattooed. And then quickly passed by Yi Ping, wearing full cycling gear! “Man, oh man, what a relief!” I told myself, “I hope I get the job!”

Fast forward to now, and I have always been encouraged to be myself, to express myself. I have never felt the need to change my identity or the way I present myself. What a safe and wholesome environment, so unique to my expectations of ‘corporate’. Because of this ‘haven’ I have been given, I have felt confident enough to take this opportunity by the reins and fully immerse myself in Gilligan Sheppard.

I want to thank the team first for giving me this opportunity. You have shot my career so many steps ahead. You have given me tools to really understand my capabilities, and I’ve had so many opportunities to learn and grow. I will forever be so fond of how I was regarded during my nearly two years here, and how it has fundamentally changed my confidence.

One memory I have, that came from a learning opportunity I was given, is my first-ever client meeting. I was asked if I wanted to take minutes, and of course, my hand shot right up. Any chance to upskill and learn something new, I was there. Very quickly, during this meeting, I regretted my decision. Two grown men were arguing the whole time like some sandpit toddlers whose truck had been taken off them. I could not believe the pettiness and uncooperativeness. But I kept my head down, my mouth shut and typed away. Out of the blue, Bruce asks me what I think of the situation. Carefully, I ask, “Do you want me to be honest?” Bruce encourages me to speak my mind. So I said,

“Well, you’re a pair of children who need to pull your head out of your ass and just get on with it. Stop playing baby games.”

Straight away, I was scanning faces for any signs that I had crossed a line. A lawyer invited to the call just cracks up laughing, meanwhile Bruce looks at me with the biggest grin on his face and says, “You’re 100% correct!”

I can safely say that it is a memory that will stick with me for the rest of my life, along with so many other fond memories from my time here, where being unapologetically myself was encouraged and praised. This is the Gilligan Sheppard that I have loved working for, where the culture was social and accepting and allowed me to talk to anyone, regardless of their position. It has been such a pleasure to work here. Everyone I have met and spoken to here has been so supportive, kind, and encouraging.

It is so hard to say goodbye, but I promise to stay connected. Once again, a big thank you to everyone here at Gilligan Sheppard. What a privilege it is for me to say that I worked here.ger to apply the insights, skills, and memories I’ve gained here to the next chapter of my journey.