In today’s fast-paced world, the notion of ‘going the extra mile’ often feels like a relic of the past; a quaint concept of unwavering dedication and commitment that might have lost its relevance in our constant hustle and bustle. But remember that it was the pursuit of going beyond the expected that shattered one of the most formidable barriers in the history of sports; Roger Bannister’s four-minute mile.
Going the extra mile is more than just a catchphrase; it’s a mindset, a philosophy, and a path to not only professional success but also personal fulfilment. It’s about surpassing expectations, pushing boundaries, and taking that additional step when others choose to halt. Whether you’re striving for career advancement, aiming to improve your relationships, or seeking a more meaningful life, embracing the concept of going the extra mile can unlock your full potential.
Imagine what you could achieve if you chose to break the ‘four-minute extra mile’.
Introducing Kaylene Swart – a Webmaster working out of Durban, South Africa.
As we take some time to celebrate Kaylene (Kay), and the awesome job she is doing at Unilever, I hope you enjoy our little spotlight on Kay, her work, and some of the lessons she has learnt along her way to becoming a valued part of the Neem family.
So… Webmaster? Enlighten me…
“Sure, a webmaster is the principal point of contact for all things relating to the organisation’s website[s], managing duties like web creation and design, regular site and content upkeep, as well as upgrades to make sure webpages are in line with business goals and objectives.”
“Day to day I might give brand advice on best practices for developing websites and pages. Sometimes it’s creating or designing websites as well as setup and upkeep.”
“I can often spend time investigating potential problems; performing the checks to ensure that websites adhere to corporate requirements, then applying the remedies.”
How would you describe your typical day-to-day?
“That’s tough to answer. I’m not sure I have a typical day….I spend half a day of Personal Care and half a day on Ice Cream…”
That sounds like my perfect day!…
“… I just throw myself into it. I start when I’m personally ready, I know that’s not usual but I enjoy what I do. If I can, I’ll stay on a call for that extra five minutes to get a greater understanding. I will join 5 minutes early to make sure I understand the brand, what they expect, and what are we working towards. It all helps me find the ‘how can we do this better’.”
“I guess the true typical aspect of my day is making sure my list is done; it’s my guilty pleasure. I work with my little notepad and every morning I plan my day, and what I need to do for each brand. I go from the top and I tick it off, and if I haven’t done something, it’s me letting myself down. So I stay on till it’s done.”
“I know it’s a well-known phrase but I’ve always stood by it, ‘failing to plan is planning to fail.’”
Awesome Kay! What was the journey to the job?
“Well, I landed a job in my third year of university, just myself and the owner. I was fortunate enough to be exposed to everything. It meant I had a lot to learn, and I had to do it quickly. Don’t get me wrong, that was amazing, but I just felt I had to streamline my focus.”
“I remember hearing the phrase ‘too many irons in the fire makes the fire go out’. Being trusted to be involved in every company detail was fantastic, but eventually, I wasn’t learning or growing and that’s a big part of who I am. I want to better myself every single day, even if I’m having a bad day.”
“In the end, I came to the decision that I needed a job with room for growth and learning. So I was thrilled to join Neem. From the moment I met with Neem staff members, webmasters, mentors, and other professionals, I felt appreciated and accepted. I was believed to have expertise or advice to provide, and this was taken and valued… But only after I had to push myself to learn the new technologies and business principles.”
How did you find the challenge of transitioning from that two-man environment?
“One of the greatest changes I encountered was learning and comprehending the company’s standards and approach to working standards. So I put in the hours… I studied and communicated with webmasters and team members; spoke to understand, not to be heard. When I wasn’t sure, I asked the question.”
“I was apprehensive that I was going to be micromanaged, but I work with an incredible team who understand and have my back. I have learnt so much in such a short space of time. Bizarrely, being in a team brought more accountability… when it’s just you, you can feel like everything rest on your shoulders, but in a team you are accountable to everyone, the burden is lighter but the outcomes and responsibility is shared. Everyone shares in everyone’s mistakes and triumphs. That’s a very different type of pressure.”
You work remotely right – how does that affect that sense of “team”?
“I quite enjoy it. I thought the time difference was going to be awful; it’s not… It’s actually perfect as I get that hour every morning where I can actually just sit down, plan, focus, respond to emails; so it’s really worked in my favour.”
So how’s the job going, what are you enjoying about the role?
“It’s so good! I’m always picking up new skills and fixing problems. I like doing this, and I love collaborating with enthusiastic people. Going back slightly one of the things that I loved about starting the job and applying for the role was having the COO reach out… that personal approach and sense of being on the same level was nothing I had ever encountered or heard of. That humility is extremely valuable.”
To finish off Kay, what advice would you give to your younger self?
“Your deadliest adversary is you! If you are willing to push yourself, you can go as far as you want… Also, eat the cake & drink the expensive bottle of wine!”
Amazing! Thanks Kay!