It’s not often I find myself speechless (after all, talking is kind of my thing), but being named Business Enabler of the Year at the Best Business Awards left me momentarily lost for words. Thankfully, the judges didn’t require a keynote speech when they handed me the trophy – otherwise, I might still be standing there, grinning awkwardly.
The Best Business Awards are all about celebrating excellence across industries, so to be recognised alongside such brilliant businesses and individuals was both an honour and a surprise. It’s not every day someone hands you an award and says, “Well done, you’ve enabled others to succeed.” It’s a humbling reminder of what drives me: helping people and organisations communicate, connect, and ultimately achieve more than they thought possible.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Awards are all about the glitz and glamour, aren’t they?” Well, it turns out they’re not just shiny trophies for the mantelpiece (or in my case, the downstairs loo – it’s where all the best reflection happens). Research from the University of Leicester shows that companies who win awards like these often see tangible benefits, including 17% higher sales and 36% greater share value within three years. By year eleven, those numbers jump to 77% more sales and 18% higher operating income.
Of course, no award is won alone. This recognition is a testament to the extraordinary people and organisations I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years. From CEOs to young people taking their first steps into leadership, seeing others grow, thrive, and succeed has always been the greatest reward. This trophy is just a bonus – and a pretty good paperweight.
To the judges, thank you for the kind words, and to my clients and colleagues, this is your win as much as mine. If you’d like to explore how a bit of clarity, confidence, and perhaps even humour can help your organisation thrive, I’d be delighted to have a chat. After all, enabling success is what I do – and it turns out I’m not too bad at it.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have another trophy to polish and need to reassure my mum that being an “enabler” doesn’t mean I’ve gone rogue!
See you next Tuesday.
Warmest,
Paul x
