Career Capital Series: Defining and Living Your Values, The Compass That Builds Your Career

In professional services, your values drive everything—who you work with, who you hire, how you lead, and what you're remembered for.

A few years ago, my wife booked me into a health retreat. I resisted (golf seemed better), but the space gave me time to reflect—not on what I was doing, but on what truly drives me.

I didn’t leave with a business plan. I left with clarity. I wrote down the values I was already living—and committed to living them with intent.

They’ve guided every major decision since. They've anchored me in hard moments and shaped the career capital I rely on today.

Here are the values I lead by:

💪 Grit: The passion and perseverance to achieve long-term goals. How I live it: Daily discipline, stretch goals, and showing my kids that effort matters more than outcomes.

🔥 Passion: Energy and commitment to excellence. How I live it: Giving 100%—in business, family, and growth. No coasting.

🛡️ Loyalty: Faithfulness to people and principles. How I live it: Backing family and friends without conditions; staying loyal to my community.

🧭 Integrity: Doing the right thing—always. How I live it:

1. Walked away from a bribe—subtle at first, then clear.

2. Reported a forged court document request—manager was layer fired.

3. Left a firm with a toxic culture—before the fallout.

4. Said no to backhanders—cut ties with the client.

5. Declined a shady “sponsorship” for a “ski-conference”—easy call.

🧘 Health & Wellbeing: High energy, fitness, rest, and recovery. How I live it: Walks, meditation, gym, cricket with my son, golf, and switching off at night.

😀 Happiness: Gratitude, contentment, calm. How I live it: No comparison, no grudges. Celebrate wins. Choose work that excites me.

🙌 Helpfulness: Helping others before self. How I live it: Mentoring, coaching, and supporting behind the scenes—this one matters most.

🎯 Authenticity: Being the same person in every room. How I live it: I don’t shift based on the audience. What I believe privately, I back publicly.

🗣️ Final Thought

Your values shape your reputation—and how people talk about you when you’re not in the room. I’ve shared mine. What are yours?

📩 Email: damian@boardroombench.com

 🌐 Visit: www.boardroombench.com

 📞 Phone: 0413 092 511