How The F*ck Am I Up For 2 Awards?!

This is not the blog post I thought I’d be sitting down to write this weekend. Having just got back from 3 fantastic days at BrightonSEO (if you follow me on Twitter you *might* just know that!) I have a whole host of things I want to, and will, talk about on this blog. But due to unforeseen circumstances, namely being nominated for ANOTHER industry award that I was absolutely not expecting, I need a brain dump.

TL;DR, I have been nominated for Outstanding Contributor to the North in the 2022 Prolific North Champions Awards. You don’t have to of course, but if you feel inclined to vote I would be very grateful and you can do so by clicking here.

This comes after a few weeks ago, I found out I had been shortlisted for the Insider Media Young Professionals Award in the Marketing category thanks to my very sneaky, but very very very kind colleagues.

For someone who’s had a hard time believing in themselves after a bumpy start to my career, naturally, this was all very overwhelming for me. I didn’t feel deserving. I still don’t. But I am trying to come to terms with the fact that I have been shortlisted, and I’m trying even harder to accept the ‘why’. I’ve sat on the fact that I was nominated for this award for a few stays (after finding out when I was in the midst of BrightonSEO, meeting new people and doing it ALL on my own – which is huge for me). But now I’ve come to terms with it and started sharing it, I need to get some thoughts down on paper, then I can begin being what I think I deserve to be – excited!

I Have Issues 🤷🏻‍♀️

But first, you’re probably thinking why am I being such a total flake about this whole thing? I should be happy, grateful, proud. And don’t get me wrong, I am. However, it probably comes as no secret that I have a bloody hard time processing these emotions and allowing myself to feel them. I’ve spoken before about not getting the best start in this industry, so much so I didn’t want to work in it at all at one point. My experiences really weighed down on me hard, and still do. But, with the help of my lovely friends, family, and people I know in the industry, I am getting there in believing in myself and my capabilities. Unfortunately, that kind of damage is not so easily fixed, but I’m getting there.

Starting With Acceptance…

After a few days of being a total nut, I have now come to terms with the fact that I’m up for these awards and clearly someone, somewhere thinks I deserve to be alongside all those other fantastic nominees. Though I may not ever believe it truly myself, I accept that I’m there for a reason; and all the amazing people I have around me believe in me too. Imposter Syndrome is a part of my personality at this point, and acceptance is difficult but vital. So here I am, accepting that I’m up for this and I’m so happy I am.

…Finishing With Pride

Which brings me to the end of this, admittedly, totally chaotic, convoluted, and candid ramble. The latter of my two nominations is partly thanks to something I’d never have dreamed of doing a few years ago: giving guest talks to students at LJMU who were in positions that I was in myself not too long ago. So whilst I feel like a big old sham amongst all the other brilliant nominees, I am pleased with myself for getting there. The challenges I’ve overcome and the outcomes they’ve led to. I may never be fully comfortable with who and where I am, but at this moment I can say I am proud to be me.

If You’d Like To Vote For Me

The Insider awards are less than two weeks away, and the results are decided by judges. The Prolific North awards, however, are decided by you. So, if you’d like to vote for me, you can do so on the Prolific North website. I would be forever grateful.