Real talk, honest lessons, and brilliant takeaways for young professionals.
Our May Social took us behind the scenes at Colleague Box HQ in Derby and it was packed with insight, inspiration, and a whole lot of real talk about what it means to grow a business and a career.
Founded on the simple yet powerful idea of spreading positivity in the workplace, Colleague Box has grown into a go-to gifting solution for businesses across the UK. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing and that’s exactly what made this visit so inspiring.
Here’s what we took away from our time with the Colleague Box team, and why it matters for anyone navigating their early career or entrepreneurial journey.
Starting something new a job, a business, a side hustle is always going to feel scary. But one thing was clear from Colleague Box’s story: you don’t have to have it all figured out before you begin.
Sometimes, you just have to back yourself, take the leap, and work it out as you go. That bold first step is often what separates ideas from action.
“Say yes and figure it out later” – advice we heard loud and clear, and one we’ll be repeating often.
When you’re just starting out, your comfort zone can feel like a safe place to stay. But if we learned anything from this visit, it’s that saying yes can lead to opportunities you never imagined.
Say yes to speaking at an event, entering an award, meeting someone new. Yes, it might be nerve-wracking. But those are the moments where growth happens.
No one has all the answers and pretending you do can sometimes hold you back. A strong business or career is built not on pretending to know everything, but on asking questions and surrounding yourself with people who lift you up.
Whether it’s a mentor, a peer, or someone who’s been where you’re heading asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Colleague Box was built in response to a changing world, and adaptability is a thread that runs through their entire journey. Being flexible, responding to demand, and knowing when to pivot are all key traits that helped them grow.
In your own career, staying open-minded and embracing change is one of the best things you can do to stay ahead and thrive.
In the age of LinkedIn highlights and Instagram wins, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking everyone else is miles ahead. But, as we were reminded,
“comparison is the thief of joy.”
Everyone’s journey looks different, and your success doesn’t need to look like someone else’s to be valid. Be confident in your path and focus on your own growth.
One of the most practical lessons from Colleague Box was around finances. In the early days of a business (or your career), it’s tempting to try and scale too quickly. But sometimes, being more careful with cash and resisting the urge to over-expand is the smarter play.
Build strong foundations first growth will follow.
Visiting Colleague Box was a brilliant reminder that great things often start small and that success comes from a mix of passion, resilience, learning, and saying yes to the unknown.
To all our Generation Next members: put yourself out there, be curious, ask questions, and believe that you belong. You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to start.
👉 Want to learn more about Colleague Box? Check out their story and services here
And keep an eye on our events page for the next Generation Next Social! You never know what (or who) you might discover.
