This is another of my loyal mugs that get used at least once per week. It was given to me by an important person in my career so far - the delightful Melanie Symes, who hired me to join Henley Management College, before it became Henley Business School.
I learned such a lot from Mel, as a HR professional and as a person, and I think of her often when I use the mug.
I think about the "human" part of HR and the art of really listening to people. I think about her nudges to help me move beyond the "black and white" thinking patterns and policy/rules that featured in my early career. I remember laughing with her about my experience of moving from the College to the University of Reading - going from being seen as a bit of a stickler for process, to being seen as a bit of a maverick, without changing my own behaviour. It's amazing how culture impacts perception!
So this mug represents a key part of my journey to who I am at work and I still love using it.