My 7-week Mini Sabbatical

And just like that, I'm back from my amazing break. What an incredible experience to step out, stop emails and travel the world.

Deciding 18 months ago to take a longer than normal break was one of the best decisions I have made. For my husband's birthday I gave him a gift of a fake Airplane ticket, a French Rugby World Cup jersey and the commitment to take at least 7 weeks off. A huge thanks to my leader Steven Worrell who agreed to this extended break was the kickoff to this plan, we were going to follow the Rugby world cup. Well so I thought......

The easy part was the present I gave, the harder part came from Chris having to organize the whole trip, which he literally spent 18 months doing. He did the most incredible itinerary, my only ask was for us to go to new places so we can experience new things...... He did not disappoint.

Highlights:

Spending this long away and out of the thick of work, my longest break in one go other, than my Maternity leave.

Seeing and experiencing new cultures from, Portugal, Morrocco, Spain, France, Croatia and Greece.

Getting tickets at the last minute to the Semi Final game in Paris to see the All Blacks bring home the win.

The food, wow the food.

Seeing my team step up and into my role, a few to mention, Natasha Clohessy leading GPS and Sameer Jagga taking on the New Zealand part of my role, thank you. Marinka Simunac for ensuring I did not get onto Teams and Email while away and keeping the team happy. My leadership team for simply being incredible and supporting our Customers and Partners through thick and thin while I was away.

So, the number one question I have had, how does it feel to be back? Simply put amazing, seeing our two kids after 7 weeks and seeing the growth and development they had by having to be more independent. Like us, they shone with the time away and all of us appreciate each other more, this picture is of the sign they made for us with 200 balloons all through our bedroom when we came home.

It is great to be back.