My daughter asked me a question last Sunday that made me realise: I've been secretly training my children in business for years.

Over the last year a shift has happened, one where my young adult kids - are coming to me asking for advice in a new way.

Not about family matters, relationships, household things…

But for future tools - the connections, the structure, the details on building an independent life. 

Years back they started getting my design & layout expertise and training … and they do still come to me with this.

But now it’s questions on how to price their freelance services, the contractual elements as much as the brainstorming of ideas when she’s at the proverbial creative black hole - she knows Mum will always pull her out. 

On Sunday, she shared with me a theatre poster design project that she’d picked up - and was struggling to get started.

I asked some key questions, where she was heading already, and then shared the imagery that was inside my head from what she shared. The leap forward for her concept was instant and she was off and running.

Her talent for creation needs no support, but the connections, structure and understanding what is normal and what isn’t to make sure she’s not taken for granted are new. 

She is a powerhouse in her own right, working out how every organisation she is involved with works, and what the next step is.

Some even have had the courage to tell her to her face that she is intimidating - as she is strong and driven. (If she were male those would be the words shared instead, that I am sure as the gender word battle continues.)

But it’s not just this internal support - my kids now recognise that “Mum knows people” and these people can help them.

Building connections with those that if they build the relationship, can be a way into their chosen fields later on for first full time jobs. 

My connections helped get them and their friends work experience. I remember all too well how hard it is to “get a break” when you are one in many thousands sending in a CV on a wish and a prayer, and Gen Z need our support. 

Business, Careers - all of it rely on connections - but also about understanding and sharing your value.

Now more than ever, you need to be strong and confident in what you bring to the table - whatever your age is.