One of my old business coaches. We used to work together years ago – until she retired about three years back due to her health. Life moves on, things get busy, and most people lose touch. But I’ve always made the effort to check in with her a couple of times a year. And as we sat chatting over a cuppa, she said something that really stuck with me. “You’re one of the only people who still keeps in touch. Most don’t bother anymore – I’m not useful to them now.” That hit me. What a thing to feel – that your value’s tied to how useful you are.

It got me thinking… Who are we, really? When you strip away the titles, the job roles, the hustle – what’s left? What are we actually worth? What do we stand for? My old coach told me, “I love meeting up with you. You’re my link to the real world.” And that meant the world to me. Because yes, I’m a freight forwarder. I’ve been in this business 35+ years, and I know it inside out. But that’s not all I am.

I’m a Dad. A Villa fan. A bloke from Birmingham who built something from scratch. Father’s Day reminded me of that too – someone snapped a lovely pic of me with Connor and Keeley. Just us, smiling. Real life. That’s what it’s all about. We’re not just a freight forwarding company. We’re people. With families, stories, and a bit of heart behind the hustle. At Millennium, we move containers, yeah – but we also connect with people. We help businesses grow. We solve problems. We show up. We care. That stuff matters. Maybe now more than ever with AI and robotics changing the world. 

So here’s a little reminder – for me, for you, for anyone who needs it: You’re not just your job. You’re not just a “resource.” You matter. Even when you’re not useful. Especially then. And if you’re ever in doubt – give someone a ring. Show up. Be the person that keeps in touch. That’s what people remember.

So who are you aside from your work? I’d love to hear from you…