Kevonna's tips on being irresistible to opportunities

A quick snapshot of Kevonna McAnuff’s career at Sage reveals a story of rapid growth and strategic agility. Starting as a People Business Partner, Kevonna’s journey took an exciting turn with a recent change to our operating model, propelling her into the position of Strategic Business Partner... 

However, just three days before she began this new role, another thrilling opportunity presented itself—the chance to become a director in the Chief People Officer (CPO) Office.

And you guessed it, she got the job!

What makes this achievement even more impressive is that Kevonna McAnuff is only 30 years old. With such a fast-paced career trajectory, we can’t help but wonder: where will she be in 10 years? Our bet is she'll be running the world!

We caught up with Kevonna for a quick “What’s your secret?” chat, and her insights are nothing short of inspiring. She credits her success to a piece of advice that has guided her throughout her career:

“Make it a priority to put on people's lips what you want them to say about you. This has honestly been the best advice I've ever received, and I carry it into every aspect of my life. If you want people to say that you're dependable, do what you say you're going to do. If you want people to say that you are excellent and efficient at your job, then do good work. If you want people to say that you’ve got high potential and that you really can be a leader, operate that way. Put on other people’s lips exactly what you want them to say about you and see where that will take you.”

For Kevonna, resilience has been another key to her rapid ascent. “I'm resilient, so I roll with the punches, which has helped me get through a lot of challenges in my career much faster.” In a constantly evolving environment like Sage, developing resilience can be a game-changer, enabling you to adapt quickly to new ways of working while continuing to deliver at pace.

Kevonna is also a firm believer in the power of quality work. “The other thing I'm really big on is quality work. I always want to do my best work regardless of who’s looking or who’s not. Always do good work. After all, that’s what people will remember you for.”

She emphasises that if your name is going to be on a piece of work, it should reflect excellence, no matter the task. This commitment to quality has undoubtedly been a driving force behind her success.

But it doesn’t stop there. Kevonna’s curiosity and ability to connect the dots have also played a significant role in her career progression. “I'm great at joining dots, and I’m a very curious person. So I constantly challenge the norm of doing things.”

Curiosity, she explains, keeps you informed about what’s happening around you and helps you ask the thought-provoking questions that may not have been considered but are crucial to business success.

Kevonna McAnuff’s journey is a masterclass in how to cultivate a strong business acumen that propels you to the top of your league faster than you might expect. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, the sky's the limit.