🎯 Recognition at the Top — and How to Pay It Forward

Last week, Reward Strategy announced the latest Reward 300 Index and Partner 50 — a celebration of the top professionals driving progress in payroll, reward, and HR.

It’s a moment I always look forward to. The list is packed with familiar names — industry leaders I’ve worked alongside, taught, mentored, or simply admired from afar. These are people who have helped shape our profession, pushed for innovation, and stood up for best practice when it mattered most.

To see their achievements recognised on a national (and international) stage is not only well-deserved — it’s inspiring.

But moments like this also prompt a bigger reflection:

Once you’re recognised — how do you pay it forward?

Recognition is a powerful thing. It gives people confidence, visibility, and momentum. But it’s even more meaningful when it doesn’t stop at the individual. When people at the top use their influence to lift others — that’s when the industry really moves forward.

So, to those who made the list this year — congratulations. Now what?

🌱 The Responsibility That Comes With Recognition

Being in a position of influence gives you the opportunity (and I’d argue the responsibility) to:

• Acknowledge the people behind the scenes who make your work possible.
• Encourage and support those who are quietly brilliant, but not yet visible.
• Create learning opportunities for newer team members to grow and lead.
• Champion diverse voices, skills, and career paths in the profession.

And this doesn’t have to be formal. A shout-out, a “thank you,” a mentoring session, or simply encouraging someone to speak up in a meeting can all have a ripple effect.

👥 How I’ve Tried to Do My Part

Throughout my own career — and particularly in my consultancy work — I’ve always operated with one goal:

To leave every team more confident, independent, and self-sufficient than when I arrived.

That means mentoring, teaching, listening, and inspiring teams to succeed beyond the life of a contract. I believe the most valuable thing you can do as a consultant is help others find their own strength and expertise — and then celebrate it.

There is no greater reward than seeing someone you’ve supported go on to lead, thrive, and be recognised themselves.

💬 So, Over to You

If you’re on one of this year’s Reward lists — enjoy your moment. You’ve earned it.

And when the dust settles, ask yourself:

• Who in your team deserves a moment of recognition?
• What can you do this week to support someone’s development?
• How can you leave a legacy that isn’t just about your name — but the people you’ve helped along the way?

Let’s not just celebrate success — let’s multiply it.

If you’re looking for help empowering your payroll, reward or HR teams — that’s exactly what I love to do. You can find out more at Eira Consulting.

2018 Winner of Reward 300 – definitely a proud moment in my career