One moment, I was celebrating my promotion.
The next, my name had vanished from the list.
In less than 24 hours, my promotion was reversed.
I was devastated. How could I explain to the same people who had just rejoiced with me that it had all been reversed? I felt ashamed, humiliated, and completely powerless.
Desperate for answers, I escalated the matter to the highest authority I could. But there was no explanation. No resolution. Just silence.
I sat there, shoulders slumped, struggling to process the injustice of it all. Then, in that moment of despair, my best friend leaned in and said something that changed everything:
“Rossy, deliver so much value in this place that you cannot be ignored.”
That is one piece of advice I will never forget.
Instead of focusing on what had been taken from me, I made a choice to pour value into the space I was in. I worked harder, refined my skills, and showed up with unwavering commitment. I became so indispensable that my next promotion was not just a title—it was an undeniable recognition of the work I had already done.
But this lesson isn’t just mine. It’s a principle.
Jacob faced a similar injustice. His employer, Laban, who was also his own uncle was deceptive and manipulative. He changed Jacob’s wages ten times, always shifting the terms to serve his interests (Genesis 30–31).
But Jacob didn’t walk away in frustration, instead, he served quietly. His work ethic was so strong that even Laban had to admit:
“I have learned by experience that the Lord has blessed me because of you.” (Genesis 30:27). Jacob’s value spoke for him. It became his leverage.
Months after the reversed promotion, I found myself working with a boss just like Laban, dishonest, self-serving, and indifferent to fairness. It was one of the hardest seasons of my career. Looking back now, I realise that what didn’t break me, built me.
I learnt an invaluable lesson: wherever God places you, your role is to serve and deliver value.
When I shifted my focus from my situation to serving my clients and adding value to the organisation, I progressed. I was eventually moved from a small branch to a regional office and later recognised bankwide for a proposition I championed. None of this would have happened had I walked away or truncated the process. The resilience, confidence, and strategic thinker I am were all birthed in that difficult season.
If You’re Facing a Setback
You may be dealing with an unfair situation at work or in business, one you’ve tried to change without success.
Can I encourage you to focus on two things, just like Jacob?
✅ Serve with excellence.
✅ Trust God to bring forth value through you.
If today feels like a setback, hold onto these truths:
✅See yourself beyond the moment – Hold onto the best vision you have of yourself.
✅Define your worth – Always know what you bring to the table.
✅Be intentional about impact – Bring value to every space you occupy.
✅Think like an intrapreneur – Innovate, build, and create solutions, no matter where you are.
There is a plan for your life, and it is good (Jeremiah 29:11), so relax and trust the process.
My Word for You Today:
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi.
