Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
Top Insider Advice
I’m a natural introvert and I don’t think anyone in my personal life would describe me as outgoing or confident! But, I’ve found in my career so far that the occasions where I’ve been brave - whether that’s deciding to move away from HR (even though I studied a Masters in the topic!) or saying yes to presenting in front of a crowd of senior leaders - have been the times where I’ve grown and developed the most. I’m at a point in my career where I’m eager to grow and progress, so being brave is something I try to make a conscious effort to do. It can be scary to say yes to things you might usually shy away from but, by getting more practice and exposure to these things, over time they naturally begin to feel a bit easier. Even if things don’t always go to plan, it’s all part of the journey.
Career path
Culture Lead
First Central
Started 03/2023 to PresentCulture & Engagement Officer
First Central
From 11/2021 to 03/2023HR Officer
First Central
From 09/2019 to 11/2021Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
I really love my job and working on trying to improve colleagues’ experiences at work is something I genuinely am passionate about. We spend so much of our time at work so why shouldn’t we try and make it positive? I also enjoy that I tend to get instant feedback in this role, either from an event or piece of communication, and hearing about how an initiative may have helped a colleague receive some help for themselves is really rewarding. I also enjoy being creative and getting to write comms and blog posts, so thinking of new ways to engage with colleagues throughout the year is a fun challenge.
Greatest achievements
I'm most proud of developing our Wellbeing offering for colleagues, resulting in us placing 7th in the Super Large Category of Great Place to Work’s list of the UK’s Best Workplaces to work for Wellbeing. Before I joined the team, we already had a Wellbeing programme colleagues were aware of. When I came on board, we were able to dedicate a lot more time and resource to our Wellbeing Strategy and try things we’d never done before. Feedback throughout the year was positive from our colleagues and I was really pleased that we recently achieved a place in the top 10 Best UK Workplaces to Work for Wellbeing list, an initiative run by Great Places to Work. Being the only Insurance company in the top 10 is also a pretty nifty achievement. We receive fantastic internal feedback from our colleagues on Wellbeing so to have our efforts validated and recognised externally too was exciting! I’m proud and feel lucky to work in a company where a huge emphasis is placed on the colleague experience and colleagues’ Wellbeing too.
Paul F
Director of Data and Analytics
Top Insider Advice
My career experience causes me to provide the following advice, which is relevant for opportunities here at First Central: • Build credibility by doing what you say you will • Team spirit trumps all • Seek to understand and don’t judge a book by its cover • Give people space; micro-management is a killer • Be relentless in seeking to understand yourself • Coaching and mentoring are transformational and are amazing gifts you can give to others • Take risks and be brave • Be human, be vulnerable, show emotion to make yourself accessible
Marco D
Operational Excellence Deployment Manager
Top Insider Advice
I am a strong believer that opportunities are there for people if they have the work ethic and desire to seek them out. Having not gone to university, I chose to get my foot in the door of a company and seek out opportunities for careers once I was there. My advice is to research various roles within a company and find a few that interest you. Reach out to colleagues who do that role and find out what skills and experience are required and put yourself forward for opportunities to stretch yourself. Additionally, look for colleagues who are in senior roles and present themselves in a way that aligns with your values and ask them for advice!
Maria S
L&D Director
Top Insider Advice
Development never stops so own it; be the driver of your own skills development. Take time to build relationships and networks. Be brave to use your voice. No question is a stupid question so speak up if you need to ask or want to understand. Stay curious: everyone is human regardless of their level. People are always on hand to help so be confident to ask for it! Culture is key and great teams make great things happen!