Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
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!
Career path
L&D Director
First Central
Started 01/2017 to PresentCompany
What do you like about your job and the company?
People, People, People. They’re what make us who we are. We get things done around here, together! We have very clear goals as an organisation and everyone pulls in the same direction. Our Execs are approachable and always on hand for guidance. Ideas are welcomed and we never sit still, always wanting to be better and share in the success. Development programmes are designed to meet the needs of the business and we continually develop the talents and skills of our colleagues supporting their personal growth which creates an atmosphere of learning and knowledge sharing. And it’s fun here. People matter. Talk to anyone, I’m positive they’ll say the same.
Greatest achievements
Being part of a small team of three to organise a professional cycle road race over 10 days across the UK which was televised on Channel 4. Presenting to local district councils and agreeing road safety. Booking street entertainment, hospitality, the Queens Guards parading through Holborn and the Red Devils flying over Portsmouth are just a few of the super fun projects I’ve been involved in which were exciting and rewardingly exhausting! In recent years, influencing a change in company values and the introduction of a leadership development programme supporting all levels of leaders from aspiring right up to our very own Chiefs. And then there’s my team of credible experts who’ve risen to the challenge over the past few years to really push the boundaries of personal development and are now equipped with many qualifications to work one to one or with teams offering bespoke team building or psychometric personality feedback. Lastly, raising a family as a single mum and moving through the ranks to Director Level. This went hand in hand with feelings of imposter syndrome and was also an achievement of which I am proud.
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Becky H
Finance Change Lead
Top Insider Advice
Had I not taken on a secondment I don’t think I would have found a role that I’m able to excel in and enjoy. This was a change to what I was used to as I’d never been part of a project team before. There were ups and downs but through my willingness to learn and put in effort I have found my niche and even now I don’t stop learning and understanding processes I may not have had exposure to in the past.
Joe M
Leadership Development Business Partner
Top Insider Advice
My advice would be to grow and develop with the business and don’t box yourself in with one particular career route in mind as other career paths can open up.
Jemma R
Talent Manager
Top Insider Advice
I have rarely asked for or applied for promotions during my career, generally feeling I was happy where I was and not wanting loads more responsibility, especially since I lost my 21-month-old daughter in 2015. I wanted to come to work, enjoy it and then go home without any added pressures (plus I hate being interviewed!) I think I have naturally progressed and become involved in other things, specifically over the past 10 years. I’ve done it by working hard, being loyal and putting effort into everything I do. I’ve been lucky that my managers have always recognised my potential and pushed me to progress myself and my career. It’s definitely helped when working for the same company for a number of years! I could probably have progressed a bit quicker if I had pushed for it, but that’s not me and that’s ok. You don’t have to be pushy to get where you want to be; it might just take a little longer.