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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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!
Lauren C
Culture Lead
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.
Kerry D
Head of Home Underwriting
Top Insider Advice
Be open to change and grab opportunities that come your way to help you grow and develop yourself. Always have a growth mindset and don’t close down opportunities because you’re afraid that you can’t meet the challenge. Pushing yourself outside your usual skill set will help increase your confidence and show you what you’re capable of.