Insider profil
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Top Insider Advice
Often people have limitations set by others or sometimes even by themselves that stop them from progressing to that next level both in life and in their career. Self-belief is one of the key stepping stones to building confidence in yourself and your abilities. Imposter syndrome is something most people who enjoy varying levels of success have dealt with at some point or another in their careers. It is important to recognise that this can manifest in many forms, such as doubts about your skill level, not applying for that role even when you meet the requirements or generally not going for the things you want. Once you see that happening, you can start to take the necessary steps to overcome the negative self-talk. Start to engage with people who’ve achieved the type of career success you’re looking for. Surround yourself with positive people who encourage and believe in your success. Apply for that role! You never know what could happen
Career path
Head of Operational Excellence Development
First Central
Started 02/2023 to PresentOperational Excellence Deployment Manager
First Central
From 11/2021 to 01/2023Operational Excellence Delivery Lead
First Central
From 07/2018 to 10/2021Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
A big part of my role involves developing the maturity of key business capabilities. I love collaborating with people from across the business and seeing the evolution of their skills and capabilities aligned with ‘The First Central Way’. Possessing these skills and capabilities is a fundamental lever that will help all our people play a significant role in delivering our strategy. Getting to be a part of someone’s development journey and watching them become a role model for a Continuous Improvement and Growth Mindset is a major source of joy for me. That is why supporting the business and its people to grow and evolve gives me a great feeling of accomplishment.
Greatest achievements
Our approach to change and Continuous Improvement holds people and customers at the centre of everything we do. The success of Operational Excellence relies on communication and respect for people and, one of the best ways to demonstrate that respect, is to work directly with the people closest to the area of focus. Collaboration is key. This approach means that whenever we start an improvement initiative, we look to bring people on that change journey with us. Who better to show us how things really work and how processes could be improved than the people doing the work! This has allowed me to share OpEx skills and knowledge with individuals who have then taken that knowledge and applied it to progress into other roles across the business including roles within the Operational Excellence team. There is nothing better than seeing people who had little to no knowledge of Continuous Improvement and Lean Agile ways of working progressing into new roles and leading the charge in bringing others on that same improvement journey
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.
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!
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!
