I started as maths teacher in secondary schools and ended up in HR.
The first significant career move I made was to go into Human Resources and leave teaching. I will be forever grateful to the HR director who took a risk and welcomed me into his team!
I’ve had some fabulous jobs, working with amazing people and been able to gain more experience and qualifications along the way. I've worked in HR roles in the retail, publishing, utilities, car parts, B2B, and the third sector industries.
My move into the rail industry has been marvellous and I wish I had found GWR sooner!
I work with colleagues to help release their potential for the future.
I have a fabulous role in the Management Development Team in GWR.
My role covers a range of activities from facilitating leadership events and delivering courses, to working with individual colleagues. I am also a member of the First Group Development Team and look after programmes designed to help those in underrepresented groups develop themselves for future roles.
Variety, achievement, recognition and working with fabulous colleagues
No two days are alike in my role and I love the variety and energy this gives me. It’s great to work with colleagues and help them to achieve their goals, wherever possible. With a great team around you, you can achieve amazing things.
Do something today that your future self will thank you for!
Your future self will thank you for being in a role that aligns with your values. Sometimes your values are made clearer to you by the way you are treated and what happens around you. If things in your role generally make you feel good, you are in the right place.
Understand as much as you can about exactly what your business does and how it works. Find out what it takes to be seen as successful and build relationships with everyone you meet.
Continue to develop your own skills to ensure that you are future proofing you. Every day is a learning opportunity - it's up to you to take it!
Your future self will thank you for making sure that whatever you eat, say or do keeps you healthy, fit and well.
Growth comes from getting out of your comfort zone!
I have left my comfort zone so many times and each time I do, I am reminded that "today is the tomorrow I worried about yesterday, and all's well"!
I am exceedingly proud of being a single parent and bringing up two wonderful sons. My ability to deal with change and my resilience have helped me to take on roles and responsibilities that I could have only dreamed of when I was a teacher.
