Where do you work and what is your role?
I am an Organisational Development Consultant at the University of Cambridge.
When did you join the SDF?
I joined in 2022 when I started working in the Organisational Development team at UCL.
Why did you want to join the SDF?
It was recommended to me by my colleagues as a great way to network with other universities and develop my knowledge and skills.
What’s the best thing about the SDF?
It’s a great community and everyone is so generous with their time and experience. It has enabled me to talk to colleagues from universities all over the UK, and it helped me to find my current role at Cambridge.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am lucky to be able to work across lots of different projects, mainly focused on change and transformation. Along with my fellow OD consultants I also facilitate team workshops, and at the moment I am working with a newly created team within HR to help them identify their mission and purpose and build their vision and shared values.
What does a typical day look like?
I have two children, and my husband is a teacher, so our mornings very much revolve around getting to school on time! If I’m working in the office, I’ll drop the girls at breakfast club and drive to Cambridge. I love spending time learning from colleagues and collaborating on projects, and it’s nice to be sociable over a coffee or lunch too. If I’m working from home, I make sure I take regular breaks away from my desk to go for a walk or do some yoga. Otherwise, I can find I’ve spent virtually all day sitting in the same spot!
Tell us about an event that altered the course of your life
Whilst working for the Royal Society of Chemistry nearly 20 years ago, I took on a maternity cover role managing a programme of CPD for science teachers called ‘Chemistry for Non-Specialists’. Before I started, I was sent on one of the two-day sessions at a school in Buckinghamshire to find out more about the programme. On the first day, I met a trainee biology teacher, and we got chatting over dinner. Eight years later, we held our wedding reception in that same school.
Work life balance – what leisure activity do you enjoy the most?
I am a bookworm and read for pleasure every single day. I have at least two books on the go at once: one non-fiction (usually history), and one detective novel (Agatha Christie is a particular favourite).
Something about you people would find surprising
I recently started taking a ballet class again after a 30-year break. I love the fact that it is a mental as well as a physical challenge – even if I do still hide at the back and frequently get the steps wrong!
What would your superpower be?
I’m a big Game of Thrones fan, so although it’s not strictly a superpower, I would like to have my own dragon, please.
What’s your favourite food?
I like pretty much all food – I’m a very easy dinner guest – but my favourite has to be a spicy curry with poppadoms and plenty of mango chutney on the side. Yum.
What’s the worst job you ever had?
I worked in a Threshers off-licence when I was a student in Bristol. It was poorly paid and depressing, except when my flatmate and I were on the same shift – we would put Britney Spears on the CD player and attempt to reduce the boredom through the power of dance!
What would improve the quality of your life?
Probably more Britney Spears and dancing, based on my answers to these questions! And a dragon.
What’s coming next for you?
I am currently undertaking an apprenticeship and will (hopefully) qualify as a Professional Coach later this year – I’m excited to see where that will take me.