Where do you work and what is your role?
University of Greenwich, Head of Talent
When did you join the SDF?
November 2024
What’s the best thing about the SDF?
As I was new in my role and new to this area of work the SDF provided an opportunity to network and learn from peer experiences. The SDF empowered me to join additional groups with relevant interest/work streams such as the ITSS – Technical Careers Pathway Lab and some brilliant talks like the AWLSIG Workshop – Accelerate Action series. I’d never have found these and would be lost in the sea of information without the SDF.
What are you working on at the moment?
Career Accelerators for aspiring female associate professors and professors, career explorers for operational staff, apprenticeship development pathways and career frameworks for technicians.
Tell us about an event that altered the course of your career
Not really an event but a moment followed by a convenient series of coincidences. I was 6 months or so back from maternity, started off with a bang – clear goals, clear motivation, clear impact. Then my appraisal came round and luckily, I felt comfortable speaking openly to my director. I’d achieved everything I set out to do in my role, I was starting to drift, lost sight of how I could make an impact and realised I was craving something- challenge. A challenge my role wasn’t going to give me. I saw a role that fit my bill – I questioned whether I fit the bill- but put my sleep deprived brain into gear and felt that pull of interest, challenge and motivation to change path and apply for the role.
The person who has influenced you the most is..
A bit cliche but definitely my parents. My dad is truly inspiring – an actual awarded hero, change maker who speaks truth to power and does so with humour, authenticity and endless energy. He has worked so many jobs to make life tick but finally had the privilege to start his ‘career’ in his mid/late-40’s, turned out the many jobs made him the best he could be in his current line of work. My Mum works through endless physical and mental challenges in a way only a person with superhuman strength can. She reminds me that equality in the workplace is essential to help talented individuals with all forms of lived experience have equitable access to opportunity and feel a sense of belonging.
What’s the worst job you ever had?
I’ve enjoyed most of my jobs – they’ve all had something to give. One I stopped showing up to was a bar job at a hotel. I was a student casual worker. Sadly, I experienced harassment there. I was 19, I didn’t know that’s what it was, and I didn’t know how to deal with it, I felt so deeply uncomfortable, so I just stopped showing up to shifts – I didn’t even go back for my last pay cheque! I hope I can help my teams and colleagues feel safe in the workplace and able to report any form of bullying or harassment.
Work life balance – what leisure activity do you enjoy?
I’m trying to finish a Masters, and I genuinely want to spend all my free time with my kids – we get to do all the fun things together like play with our imagination, parks, castles, farms, wildlife places, swimming, adventures to random beaches and watch cartoons – I’m reliving my youth (with some obvious responsibility) with them. When I am alone, I go to weightlifting class, walk or cycle in random countryside areas, but mostly I spend time with my huge family and beautiful friends. I’ve vowed to give padel an attempt this summer as new courts are hopefully opening on campus, and I’ve taken on some volunteering at our church.
Something about you people would find surprising
I’m comfortably dull – not many surprises. I think my heritage and my upbringing can be a little ambiguous. People are usually pleasantly surprised by how good my lamb briyani is and how I can whack out the toccata and fugue on a pipe organ! I think also the work experience in childcare, retail, restaurants, hotels, football stadiums, tennis championships, marketing, charities, schools all before the ‘career’ began – these were so valuable and hopefully remind people in different stages of their career that the journey isn’t always linear and most experiences teach us everything.
What’s your greatest fear?
Time disappearing. Maybe it’s a sign of increasing age, but the older I get and the older I see my nieces, nephews and children become, time becomes finite and not soaking it all in becomes terrifying. At work it makes me want to plan carefully. If I’m going to be at work 35+hours a week, it better be impactful! So, I use the 1:3:5 planning technique but also prioritise time with humans and building relationships with those around me on the days I’m on campus, because you never know how much time you’ll know them for.
What would your super-power be?
I’ve decided not to go too deep with this one, as that can take me down a rabbit hole. So related to our area of work, I would love to magically enable people to speak honestly and openly comfortably and fairly (including myself) Some Women I work with are so articulate and can communicate their message reasonably, fairly, in a considered way and a way that makes sense to all audiences. They really are brilliant role models, but it’s a craft. A craft that takes confidence, ability to speak under pressure and use of language that isn’t in everyone’s gift. Some, like me, find it challenging to do this especially if there’s fear of conflict, so the power to empower would be swell.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
An old friend of mine who passed away, I would love to hear more of his tales and to take more time to soak up every detail. He lived an extraordinary life, I wish I recorded all his tales and could hear his booming Welsh voice!
What’s your favourite food?
Thayir Vada followed by a Masala Dosa accompanied by a mango lassi – delightful.
Where is your favourite place?
Up a mountain or hill or by water – an ocean or a lake will do. In my mid-twenties I had the privilege of climbing a volcano in Bali with some of my oldest friends to watch the sunrise after seeing it set over the ocean at Uluwatu Temple. The following year I camped along the inca trail and watched the sunrise over Machu Picchu with my now husband. Really magical. These days, walking along Folkestone’s coastal path is equally awesome. Hill and sea!
What thing would improve the quality of your life?
SLEEP (Uninterrupted)
What’s coming next for you?
I’ve a lot to learn still in my current role and I’m very much taking the ‘learn more’ approach. I also NEED to get my dissertation done by Jan.
Personally, I’m going to get on that paddle but also work harder at carving out time to suss out what I enjoy and want to try. I’m also going to fix my bike tyre, so I can start cycling to work!