"Seeing the light in someone’s eyes when something clicks that previously worried them or they were nervous about, is a feeling you never get tired of."
What led you to work for PETA?
I have worked in technology training for over 12 years, in companies such as Microsoft, HP and HPE. I have launched and trained on many products such as Windows Phone 8, M365, Surface, Windows 8, HP instant Ink and Omen Gaming to name a few.
This has allowed me to be a part of some of the biggest events in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), such as Gadget Show Live, Cannes Film Festival, EGX and Mobile World Congress.
Through all of the launches and events, my passion was to help people to learn, improve and feel empowered by the technology they used.
Upon finding the job advert at PETA, speaking to the recruitment team and the management team, my values for helping and empowering people aligned with what PETA stands for so it just felt right to join the team.
What is your role at PETA and what drives you to do what you do?
I am an ICT trainer focusing on the Microsoft suite of products. For me helping people learn and understand new products or services is what drives me. Seeing the light in someone’s eyes when something clicks that previously worried them or they were nervous about, is a feeling you never get tired of.
What knowledge and experience do you draw upon for your role?
I have spent many years launching new products and services across EMEA and with that comes a wealth of experience from needing to adapt on the fly, to overcoming language and other social barriers in order to deliver what is needed for attendees.
How do you approach your role on a day-to-day basis? What skills are required?
So my role is interesting as every day can be different and at short notice I may be needed to design new content or deliver something at any time. So you need to be ready for anything, be prepared for your best laid plans to blow up in your face but know that you have the skills, abilities and support network of people around you to overcome the adversities and achieve what is needed.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
I coach my son’s football team and have done since he was 5 years old. In our 10 years so far, we have had many successes, winning leagues and cups over the years, but what I enjoy most about the whole experience is watching the team learn, grow and become not only better players but also better people.
This is where my passion for training/coaching really came from and continues to grow every year. When I started, I was told it was only one hour a week, in fact I think I do about 10-20 hours a week, completing coaching badges, referee qualifications and attending training courses to become a better coach, but I wouldn’t change it for the world as I have learnt so much and met so many amazing people along the way.
What are your personal values and what is important to you?
To me, being honest, open and asking for help when needed is important to me. Over the years I have made mistakes, probably more than I can remember, but there are a few things that I have learnt from with that:
1. Be honest in your mistakes, everyone makes them, big and small, but learn from them.
2. Be open, if you don’t know then say, if something is on your mind or you are feeling stressed or anxious speak to someone. People will be more supportive than you think.
3. Ask for help, there is nothing wrong with needing help, you can’t know everything, things change all the time, asking for help will only help you to become better.