"I'm very much an information gatherer, adopting a consultative approach in my exploration with customers, ensuring I truly listen and understand their requirements."
What led you to work for PETA?
Before working for PETA I dabbled in HR and retail administration, but on joining the team here I realised training and developing appealed much more to me. Having been with PETA since 2005, it is something I have become passionate about - both in terms of what we do and who we are.
What is your role at PETA and what drives you to do what you do?
I am a Training Consultant focusing on Management, Business and ICT, and quite simply I love my job! Being able to support organisations in developing their people and seeing the effect this has on the individuals, their teams and their business, is so rewarding. I like the variety my role brings and the different people I get to meet and work with. Although there may often be similarities in what businesses may need, no two conversations or scenarios are the same and I enjoy being able to develop personalised solutions to address the challenges being faced.
What knowledge or experience do you draw upon for your role?
During my time with PETA I have gained significant knowledge and experience in developing people and creating an impactful learning environment. I have gained a lot from those around me in sharing their experience and best practice, as well as from my own academic achievements (CIPD Certificate in Training Practice and HND in Business and Personnel).
How do you approach your role on a day-to-day basis? What skills are required?
When I am working with an organisation, I don't see myself as an external consultant, I see myself as one of their team. I am there to work collaboratively with them, to support them in achieving their business objectives. I'm very much an information gatherer, adopting a consultative approach in my exploration with customers, ensuring I truly listen and understand their requirements. This in turn will lead to impactful learning and development solutions tailored specifically to their needs.
I've found that people buy people, and it's important to me to be genuine, friendly and approachable, to take pride and passion in what I do and to offer support where I can. You also need to be both creative and process driven - being able to develop innovative solutions whilst following methods that work!
What are you passionate about outside of work?
My family - we have a young son who keeps us very busy and we love to enjoy the great outdoors whenever we can, walking and exploring, and playing crazy golf!
I have an eclectic taste in music and love getting out to see live shows and gigs whenever we can. I am also a keen sewist (a hobby I took up during lockdown) and am often at my sewing machine in my spare time, creating new designs and handmade gifts.
What are your personal values, and what is important to you?
Honesty, trust, integrity and respect. All are vitally important to me and qualities I believe are essential to uphold. I'm also a positive realist - it's important to me to try and find the silver linings rather than dwell on negativity.