"Everyone has the potential to learn and, if they want to unlock theirs, I will be here to help."
What led you to work for PETA?
I am a CIPD qualified professional who has spent 21 years working for leading supermarket giant, Tesco. This invaluable experience and skills gave me the most amazing opportunity to work for the South Coast's leading Training Provider, PETA. Today, I share my knowledge and skills with managers and aspiring managers, helping them to become more effective leaders.
What is your role at PETA and what drives you to do what you do?
As a Management Coach for the CMI Management Apprenticeships, I induct learners onto the course and brief them on what they will be expected to complete during their programme. For example, as part of the overall apprenticeship, they will need to complete a CMI diploma, a portfolio and any functional Maths and English skills.
I always ensure that the learners fully understand what they are taking on and that they are committed to completing and succeeding on the programme. I visit the apprentices every six weeks at their place of work, assess them and make sure that they are meeting their targets. If they have a wobble, which some will from time to time, I support them and encourage them to find their way through challenging times.
Engaging and supporting both managers and aspiring managers to become effective leaders. Coaching all to embrace new knowledge and skills and how to use their behaviours to encourage and inspire their teams to deliver amazing things.
What knowledge/experience do you draw upon for your role?
I’ve held senior management roles for the past 21 years. My previous employer had excellent training in place, and I benefited greatly from that. The skills I left with were amazing and I’ve got so much experience to draw upon when coaching.
I’m a natural leader and I want to pass that onto others and encourage them to make strong decisions and support them all the way through.
To continue my own development, I went back to college and completed both my Level 3 and 5 CIPD Diploma. These experiences, both positive and negative now allow me to understand my learners and their employers needs to be forward-thinking in an ever-changing world.
How do you approach your role on a day-to-day basis? What skills are required?
I have a contemporary style in how I approach my role. I completely get that everyone has a life outside of their learning and I recognise the importance of having emotional intelligence with challenges that some of my learners are experiencing.
A lot of the time, I simply listen. I explain things to them and often give them a different perspective. I have always believed that people buy people and I would say that my biggest skill is having the ability to be able to read people and provide the relevant support and coaching needed to get my learner to complete the programme.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
I have three passions in my life, my husband, Adrian, he keeps me grounded and makes me laugh every day even when I am sad. My four cats and two dogs who provide me with unconditional love and finally my love of travelling, having the freedom to experience different cultures and recharge my batteries so that I can continue to enjoy my work.
What are your personal values, and what is important to you?
A Positive Mindset
Staying positive and looking for the silver lining in any troubles that I face can help me achieve my desired results.
Open-Mindedness
Even if I don’t think I will agree with an idea or concept, being able to consider it and be willing to entertain a variety of ideas is important to me.
Candour
Being able to tell things like they are in the right way is a helpful core value because many people shy away from the truth in fear of hurting others. In my experience, the majority of people appreciate this candour.
Generosity
I value generosity, I believe it doesn’t just mean giving people or charities money and tangible items. It can also mean that I am generous with my time, compassion, and energy.