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T S I H Andie-Michelle Donaldson Head of Soft Services THE HURLINGHAM CLUB
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H T N 3 2 20
Career achievements and future aspirations Going from a corporate Receptionist to Facilities Manager in 3 years was a really good achievement. I had stepped down from a hotel management role to break into the corporate world and had no real understanding on how it operated so to take a step back and then go through the ranks as quickly as I did was a proud moment. My future is currently undecided but I do know that it lies in the Workplace and Facilities Management sector, whether that be as a director, consultant or training and development role, it's unclear but I still have a lot to learn and even more to offer.
Who inspired you or who are your role models? My mother. I didn't have the easiest upbringing, I also suffered a lot of loss in my teenage years and though my relationship with my mum has been extremely difficult at times, the one thing I cannot fault her for is her work ethic. As a single mother, she has worked all my life until recently. I may not have had the latest clothes, but she bought us a house with a garden. I couldn't go on all the school trips, but got my love of books and creativity from her. I credit her for my thirst for knowledge and my dedication to my work.
What can the industry to do promote more diversity, especially in leadership? More mentorship would be a step in the right direction. We need more seasoned Leaders that take a mentee from a background vastly different from their own, guiding them, giving them the tools and confidence for them to get into the senior management roles but the reality seems to be -in FM at least- that no one has time. In addition, not enough businesses tend to do development workshops or offer the right training and experiences to their teams. A kitchen porter, receptionist or day labourer is unlikely to get the opportunity to become a director or manager without being shown what's available to them by their organisations. Something as simple as having "a day in the life of..." for staff at ground level would open a door to more diversity because it is widely known that ground level roles are where the most diversity is found in all organisations What advice would you go back and give to your 20-year-old self? I'd tell her the truth. You will have it tough at times but you will end up being a role model for other young women who struggle with their worth, mental health and who are neurodivergent. That the hard work, night shifts, long shifts, low paid, sometimes thankless roles and naysayers of your past have led you to a future where you have options and to not change one thing along the way.