AT WORK, REST AND PLAY AT WORK...

How did you get into this industry?

I was searching for roles within Financial Services. My search, on Indeed, led me to an insurance role at Installsure (within the Glass and Glazing Federation). Glass and Glazing was not something I had previously considered, and I have been impressed with the size of the industry and ample opportunities it offers.

Please give a brief resume of your career to date.

I began my career in Financial Services. I decided to take a career gap, travelled Asia and moved to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa. During my time in Australia, I was only able to work within the same company for 6 months at a time (due to Visa restrictions). I spent the majority of my time working in local councils and a Stock Broking Firm. On my return, I worked in IT and Telecoms for a few years before starting my post at Installsure.

Do you believe your speciality (finance, sales, management, marketing etc.) is transferable to any industry?

Absolutely, as an Ops Manager I believe success is built around experience within multiple industries and the relationships you build along the way. Once the core skills are there it's simply learning and adapting to the industry you find yourself in. Invest your time in learning, whether in the workplace or through external activities, and you will succeed.

Have you a career path mapped out or is it more about opportunism?

At this stage, I would lean towards opportunism. Expanding on my skillset through diverse experiences allowing me to grow as an Ops Manager.

Looking ahead, where would you like to be in a) 5 years’ time and b) 10 years’ time?

Being on a maternity cover contract, this is certainly something I have thought about. My short-term goal is to complete my AAT’s exams. In terms of a 5-year plan, I had seen a career within Financial Services however, having worked within the Glazing Sector I am open to exploring other opportunities within the industry. I would like to expand on my current skillset and continue to build my career within an Operational focused role. In addition, having recently moved to London there are a lot of growth opportunities to explore and I'm excited to see where it takes me.

This series in Glass News highlights the hopes and aspirations of women in the windows, doors, glass, roofs and hardware industry and will hopefully inspire more to make this their career.

AT REST...

Away from work, what is your focus?

I love going to gym classes, meeting up with Friends and ticking off new locations in London. I'm not sure whether that is completely classed as rest but helps me to relax when I am not at work or studying.

AT PLAY...

Do you achieve the work/life balance you would like to?

I am getting there. I've recently taken up Yoga which has certainly helped me to ‘switch off’ after work and channel my focus. Being organised and strict with my time is key in allowing myself a healthy work/life balance, which is not always possible – sometimes I should be stricter perhaps!

If money and leisure time were no object, what would you really like to do for yourself or your family?

An easy question to answer, travel, and volunteering! I've been lucky enough to take some time out in my early career and spend a lot of time travelling, learning about different cultures and jumping into new experiences. Certainly, something I would continue if money and time were no object.