What do you currently do?
I am the project leader of The Bayford Foundation which runs ground breaking training programmes that offer a life transforming springboard for people hungry to find and succeed in employment. We’ve taken on thirteen staff from all walks of life via our ‘earn as you learn’ bootcamp programmes and are about to launch our fourth bootcamp.
What is your inspiration in business
Seeing the development of our graduates is inspiring, uplifting and very powerful. Many had previously been long-term unemployed and had their confidence knocked – and it’s been brilliant to see them go from strength to strength and flourish within our friendly and supportive working environment.
Who do you admire?
Celebrity chef and journalist Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall – his passion and commitment for cooking and ethically produced food is second to none. He also has great commercial nous and he is renowned for his back-to-basics philosophy.
Looking back are there things you would have done differently?
I’ve had a fantastic career packed with challenges in roles which have included director of patient services and business development positions. I’ve thrown myself wholeheartedly into them and would not do anything differently – even the things that were the least successful.
What defines your way of doing business?
To run a fantastic business requires a deep rooted CSR policy and commitment to putting something back into your local communities. My position at The Bayford Foundation is my dream role because it does exactly that. Companies should likewise offer career progression opportunities, train and develop staff and give people a chance to achieve what they could previously only dream of.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Be a sponge and learn as much as you can from your colleagues, boss and peers – then make your own mind up about how best to do things. Go out and grasp work experience opportunities as soon as you’re old enough, never, ever give up – and ignore the detractors.
