which has become a standing joke with my
team is 'how hard can this be?' – and they
do great impressions of me saying it!
"When I first
came to
Sunderland, I
could see the
city’s ambition –
a growing sense
of confidence."
The biggest downside of my working life
is… the government's lack of investment
in further education. There have been
significant reductions to funding for the
post-16 sector over the last 10 years. In an
area so critical to the economy, sustained
investment from government is needed.
If I could change one thing about
my organisation... our staff give their
absolute all and it would be great to be
able to further reward their dedication and
commitment. My intention is that we will
build on the great work we have already
achieved through our people recognition
strategies, and create further opportunities
to enhance staff benefits.
Four words to describe me are…
determined, personable, a bit of a ‘grafter’
and ambitious (for others).
My business mantra is… let's turn
challenges into opportunities. The one
My greatest achievement is… my
children. I am deeply proud of Aimee, now
29, who is a clinical scientist and Fellow
of the Royal College of Pathologists, and
Nathan, 24, who is training to become an
engineer in the RAF.
One thing I always tell students is… be
bold, courageous and never stop learning.
A value-based approach is so important.
The importance of constantly striving to
work with integrity and seeing humanity
in people and treating them with respect,
no matter what the circumstances, has
always mattered to me. Lifelong learning
should be embraced and cherished. I will
never reach my destination because I am
always learning. Young people sometimes
place significant pressure on themselves,
not helped by the early demands of the
English education system, but they don't
need to be so hard on themselves.
The biggest frustration I encounter in the
Wear region is… we talk ourselves down
when we have some amazing jewels and
national-leading organisations. Sometimes
we don't know what we have got and in the
past I’ve seen a need for more cohesion,
but in Sunderland, partners across the city
are coming together to look at how we can
better impact skills demands locally and
regionally, something I am helping steer
through the work of Sunderland Business
Partnership, a collective of more than 50
businesses that I chair.
My favourite local charity is… Sunderland
Community Soup Kitchen. Our initial
support was suggested by the staff. However,
having volunteered at a homeless shelter
when I was younger in the States and later
working with the YMCA, the subject of
homelessness is very important to me.
When I’m not working, I like to spend my
time… walking Alfie, our Labrador, spending
time with my partner Dean and wider family.
I see my parents every weekend.
My guilty pleasures are… any flavour crisps
(depending on mood). My dream job would
be a taster in a crisp factory. I would also love
to have a go on karaoke, or sing on stage, but
I am not brave enough.
The best holiday I ever had was… a couple
of weeks in Visgorod (Vyshhorod), in
Ukraine with my parents and daughter. My
mum worked for years in Ukraine raising
capital for church, community and childrens'
homes. We spent 10 days giving relief in some
of the most desperate, needy communities. It
was the most meaningful experience I have
had and we are returning in July.
Not many people know this about me, but…
I originally trained as a nurse in coronary care
and I can also play piano, and many years ago
played the guitar, flute and recorder.
In retirement, I’ll spend my time… re-
training at college in photography, which I
adore, painting and dance – pastimes I will
hopefully have time to pursue.
wear.business – the voice of business for the Wear region
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