In my current role for only 4 months (I’m very fortunate, I absolutely love my job!) But all in all about 12 years.
What are some of your driving values?
Respect : We’re all human beings, regardless of our work status, age, ethnicity, gender etc. At the end of the day we all deserve the respect of others. Kindness: It’s always been drilled into me to treat other people how I would like to be treated and it costs nothing to be kind. Accountability: we’re all accountable for our own actions and whether we choose to acknowledge what’s going on around the world or on our doorstep.
You’ve always been great at giving back, why is it important to you?
I’m extremely grateful for the support and opportunities I’ve had throughout my life and I’m very aware not everyone has been as fortunate. I’m of the mindset that if I can help change or influence even 1 persons life in a positive way then I will have played a small part in making the world that little bit of a better place to be.
Which causes are closest to your heart / one thing about society in the UK that you wish you could change?
One thing I would change (and I’ve been guilty of it myself in the past) is how quick we are to judge people. We have no idea what happens behind closed doors and the situations people have faced resulting in them being in a vulnerable position. My first CEO sleepout really changed my perspective on things and I’m pleased to say I’m now a lot more open minded. Along with CEO sleepout, I do support other charities where I can. Last year I ran the GNR for Brain Tumour Research in memory of my Grandad. This year, I will be running the GNR for two local Northeast charities; Daft as a Brush cancer patient care & ‘Out of the Blues’ who support research into mood disorders and how to improve and treat them, in memory of my cousin Stuart who we sadly lost this year.
How did you get involved in the CEO Sleepout?
I read an article on LinkedIn about the sleepout during lockdown, so as soon as in person events were back up and running, I jumped at the chance to get involved. I’m not afraid to say I like my home comforts so knew it would be a challenge – but I absolutely loved it, so it’s a real honour for me to be an Ambassador for the sleepout in my city.
What other ways do you "give back" or work to strengthen communities you work within?
Once I learned giving back wasn’t just about making financial contributions (this is trickier now more than ever) I found that I could give back simply by giving my time. Through my role at Sarah McKenna HR Recruitment, I learnt about 2 local organisations that I could use my time to support: Smart Works Newcastle & The Girls Network. I love being involved in programmes where I can support people that haven’t had the opportunities or life experiences I’ve had, to have the confidence to achieve their potential.
Name one thing you'd like people to know about your life and work:
At Sarah McKenna HR Recruitment, we support growing businesses by identifying the right HR talent to complement their teams & plans as well as guiding HR professionals through the interview process to find their perfect next role. Prior to this I was an HR Officer myself, working on board cruise ships travelling the world. Outside of work I am a renowned Karaoke Queen & when not travelling, spend many a weekend at my local pub with my partner and our 2 dogs. Also, as a dedicated football follower I hold a season ticket for my beloved Sunderland AFC with my dad.
How might you see business playing a part in creating a fairer society here in the UK?
Why is it important that those in business lead with purpose?
We’re in a privileged position where we’re exposed to countless people and platforms every day. So, sharing what we know, our experiences & what we’ve learned with those people and through those platforms can only be a positive thing. Even if we educate 1 person, that’s one more person committed to making a change than before.
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