Two minutes with...

What was the very first job you ever had and what did it teach you about work?

I had a paper round, but my first proper job was waitressing at a fish and chip shop in Macclesfield. I still remember being paid £1.30 an hour, which felt like a fortune at the time. And my boss, George, drove a Porsche. 

These early jobs taught me the importance of working hard, doing the very best job you can and being someone people want to work with. They are values I still carry with me today and try to bring into everything I do at ITV.

How would you explain what you do to someone who doesn’t work
at ITV? 

I lead the People team, which is dedicated to your entire journey at ITV, from the moment you're attracted to a role and hired, through to your training, development and performance. People are our most precious resource, and we believe in putting

I lead the People team, which is dedicated to your entire journey at ITV, from the moment you're attracted to a role and hired, through to your training, development and performance. People are our most precious resource, and we believe in putting people and progress at the heart of our strategy. Our goal is to enable ITV’s success by helping every colleague feel supported, valued and proud to work here.

What is your team’s current most critical objective and why? 

We always have a lot to do and a lot of the team is busy working on the recently announced transaction with Sky. But alongside that we want to continue to maximise the power of our people, by taking meaningful action in response to our recent Engagement Survey, ensuring we are fully prepared for the new Employment Rights Act and building AI capability across the business to help us work smarter. 

We launched our Taking Action campaign in March to show that we are listening to your feedback. Many teams are already driving local improvements, but we want to make sure these successes are celebrated. We’ve introduced specific branding to highlight these changes and share examples in our bi-monthly newsletter. We’d love to hear what’s happening in your area, please share your updates with your local People Business Partner or Ambassador so we can feature you. 

If you could send a voice note to your younger self on your first day of professional life, what would you say?

I’d tell myself: don’t wait for opportunities to land in your lap; if you want to do something, put yourself forward and ask for it. Looking back, there were times I felt disappointed about missing out on a role or project, only to realise I hadn't actually made my interest known. Being proactive is key. 

This is a great moment for me to remind you that the Talking Performance half year window is now open, for you to have a career conversation with your manager. These conversations are in your hands, if you want one then tell your manager. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the year so far, get feedback and talk about what you want to get out of your career with ITV and where you want to go next. If there’s an opportunity you want - ask for it. 

I’d also like to get some advice from my younger self now, as I get a lot of inspiration from the younger generation. It’s important our boldness, bravery and optimism don’t fade as we get older. 

If you had to pick one project you’ve worked on that you’d want to be remembered for, which one is it and why?

I’ve been fortunate to work on many wonderful projects, but my time as Creative Diversity Manager at Channel 4 stands out, specifically our coverage of the Rio 2016 Paralympics. It was a groundbreaking moment that broke records for the number of Disabled production staff working on a Games. I’m also incredibly proud of my work with the Alpha Fund. This was a creative fund we designed specifically to support and develop diverse-led production companies, ensuring underrepresented voices had the resources and opportunities to bring  their stories to air on Channel 4.

Tell us about a colleague (past or present) who fundamentally changed the way you think about your work?

I had a boss update his CV every single year to track the new skills he’d acquired. At first, it surprised me because he’d been at the same company for nearly two decades. But it taught me a powerful lesson: you don’t have to change your employer to keep growing. There are always opportunities to learn, gain new skills and evolve your career wherever you work.

How would you describe ITV in three words?

Inclusive, dynamic and fun

When the laptop lid closes, what is the first thing you do to switch from "Work Mode" to "Life Mode"?

Have a bath in the winter or a shower when it’s hot. I like to wash the day off to symbolise the transition.

What is a hobby or passion you have that your colleagues would be surprised to hear about?

I recently became a Trustee of Chineke!, a global majority orchestra. I didn't grow up in a home where we listened to much classical music and I don’t play a musical instrument, so I am really enjoying getting to grips with the world of classical music. However, it’s surprising how much music I recognise, from watching ads on ITV.