At Macro, we know our greatest strength is our people. In our latest People Spotlight, we meet one of the driving forces behind our commitment to safety, wellbeing, and inclusion - an Account-Based QSHEW Manager who is as passionate about people as she is about making safety simple. From her early career in telecoms to leading wellbeing initiatives and driving digital safety solutions, she shares how curiosity, clear communication, and the wisdom of Brene Brown have shaped her journey.

Tell me about yourself and your current role.

I’m an account based QSHEW Manager, a Wellbeing Ambassador, and part of the Inclusion & Belonging engagement group.  I live in east Manchester in a village called Gee Cross with my husband, 1 year old son, and 13-year-old foster-daughter.

I started my safety career in telecommunications, then aviation, student accommodation, and then facilities management. I love working with technology, trying to find ways to make safety easier

Who have been your strongest influences in life?

In my career so far, a previous Head of Safety who introduced me to the world of Safety Differently, Human Organisational Performance (HOP), psychological safety, growth mindset, and most importantly, making safety easy and fun!

From things I’ve read, it has to be Brene Brown – I love her books.  It’s important to take what you need from a researcher like Brene Brown, not everything will resonate with you.  For me, there are a few things

“The story you tell yourself” – rather than always filling in the gaps and sometimes making incorrect assumptions such as “they didn’t look impressed with my presentation” which is the story you’re telling yourself, stick to the facts like what people actually said, and ask for specific feedback.

“Clear is kind.  Unclear is unkind.” Anyone who’s worked with me might notice that I ask lots of very specific questions.  This is to make sure I have fully understood your needs and avoided making assumptions.

These little nuggets of wisdom have helped me no end.

What led you to your current career path?

I fell into health and safety, like most people in H&S. I was completing my master’s in project management, alongside a NEBOSH Certificate, and becoming a Special Constable in the Police (I couldn’t decide what to do, so thought I’d try everything all at once). Then I was asked to do some admin work in a health and safety team, and that’s where it began!

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

My Chartership with the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).  It took so much time and effort, and I was incredibly nervous having to be interviewed by a panel of judges. Achieving it at age 28 also felt a huge achievement.

What do you want to do next?

Next, I’d like to be a Senior / Head of Health and Safety with a team to lead. 

What do you enjoy most about your current role at Macro?

There truly are some wonderful people in Macro, and it’s a pleasure working with them.  In particular, people who have brought joy, compassion and creativity to Macro; Barbara Gallani, Anna Boydell, Sam Miller, and Naiana Airoldi to name but a few. 

What has been your proudest achievement at Macro so far?

Implementing EcoOnline.  Although we’ve had a few teething problems here and there, it felt like a huge achievement to implement it in such a short time frame.  It was a pleasure to work on a solution to make our working lives easier.

How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?

I have lots of techniques to help me that include:

• Deep breathing
• Ensure priorities are clearly identified
• Seek support from colleagues / line manager
• Taking 5 away from my desk to get some space
• Engage hyperfocus with time blocking, white noise in noise cancelling headphones, do not disturb, and power through

Ensure I’m looking after myself:

• Hydrated?
• Fed?
• Exercised?
• Time outside?

What skills do you need to be good at your job?

People skills are vital in a QSHEW role.  It’s a dull topic that can be difficult to digest. It’s our duty as QSHEW professionals to engage people and help our information sink in.