Below is an interview which Emily did for the Roles 4 All website.
When you were a child what did your dream job involve?
At a very young age, I dreamt of being a Formula 1 Racing Driver! I always knew that I wanted to be the very best in my profession. I always wanted to wake up every morning and be excited about the day ahead. I think I always knew that I would have a great deal of responsibility in my chosen career.
Explain what is involved in your job at the moment.
I am a Director and General Manager of Safety First Manufacturing. I work very closely alongside the owner and MD, who lives in Australia. It is my responsibility to ensure that the company runs smoothly and continues to make high profits. I am responsible for 20 members of staff
What do you value most about your particular job?
I love being part of a hugely successful team.
What skills and abilities do you feel are important to have in this job?
It is vital to be a very dynamic individual in this role, as there are so many elements involved in running a business. It is very important to have a huge amount of common sense and commercial awareness. Nerves of steel and a forward thinking approach to life are also vital.
Is there anything about the work that you find particularly difficult?
The work itself is a pure joy and I enjoy the challenges that the role throws at me on a daily basis. The only slightly difficult element is people management, as human beings can be very unpredictable!
Have you ever been discouraged from doing the kind of work that you do now?
Not in the slightest.
Did you undergo any training to get into your line of work?
I did a Law Degree at Cardiff University, which I believe was an important foundation for my career. It proved to me that success does not come easy and in order to achieve ones goals, it is very important to work incredibly hard. I have been very fortunate to be mentored by my Managing Director (and friend) for the past 4½ years, which has given me very solid foundations for both myself personally and for my career with Safety First Manufacturing.
Who has been your strongest role model in your working career?
My father and my current Managing Director – they are both very strong individuals who have an amazingly strong work ethic. They continue to encourage me to push myself to my limits.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to go into a similar job to yours?
Work very hard. Believe in yourself. Never give up.
What do you see yourself doing in the future?
Fulfilling my dream of SFM Tusker becoming a multi-million pound organisation and to continue mentoring people like me!
Biggest pearl of wisdom to pass on?
Square pegs do not fit in a round hole!