I have been a member of the eLN for 4 years. I was co-opted to the Board in May 2020 and became an official Board Director in November. After being made redundant in 2017 I decided to try the life of a freelance consultant and created Go Ginger Learning Solutions.
What do you like most about the L&D field?
I love the variety; with each new contract I get to up my skillset or use different software. I also love how so many people in this field give back by helping each other and sharing ideas.
What made you decide to stand for the eLN board?
During the first lockdown I was attending eLN virtual events and suggested we could start hosting a coffee morning once a month for members to drop into. Soon after this the eLN Chairperson Joan Keevil asked if I would like to be co-opted to the board: I jumped at the chance. The eLN is a great group of people all working hard to help our members. When the elections came around in November, I put myself out there to see if our members wanted me on the Board too. I was super chuffed to be elected.
What would your dream job be?
I love doing what I do. The variety, the people, the technology. I dream of building up Go Ginger Learning Solutions to a point where I would have a my very own team.
If you could change 1 thing about the world of L&D, what would it be?
SPAM! I know people have to promote themselves and I’m in the same boat. If you have something interesting to discuss, great. If you want to start a debate, fantastic! Just don’t harp on about business/your company and contribute nothing else.
What does a typical work day look like to you?
I usually work an 8-4 day although that changes depending what I’m doing or who I’m working for. What I do during the day varies: at the moment it is mostly writing video scripts and creating software demo videos in Camtasia.
What is your favourite type of training to either build or deliver?
As I said before I love the variety this job gives me, so I don’t have a favourite. I really enjoy building videos, eLearning, classroom, virtual and whatever else I need to turn my hand to in order to get the job done.
If you could give yourself advice when you were first starting out, what would it be?
Don’t wait to quit! If the company you are working for won’t let you grow your skillset then find a new company. Your development is just as important as everyone else’s.
What has been your proudest moment?
Professionally speaking, finally having the confidence to set up on my own as it was something I had wanted to do for years. Also finally achieving my Diploma in L&D from The Training Foundation (TAP).
Personally, there are a few to choose from but one which I still get giddy about is when I met William Shatner at a Star Trek convention.
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
I wouldn’t go back in time; I would prefer to go to the future. I want to know what happens next! Will we have reversed climate change in 100 years? What will L&D be doing differently? Will we get visited by people from other worlds? And will there be world peace or will it be more like the Hunger Games?
If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have?
Teleportation: flying is great but much easier to just think and blink. I could spend the day on a beach in Saint Lucia and then be back in time to cook tea.
If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be?
William Shatner, of course, would be my top pick so I could just go full Trekkie.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, since the 80s I’ve loved ‘most’ of what he’s been in.
Joan Crawford fascinates me along with that old Hollywood era, I bet she has some stories to tell.
Dan Levy – I’ve just finished watching Schitt’s Creek and would love to chat to him about the characters.
What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
The day after I got married I talked my husband into going abseiling. It was up a mountain in Saint Lucia, off a rusty bridge into a gorge and the ropes got stuck. Basically, we were just hanging 70 foot above the rocks and a stream while our legs were going numb…it was one of the daftest things I’ve suggested as there was only 1 guide and we were miles from anywhere.
What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
- Sunscreen, I’m ginger and pale so that goes without saying.
- Sunglasses, so I don’t get squinting tiger lines in my little bit of a tan.
- Scrunchie, the natural state of my hair is unruly so it spends most of its time tied up.
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
My herbal tea. At the moment it’s either Peppermint, Chamomile or Chai. I don’t drink milk so I have to always have a good selection of tea on hand.
Finally, what would be your top 5 tips for someone new to L&D?
- Be confident in yourself and your skills.
- Find a skill you are great at but also be good at other things.
- Build your professional network and join the eLN!
- Be visible on LinkedIn and Twitter.
- Last but not least, always keep learning.
