Fireside Chats: Getting the best out of you at work by focusing on you

Colleagues from Solihull, Gaydon and Whitley joined the Gender Equality Network’s Fireside Chats.

The first sessions in a series saw Director of Global Brand Operations Amanda Phillips, Global Customer Insight Director Joanne Pearson, Global Purchasing Director Louise Reynolds, and Customer Journey and Digital Director Anna Gallagher share their insight and experience.

Fireside Chat – Solihull

In front of an engaged audience, Amanda and Joanne tackled a number of topics over the course of the two hour session, including how to be confident in your expertise no matter what gender, race or sexuality you are. They also touched upon the importance of doing things at work you that feeds your soul, and using data to take the emotion out of a situation.

They concluded the event by speaking about bringing your whole self to work and why good leaders need to be visible to their colleagues.

The session was met with great enthusiasm with attendees commending the open forum and topics discussed with senior members of the business. One colleague said: “I was really interested to sit and talk with Amanda and Joanne, and to hear their stories and views on topical matters. 

“It was great to meet likeminded people in a non-forced environment. Sometimes these networking activities can be awkward, but this felt like a great way to connect with people not only in my wider department but across the business.”

Fireside Chat – Gaydon

Louise headed up Gaydon’s Fireside Chat and shared her experiences with the audience on a number of topics including, what makes good leadership skills, engaging with your colleagues, and the importance about getting the job done.

She also touched upon having the correct mind-set and behaviours at work, including treating Jaguar Land Rover as your own business and how it will prompt you to do the right thing. 

Once again the audience was appreciative of Louise’s candidness and honesty during the session with many stating it has helped them to bring a more authentic self to work. One colleague said:

“Louise provided great insight into quality leadership and how the necessary skills can be learned. It was fascinating, having spent most of my time at Jaguar Land Rover interacting with men, to hear about the experiences of women from a variety of teams. 

“If you are considering attending one of these events in the future, do not hesitate to get involved.”

Fireside Chat – Whitley

Leading the session at Whitley was Anna who shared a number of tips and skills that have helped throughout her career. 

She shared with the audience the importance of focusing on your strengths and understanding your team’s drivers and beliefs. 

The session then moved on to planning your future career, and the care required when deciding where your future lies, the type of leader you want to be, and picking a mentor.

One colleague said after the session said: “I enjoyed the session more than I expected and have taken quite a lot from it. It was engaging and gave me quite a lot to think about.”

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