MBA 2022, UK
Working in Human Resources, Charlie describes herself as an established people leader with relationship building and rapport skills that reflect the flexibility, adaptability, and sheer willpower to thrive in all circumstances. She enjoys the challenge of applying dexterity to adapt her style to communicate most effectively across all levels; confident in her ability to support the most junior employee to the highest board member.
‘I bring my heart and soul to strategic collaboration to deliver the ultimate people experience. I love jumping between departments, helping all who need me, and making employees’ lives and careers that much sweeter.’
Achievements
- MIS Workforce Shaping – implementing policies and procedures from scratch to retain and nurture talent and ensure fair and equitable exits for those who have not reached high standards. As a result of benchmarking efforts, I have been able to remove the bottom 15% of performers from the business whilst retaining several critical staff members through necessary HR-focused interventions, including education and training sponsorship schemes (I negotiated a significant budget for this which now sees us sponsor two MBAs, three master’s degrees and several industry-focused professional courses, 70% of the workforce are now in MIS-sponsored training programmes).
- Establishing and driving forward MIS’ Corporate Social Responsibility programmes – our work at MIS helps many people get the money they need to rebuild their lives after a disaster. However, wanting to give back to the local communities where we do business is also a key priority. We hold regular fundraising and community events as a team, and I also chair the Charity Committee, which budgets monthly charitable donations.
- Leading the charge in remote working when Covid hit. I organised the move from office to home, ensuring everyone had the correct equipment to do their jobs, I developed a more holistic approach to employee wellbeing, tailored to individuals needs rather than the standard ‘one form fits all’. I personalised quarterly reward packs, enabled we were able to continue our weekly ‘chocolate Friday’ by sending out monthly sweet packs to employees. I also used my learnings to develop the wellbeing and employee satisfaction policy at MIS, implementing private healthcare, mental health care and long-term sickness support.
What attracted you to the MBA programme at Kent Business School and why?
The fact that it is in person and covers five days a month (part-time) was a huge pull for me, as I learn much better if I’m fully ensconced in a learning environment, but it was the syllabus that I truly loved. KBS’s CSR and sustainability modules as well as the multi-faceted approach to global business stood out especially.
I love my role in HR, but I am keen to diversify my skillset and challenge myself. To be a successful business partner, I need a more in-depth understanding of how to be a strategic leader, and if/when I decide to branch away from HR then I want an MBA to solidify my experience thus far. I also love a fast paced lifestyle so juggling a part-time MBA and a full-time job is an exciting prospect!
Aspiration
I’ve learnt that I am fantastic at enabling others to reach their creative vision. Post-MBA, I want to move to a COO role where I can support a fantastic, ground-breaking CEO and make some (hypothetical) marks on this world.
Advice
Don’t be normal. Every CEO I’ve ever worked under has been a bundle of creativity, contradiction, weirdness, and fun; my whole working life has been an absolute joy because of it.
“Life is beautiful and I have time.”