NAOMI KING

Naomi graduated from the University of Bath with a BSc in Sociology with Human Resource Management and has subsequently worked within both private and public sector organisations including Barclays, Bloomberg, Network Rail and most recently Transport for London. The sociology and human resource management elements in her degree readied her for a career in HR. 

“A qualification can help open doors, but it is not an automatic gateway into your desired career.”

Q: Tell us a few things about your country, and also your life's story!

I am an HR professional working predominantly in the transport and rail industry - an industry that I have a keen passion for. I am based in the United Kingdom, and grew up in a small town in the South of England. I graduated from the University of Bath with a BSc in Sociology with Human Resource Management, and have subsequently benefited from working within both private and public sector organisations including Barclays, Bloomberg, Network Rail and most recently Transport for London.

The sociology and human resource management elements in my degree readied me for a career in HR. I moved into HR Business Partnering and thoroughly enjoyed it. Working in a business partnering role allows you to strategically influence organisational culture as well as shape business strategy. My key responsibilities consist of supporting the business leadership teams to deliver the business-aligned People Plan/HR Strategy, and provide coaching and support to senior managers. My role aims to provide pro-active, value-added HR support with a focus on Employee/Industrial Relations, Performance Management, Organisational Change and other people-related projects such as Health and Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion etc.

I am truly passionate about my role as an HR professional and seek to continuously improve my skillset and develop my career.

Q: What was your experience of the global pandemic crisis? Did it change your life and/or your views about the world? If so, how?

Since the global pandemic crisis, the biggest challenge for most has been the adjustment to the "new normal" and a new way of working. At present, in the United Kingdom there have been several lockdowns in order to help with the fight against the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has forced a reckoning between career ambitions and everyday life which has in turn allowed me to understand the importance and value of focusing on wellbeing, both mental and physical. From a professional stance, it has also allowed me to educate and influence managers to enable ways of building an organisation that is more flexible and empathetic, and nurture a culture that is conducive to creating a more inclusive and equal environment.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently?

One positive we can take from the last year is that so many world-leading organisations have recognised the unique challenges that working parents face, and will need to focus on how best to support employees so that they have an equal work and home-life balance. More and more, the lines between work and home are being blurred. Covid-19 has undoubtedly made the balancing act of raising children alongside building a successful career more difficult. However, working parents and individuals with care responsibilities have cried out for more specialised support for a number of years, which is why organisations must now pay attention and look at how best to support these groups of individuals. The pandemic has highlighted and worsened these struggles, resulting in high levels of stress and anxiety.

Q: Can you share with us some of the hurdles that you have had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them? 

Challenges in life are a given, and they can be used to your advantage. Each one is an opportunity for personal growth and self-improvement. Ultimately, my goal is to use what I learn as I grow to become the best version of myself. Like most, the common challenges in life I have had to overcome have enabled me to become a better person. It is important to see the benefit in facing life’s challenges and always understand that better days will and do come.

Q: If you were to ask one thing from our current leaders, what would it be?

What key advice would you give to someone at the start of their career?

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you?

Being mentored is one of the most valuable and effective development opportunities you can have. Having the guidance, encouragement and support of a trusted and experienced mentor can provide a broad range of personal and professional benefits, which ultimately lead to improved performance and career development. The main benefits include having exposure to new ideas and ways of thinking, advice on developing strengths and overcoming weaknesses, and guidance on professional development and advancement.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share? 

A qualification can help open doors, but it is not an automatic gateway into your desired career. It can be tempting to aim for roles with big-name organisations, but be open to roles within small organisations. These opportunities allow you to opportunity to gain exposure to a range of areas and skillsets.

Sector experience matters more than you may think – if you are excited about the purpose and direction of any organisation, it will make it easier for you to engage and influence, which in turn will support the business' ultimate goals.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives!

Compassion UK is a fantastic children’s charity. At its heart is a relentless passion to act in compassion and empower every child left vulnerable by poverty. Their approach to fighting poverty is highly focused and personal. Since 1952, they have been giving children the opportunity to escape the suffering and fear poverty brings through their one-to-one child sponsorship model. They truly believe that every child matters and deserves to be safe, fed, educated and empowered.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are being made towards gender equality?

Despite increased publicity and discussions surrounding the inequalities women face in the workplace, there remains a tremendous amount of work to be done to close the gender pay gap. There still is a great need to improve women's representation, particularly in senior management and at leadership level. Data shows that women are underrepresented at every level, and women of colour are the most underrepresented group of all. Unfortunately, the lack of representation in high-level roles is not due to a lack of education or attrition rates. It is disconcerting to see that even though the business community is well aware of the benefits of a diverse workforce – such as innovation, employee retention and increased financial returns – there is still a lack of progress in the UK. However, as more and more organisations commit to focusing on improving representation and taking steps to ensure a more diversified workforce, the more progress we make.

Q: Share with us a phrase, a poem or a story that you love or you find interesting!

Know the true value of time; snatch, seize and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness and no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today - Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield

Q: Can you share with us a project that you would like to make happen for your country or a cause that you are passionate about? 

I am truly passionate about helping those who are disadvantaged get back into employment. Getting a job is never easy at the best of times, and the problem is only intensified by companies’ unwillingness to take chances and offer opportunities to those from disadvantaged or less privileged backgrounds. My hope would be to see organisations in the UK receive support to employ disadvantaged people, and to ensure that they are provided with ample opportunities to gain valuable work experience.