But my first proper, full-time job was with Maples, Waring and Gillow, which specialised in furniture and carpet retail. I started as a stock clerk using its new computer system. Having just completed my studies in computer programming, I understood the systems well and quickly moved up the ranks. My last role at the company was as an office manager with some regional training responsibilities. It opened my eyes to the world of training and the benefits of developing people.
I was young and struggled at that age to manage people with any finesse - I learnt a lot through trial and error. The most rewarding part of my job was the training and development side of the position and I decided to develop myself in this direction, hence my next role with Tesco as a technical training officer at the age of 22, which helped shape me into the HR director I am today.
