‘Worcestershire Talking Heads’
Turning the interview process on its head
As a local business in the area we thought you would like to see how some of our wonderful local business leaders got on when they were put on the other side of the interview table!
Elizabeth Gait
Business Owner
EG People Development
Have a look at all of our previous Talking Heads on our Blog!
1) How did you get into this industry?
This was purely a matter of time and place! I’d done a degree in Music and whilst studying, I worked all my university holidays in HR at British Airways and thought – I could do this! I then studied for an MBA/MSc which included HR and then during an early temporary job at an outplacement organisation, I was just thrown into training delivery and just loved it – it satisfied my creativity and imagination and of course, I was fine standing up in front of audiences performing!
2) What do you enjoy most about being in the business?
I love the opportunities for learning new things every day. I’ve been very lucky to be given the chance to become a qualified coach and an Insights Discovery Practitioner (www.insights.com) and both of these have shaped me both personally and professionally. I continue to listen to and read inspirational books, work with different organisations and meet diverse groups of people – managers & leaders in social work through to construction. To learn from all these people and to positively influence them to develop their leadership and people management skills – what a fantastic job I have and I’m hugely grateful to love what I do.
3) What top 3 words/phrases describe you best?
Positive, Passionate, Enabling
4) What would you say would be your biggest achievement to date?
Making the leap into the world of self-employment – in the end it was both liberating and exciting and since leaving the ‘corporate world’ I have found my true purpose in life and I have flourished both professionally and personally as a result. I sometimes forget I’m working because I love what I do.
5) What is your weakness?
I do have difficulty in saying no – there is always a flip side to doing what you love! Thank goodness I have a fabulous coach who helps dig me out of the holes I create!
6) What motivates you?
Spending time with people who want to make a positive difference in the world – 99% of people I work with are keen to learn and whether I’m training or coaching, I do love to enable people to learn and discover untapped talents. There is too much ‘telling’ in the world and it is real privilege to facilitate positive change in others – where invariably they already have all the answers.
7) What de-motivates?
The words ‘can’t, won’t, should/shouldn’t’ and general negativity. I have come across people who leak this energy from every pore. Professionally I’ll either coach them or myself out of that situation. Life is much happier when you give out a positive energy.
8) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’m hugely inspired by the work of Simon Sinek and Declan Coyle and I’d love to be a more direct advocate of their work or other ‘thought leaders’ and radiate that learning more significantly within local businesses of Worcestershire and neighbouring counties – especially entrepreneurs who wish to further their leadership development and invest in their teams to take their businesses to the next level.
9) What is the best USP about your current business?
Me! I am my business! I do bring something unique to my leadership training and coaching driven by my core purpose of energising and enthusing others to realise their potential and opportunity for personal growth – I love connecting with people who wish to do this for themselves, for their businesses and for their people.
10) What is your favourite local restaurant/shop?
I like to support local businesses – my favourite local restaurant is The Inn at Welland and for gifts and finding lots of things I don’t necessarily need – both Rhubarb shops in Great Malvern.