At SRG, we are proud to have inspirational Women in Leadership at the heart of everything we do.
In this blog, we’re putting the spotlight one of our most fabulous females, Alison Jones – Operations Director at SRG, as she tells us a bit more about her story and career journey so far and offers advice to those following in her footsteps.
Alison, tell us a bit about your career journey to where you are today
When I left school at 16, I joined a commercial apprenticeship. By 17 I was in my first role in recruitment – an industry I have been in ever since.
I’ve been in Operational Leadership in some shape or form since the mid-90s; finally making it to a Director role in my late 40s after achieving unprecedented growth across my teams.
After stints in professional service and engineering recruitment, I joined SRG in 2014 wanting to take on something different, highly technical and very niche. Science really appealed to me, and I have to say it has not disappointed so far – the work our customers do is never boring and is often mind-blowing.
Where did your passion for science and recruitment stem from?
I’m not a scientist, but I’ve a natural inquisitiveness and love of learning. This, coupled with my passion for finding truths, whether in nature or human behaviours, has meant I’ve naturally grown passionate about science too.
As for recruitment, well, it is a people business. And people fascinate me.
What part of your role as Operational Director excites and drives you the most?
Being able to collaborate with people every day, dismantling each component of potential problems and then solving them together is deeply satisfying.
Watching my managers and their teams grow in their roles is my favourite part of my job. I am a Servant Leadership Advocate, and as part of that my role is to work for my people so they can shine and provide their customers with the service they deserve.
Who has influenced you most during your career journey so far?
Well, I am lucky enough to have already had a long, exciting and rewarding career, and been fortunate to work with – and for – and number of incredible people and role models.
But above them all, one has always stood out as a beacon of inspiration to me, in all aspects of life, not just my career – my wonderful Father. Whilst he is sadly no longer with us, and sorely missed, his words are with me every day.
He always told me I could do anything if I worked hard and believed in myself. And he was right. I’m thankful to have had that confidence instilled into me from an early age; it had a significant impact on me becoming the woman I am today.
How do you balance the demands of your professional and personal life?
At home there’s me, my husband and our (very needy!) rescue cat, plus a huge variety of friendship groups to keep-up-to-date with. I feel very privileged to have that, but balancing home with work can be a challenge.
I believe strongly in the power of prioritising health and wellbeing, especially for staying energised for work. My top tips are to get to bed at a good time and get plenty of sleep, eat well and prioritise personal activities that benefit physical and mental health. Running, for example, has a big role in this for me – at the time of writing this, I am currently training for my 7th marathon!
What I’ve found really helps is finding a way – and I know this can be tricky – to not say yes to everything, in personal and work life. And I make sure I have diary time blocked out to drop the unexpected in and to think and reflect.
Don’t get me wrong; sometimes none of this works but mostly it does! If I can make it work for 80% of the time, I’m happy.
What do you think is key to inspiring and influencing teams and colleagues around you?
By being highly visible, working amongst people in my teams, being transparent, authentic and showing vulnerability. To me, they are such important traits for people, in any situation and environment, to have and show.
I don’t always get it right. But I always remember that it is ok as a leader to not have all the answers immediately. It is also more than ok to admit that to yourself and your team.
How the leader behaves shapes everything else, so it’s important to be your whole, most authentic self and help create an environment in which others can do the same.
What advice would you give to fellow Women in Leadership and females who aspire be one?
Be curious, don’t be afraid to ask for help, seek understanding of what is required to progress and then apply yourself to the task in hand.
Ignore your little voice if it tries to derail you. We all have one; it’s if and when we listen to it that counts! And make time to hear the quieter people – everyone has a voice.
Work with people brighter than you, learn active listening and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo.
And if you see someone who you aspire to be like, ask them to mentor you. I promise you that you will both benefit from the experience.
What do you believe are the most important qualities for a successful leader?
The ability to create a meaningful vision and not only bring people on the journey with you, but ensure they feel like a key part of where it takes us.
As for specific traits and qualities, everyone is different of course, but to me emotional intelligence, adaptability, decisiveness, customer focus and curiosity are at the heart of everything I do as a leader.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #AccelerateAction. What does this mean to you?
Put simply we need to do more and work more quickly to shut down gender inequality.
Equality cannot wait, we must work together to do better and progress women’s rights and empowerment now, and into the future.
Finally, can you share a memorable experience or achievement from your career that has significantly impacted your approach to leadership?
Joining SRG and excelling despite not coming from a science background has been huge for me.
Imposter syndrome loomed particularly large initially, but I overcame it, was successful and – whilst there have been many challenges along the way – have flourished since. My teams are high performing, inclusive and diverse, this makes me happy and extremely proud.
