Nicola’s great experiment takes her to COO
May 31, 2024Since leaving Russell Group university QMUL in 2019, I have been on a mission to stay outside of my comfort zone and challenge myself in new ways.
It wasn’t an easy decision to leave a safe job at a good university where I’d built a strong reputation, particularly as I had just had my first son, Finn during lockdown. But it was becoming a mother that was my catalyst for change. It gave me the courage to take more risks, trust my instincts, and go towards growth ‘if not now... WHEN?’
I’ve learned so much since making that first leap. I am always learning and I am not afraid to say so.
I returned from maternity leave in March this year after having my second son Ellis and I have now taken on the role of COO during a really exciting time for WHEN. Life is a juggle, and I don’t get it right most days. Connection and community are so important when you enter a new role – especially if you are also returning after a career break! Thank goodness I am working in the right place for that. .
WHEN is made of women from the sector so we understand the issues women face and care deeply about making a difference. We are dynamic change makers that deliver great results. Earlier this week I had the pleasure of dropping into our Career Accelerator at UCL and seeing first-hand the impact we are making.
For me, people and culture are key to our success, so I’m focused collaborating with all our different stakeholders so that together we can continue to innovate and thrive.
