What is leadership like?
One discussion point we had was if by being a Managing Director, Mike ever felt too far removed from the work on the ground. He did say that at times you feel as though you can’t remember the details of the engineering. But it’s actually really freeing to decide how much you get to know. Mike said that by being a hub and surrounding yourself with people who you consider to be better than yourself, the people who are the yin to your yang, people who build on you, it enables you to delegate out to incredible engineers, like Sophie and Paul. In this way, Mike can be responsible for winning the work but delegate to others to follow it through.
Progress up the career ladder
We were also really interested in how best to enhance our careers, to progress up the ladder. Mike’s advice for this area was to work on something that is not in your bones, something that is fresh and new to you, not something that comes naturally. For instance, if you’re an engineer or a scientist, try something like finance, like money or like sales. This will help you develop your wider skills and allow you to take on a bit more perspective. It is great to be known for something specific but it’s really important to have a wider perspective too.
We were also really interested in how best to enhance our careers, to progress up the ladder. Mike’s advice for this area was to work on something that is not in your bones, something that is fresh and new to you, not something that comes naturally. For instance, if you’re an engineer or a scientist, try something like finance, like money or like sales. This will help you develop your wider skills and allow you to take on a bit more perspective. It is great to be known for something specific but it’s really important to have a wider perspective too.
Career changes
On a similar vein, Mike believes it’s never too late to change career direction or to start something new or to take a bit of a break. Mike, for instance, had no line manager experience until he was in his 40s. But it is much easier to be an engineer who knows how to manage rather than a manager who knows a lot about engineering. He really advised us to put ourselves up for difficult tasks, to keep learning, keep developing and keep broadening. Mike also follows his own advice. It was really wonderful to hear that Mike, a leader in his field and company, is not a natural extrovert. Instead, he had to work hard to become a good presenter. He said that by doing this you really feel as though you are on the one determining your own future- which is exactly how it should be.
On a similar vein, Mike believes it’s never too late to change career direction or to start something new or to take a bit of a break. Mike, for instance, had no line manager experience until he was in his 40s. But it is much easier to be an engineer who knows how to manage rather than a manager who knows a lot about engineering. He really advised us to put ourselves up for difficult tasks, to keep learning, keep developing and keep broadening. Mike also follows his own advice. It was really wonderful to hear that Mike, a leader in his field and company, is not a natural extrovert. Instead, he had to work hard to become a good presenter. He said that by doing this you really feel as though you are on the one determining your own future- which is exactly how it should be.
Mentoring
On the topic of mentoring, Mike said it was key to get someone to push you. But first you have to decide if you actually want a mentor or if you want a sponsor or if you want a coach. He especially recommend having people around you who will throw your name in the ring, someone who is going to name you as an individual, say you are good at what you do, and put you forward for opportunities.
On the topic of mentoring, Mike said it was key to get someone to push you. But first you have to decide if you actually want a mentor or if you want a sponsor or if you want a coach. He especially recommend having people around you who will throw your name in the ring, someone who is going to name you as an individual, say you are good at what you do, and put you forward for opportunities.
Social Purpose
One thing Mike has really enjoyed about being in charge is the accountability. One way in which he does this is through social purpose, by going above and beyond the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 and taking action on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It’s about taking the time to reflect on your practices, both as an individual and as an organisation, to enhance sharing and collaborating, for instance through working with local supply chains.
Final Words
Overall, the Institute of Water Rising Stars were really grateful to Mike, Sophie and Paul for the time they dedicated to talking with us about their lives, careers and successes. As Mike said, it is vitally important to love what it is you do. To do something that’s worth getting up for in the morning. Our virtual visit to Atkins was certainly worth getting up for. Thank you!
Overall, the Institute of Water Rising Stars were really grateful to Mike, Sophie and Paul for the time they dedicated to talking with us about their lives, careers and successes. As Mike said, it is vitally important to love what it is you do. To do something that’s worth getting up for in the morning. Our virtual visit to Atkins was certainly worth getting up for. Thank you!
