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Discover more from Why Educate?
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One of my clients asked me to answer these questions to share in their newsletter, and it was a nice opportunity to reflect on who I am and what I do.
Can you tell us a little bit about your career to date?
I started out as a play worker and a primary teacher and did that for several years, before starting to work in edtech start-ups and charities. I’ve held leadership positions at Code Club, FutureLearn and the Raspberry Pi Foundation. Now I am a consultant who works with organisations in the education sector. I am also doing an MA at the Institute of Education and hope to go on to do a PhD.
Who has been the biggest inspiration / influence on your career and why?
My final teaching job was at a CofE primary school in Soho and the Headteacher there was inspirational. She really empowered her teachers and had an inclusive and loving approach to the children. She also had a slightly rebellious spirit which meant she had a healthy disregard for convention (which I definitely share!)
What is your proudest achievement?
Definitely my work with Code Club. I worked with the founder to start the organisation from scratch and in just a few years we taught 40k children to code.
What does your typical working day look like?
I am usually working with about 3 clients at a time so it’s incredibly varied. I intentionally work a maximum 0.8 week over 5 days so I can sometimes do things like enjoy a slow cycle home from nursery drop off, or coffee with a friend.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
A radio DJ! I realised this, in a way, as I had a radio show when I was at uni.
Do you have a favourite album / song / book?
Recently I keep listening to the song Ping Pong by Stereolab, I think because any talk of a recession reminds me of it.
How do you relax / unwind?
Listening to audiobooks and playing piano.
How would your friends describe you?
What is the best bit of advice you have ever been given?
One of my mum friends told me, “the only thing that’s certain is change”, and she meant it in relation to our kids but I apply it to my life and work to help me get more comfortable with it. I think this sentiment is found in Greek philosophy too so my friend is clearly an intellectual.
Quick fire round:
Tea or Coffee – Coffee
Dinner in or dinner out? – Out
Night owl or lark? Night owl that is forced to be a lark by a small child :(
Twitter or telephone call? Telephone
Feet up or exercise – Feet up, if I am being honest
My perfect day would consist of… Someone forcibly removing my phone from my hand and going to a spa that is also a library and has a Michelin star restaurant