In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Sarah Simpson, business change manager for the zero emission programme at Translink
What was your first job?
I started working at Translink in 2005 as a contact centre agent whilst still studying at university. I’ve been at Translink ever since, as I then became a contact centre supervisor before starting on the two-year graduate management trainee programme in 2012. On completion of the management programme I was appointed as the assistant service delivery manager for Short Strand Metro depot, before being promoted to the role of service delivery manager in 2016. I’ve been in my current role for just over a year.
What qualifications do you have?
I have a degree in social psychology from the Ulster University Coleraine.
What do you attribute your success to?
Having worked across many departments I’ve been able to meet a lot of people and form relationships across the business which has been invaluable. I had a great grounding in the business whilst working in the contact centre as I was dealing with so many aspects of the organisation. The graduate scheme built on this as it provided dedicated time in each department to form a great understanding of how each team works together.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
It may be an over-used expression, but I am definitely a people person – both in and out of work, which is probably why I enjoy Translink so much. I’m also fairly calm and try to be organised as I like to have a plan and I try to see the positive in most things.
Who do you look up to in business?
At a recent Translink leadership conference Mairead Meyer the managing director of Openreach in Northern Ireland attended as a keynote speaker. Listening to her experiences both in her own career and in managing during Covid was very motivational! Mairead also offered very practical advice and I found her to be truly relatable despite her senior position. She focused a lot on the value of people and her team and was a great inspiration to female leaders.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
I have always enjoyed the people management aspect of my various roles. I think it’s important to be flexible and adapt my style depending on each individual’s preference. I have always tried to be approachable and place a lot of value on how people feel and I think that by giving proper consideration to others it pays dividends in terms of a positive working relationship for everyone.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
I’d love to see more women considering transport and logistics as a career. I think this should be done early through education and career information but it’s also important for those in the industry to share the message, which is why groups such as Women in Wheels are so important. There are so many different roles and career routes available, and I would encourage more women to consider it as a career option.
What website or app could you not do without?
Whatsapp is fantastic, both for work and personal use. It’s a great tool for quick, easy and regular communications with groups and is often more personal than an email.
What was the last book you read?
I have been really enjoying a crime fiction series by Irish author, Jo Spain. I’ve read all five and the most recent was The Boy Who Fell.
What car do you drive?
Like many people at the moment, I’m currently hybrid working, so when I’m not at home I’m based at York Road so I use the train.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
Much of my time outside of work is consumed with family life which doesn’t leave much time for hobbies, however we recently moved to a more rural area with better garden space and it has been a great opportunity to get into gardening. I may not be ready for the Chelsea Flower Show just yet but it’s great to learn a new skill.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
I have always loved to travel, something which has been some-what curtailed due to the pandemic but I’m keen to do more of in the near future, starting with a family trip to Rhodes this summer.
