In the Spotlight this week is Katrina Houston, manager of Lidl’s new store on the Stewartstown Road, Belfast.
What was your first job?
My first ever job was in a crèche, where I was working while studying for a qualification in childcare. While working in the crèche, I also had a part-time role in Lidl’s Andersonstown Road store as a customer assistant. Long story short, I’ve been working with Lidl Northern Ireland for 22 years now and I think that’s a reflection of how much I love my job. It’s a great place to work.
Over the course of my career, I’ve worked my way up through each in-store role to the position of store manager at our recently reopened and refurbished new store on the Stewartstown Road. It was a fantastic feeling cutting the ribbon of our brand-new store as store manager and seeing how far I have come in my career – and of course welcoming new customers through our doors!
What qualifications do you have?
I am educated to A-Level standard, with an NVQ level qualification in childcare.
What do you attribute your success to?
I am incredibly ambitious and always eager to learn new skills and gain new experience. This is something I have always felt supported to do in my role at Lidl.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Easy going. I try and be myself as much as possible.
Who do you look up to in business?
I look up to my mentors and colleagues who have helped me get to where I am. It’s been a long road and I am proud to say I have never been afraid to ask for help and take advice from people. There have been many excellent store managers and sales operations managers at Lidl Northern Ireland, who have guided me over the years - definitely too many to mention.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
Transparency and open communication. By giving team members the respect they deserve, I believe you get respect back. My team know that I will work just as hard if not harder, as I believe in leading by example.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
Sunday trading laws – to enable longer trading time to better support Lidl customers and our communities.
What website or app could you not do without?
WhatsApp – it’s a great tool for chatting
What was the last book you read?
I am a big Harry Potter fan and still read the books.
What car do you drive?
A BMW 220E.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I love skydiving - most recently I did a sky dive on holiday in Barcelona with my husband.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
Everything I have worked for in my career is to provide for my family. They are the most important thing to me and my focus when I am not in work.