LAUNCHING: JO BEGG
Current Employer:
Primary Education
Time at the company:
4 months
THE BIG QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL TITLE?
Class Teacher.
WHAT DO YOU DO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
Teach 8-10 year olds on the primary curriculum.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD?
Soldier, detective, mum, spy, actress, dancer, teacher.
WHAT ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE?
BSc and PGCE.
WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Believe in your place at the table. Not that I always succeed in applying it though.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY?
Not sure I have one... Any woman who handles herself with grace and strength, who succeeds against the odds and proves that #thisgirlcan.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CURRENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT?
My colleagues are supportive and share ideas all the time.
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR DAILY WORK ROUTINE IF YOU COULD?
Probably make it start a little later so I could fit sport in more easily before work
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF PROFESSIONALLY IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?
I don't. Never have been able to forecast or project like that.
DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN BE THE SAME PERSON AT WORK AND IN PRIVATE?
In many ways yes - my enthusiasm and energy contribute massively to what I consider makes me a good teacher. But obviously, as my "clients" are children, I have to adapt certain behaviors and topics.
WHERE AND IN WHAT ROLES ARE WOMEN IN THE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AT YOUR COMPANY?
Owner of the school and the headteacher are both women.
DOES DIVERSITY MATTER TO YOU?
Enormously, it's the underlining of learning to get along with everyone and accept the differences in the world.
HOW GOOD IS YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE?
Getting better after an intense start (having returned to the profession in January after an 8 year hiatus!)
WHAT QUALITIES DOES BEING IN YOUR ROLE NECESSITATE?
Empathy, kindness, understanding, patience, humour, cheerfulness, flexibility, organisation, adaptability, ability to think on my feet.