Our interview with Jo upon her retirement.
Personal Reflections
- How long have you worked for Darchem?
About 30 years
- During your time here, what different jobs have you had?
Design engineer
Manufacturing engineer
Project Team Leader
Works Material Planning Manager
Business Improvement Manager
Engineering Manager
- What will you miss the most about working here?
The people definitely- they’re such a nice bunch.
Career Reflections
- What significant changes have you seen in Darchem over the years?
When I started we were only one business unit and it was mainly nuclear and we didn’t do aerospace! The biggest change is the variety and technical difficulty of jobs we do and that’s one thing the company are really good at doing. We have broadened the Markets we serve, increasing variety and difficulty of the work we did as a business
- Who or what has had the biggest impact on your career journey at Darchem?
The biggest change was when I was 27 and a manufacturing engineer- it was at that point I was given my first opportunity to manage people. I realised how much I actually enjoyed developing people and working with multiple functions. Throughout my time I’ve had some very good mentors who have managed me through my career and helped me develop.
- What was the most challenging, and how did you overcome it?
When I moved up to DPD as engineering manager, because I was moving from the world of aerospace that I’d always known, to a completely different markets and a totally new team of people. It was a big change but ultimately, I trusted in myself, my instincts and the knowledge of those around me and it seemed to work alright and at such a late stage in my career too. You can teach an old dog new tricks.
Wisdom and Advice
- What advice would you give to someone just starting in this field?
Be open minded and seize opportunities as they come. Make sure to listen and learn.
- Is there something you wish you had known earlier in your career?
You don’t need to know everything. Every day is a school day
Looking Forward
- What are you most looking forward to in retirement?
Turning the alarm clock off, not knowing what day it is, Freedom, EVERYTHING!
- Do you have any exciting plans during retirement?
With my partner I’m going skiing, we have a holiday in Wales with friends planned and I’ll be appearing on the television at Crufts with our Flyball team.
- What hobbies or interests are you eager to spend more time on?
Dog training as we compete all year at flyball, I want to get more into dog physiology so I can keep my dogs in best form. I’d like to pick up my photography again and go mountain biking with my partner and take our cars out.
Fun and Light-hearted
- If you could sum up your career in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Varied
- What’s one thing you’re happy to never do again now that you’re retiring?
Fob in.