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Women in Leadership
Name: Lucy Croucher
Role: Managing Director
Company: JSC International Limited (sold in 2016 to ERM)
What is it like working in your company? It was very enjoyable; we each had our own responsibilities, but it was important that we worked closely as a team, communicating effectively to ensure our contribution to the overall project was appropriate and delivered on time. Every member’s contribution was valued whether it was photocopying and collating or carrying out a complex, highly technical risk assessment.
Why did you decide to go into your chosen field? I sort of fell into it. I had originally trained as an ecologist but graduated during the recession in the early 80s, I couldn’t get a job so retrained as a microbiologist. When my husband was made redundant and we moved 250 miles north, I had to start again. After several somewhat strange jobs I joined a start-up company funded by a US firm; there were 3 of us. Over the years the company grew and so did I and eventually I had the opportunity to buy the company. I will admit that the first few years of ownership were horrendous – suddenly moving from an employee to an employer was a real shock. My husband joined me and we worked really well as a team, gradually gathering the support we needed from external sources so that I could focus on the client facing technical work I loved.
What qualifications and work experience did you need to reach your current position? My degree in ecology did eventually come in useful as did my microbiology training and experience. What I really lacked was management skills; I received 1-2-1 training on this and also used the expertise of my team to fill the gaps where I lacked the appropriate abilities.
What do you enjoy the most about your job? I loved the job I did; I went to work enthusiastically every day. I enjoyed the interaction with my colleagues, clients and the authorities. The exchange of ideas, exploring the unknown and trying to interpret new regulations and guidance. Working together as a team to achieve a common goal.
What obstacles have you overcome in your career? Changing career multiple times, moving with my husband’s job. Although I now see that these were opportunities not setbacks.
Why do you think it is important to have a strong female representation in your industry? I think everyone should be valued according to their merits. You should earn your right to hold a position through hard work and co-operation.
What advice would you give those wanting to take a similar career path? You only have one life; do what you love and you will almost certainly succeed. What is the point in becoming a highly paid lawyer if all you really want to do is create something beautiful with your own hands?
Understand that there is no single path to your chosen goal. Don’t have a rigid plan – you will miss opportunities if you are too focused on one thing.
Recognise, acknowledge and embrace your weaknesses; gather a strong team around you to support you.
Do your best to communicate effectively – your feelings, your ideas, your concerns; you will be amazed at how often other people are thinking exactly the same as you but are too frightened to say anything. If you can open the dialogue you will gain respect.
Be open and flexible – look, listen, experience different things, enjoy the journey.
Stand like Superwoman at least once a day and definitely before you attend an interview; research has shown that this has a profound effect on how you are perceived.
Have fun; laugh a lot.
