- August 16, 2023
To celebrate her recent promotion, we caught up with Staci Gilson, our Learning and Social Impact Manager. We discussed her career progression, passion for learning, and how she’s making a difference in the communities we serve.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and experience, and what led you to join SBFM?
I’d actually been working in the childcare field for about 15 years before making my move to facilities management.
After dedicating so many years to childcare, I reached a point where I craved something new and different. That’s when I came across SBFM, and I couldn’t resist taking on a new challenge as a recruiter in the FM industry.
In just 17 months, with hard work and dedication, I got promoted to Senior Recruitment Consultant and eventually landed my current role as the Learning and Social Impact Manager.
How have your own experiences shaped your journey to where you are today?
My background in childcare and my experience as a Nursery Manager have played a significant role in shaping where I am today. It provided a strong foundation for my transition into the Learning and Social Impact Manager position.
I’m really excited about the opportunities ahead of me and the chance to contribute to the growth and development of individuals within our organisation, as well as making a positive impact in the communities we serve.
What does a typical day as a Learning and Social Impact Manager look like?
As the Learning and Social Impact Manager, my main focus is on developing programmes and initiatives that promote learning and have a positive impact on society. In a nutshell, my day-to-day responsibilities involve identifying training needs and organising workshops and learning sessions to help our colleagues enhance their skills and knowledge.
I also actively seek out opportunities for our business to make a real difference. This means working with external organisations, non-profits, and community groups to establish partnerships and support joint initiatives. It’s all about creating meaningful impact and bringing a positive change to society.
What's the most rewarding part of your job? And what's the most challenging part?
The most rewarding part for me is definitely the opportunity to make a positive impact, both within our organisation and in the community. I absolutely love contributing to the growth and development of our employees, helping them improve their skills, knowledge, and overall wellbeing. It’s truly fulfilling to witness their personal growth and progress.
All jobs have their challenges, but in the ever-evolving field of learning and social impact, adapting to change is a must. It’s very important to stay up to date with the latest trends, best practices, and research to make sure our initiatives remain relevant and effective. So, the challenge lies in constantly learning, embracing new approaches, and staying agile.
What do you think are the biggest skills you bring to work?
I’d say my biggest strengths in the workplace are my approachability, enthusiasm, and open-mindedness. Those qualities really come in handy in my role. I believe that clear communication, active listening, and delivering engaging learning experiences help me connect with our employees and build strong relationships. And with these skills, I can truly motivate and inspire others in their learning and development journeys.
If you could give advice to someone in the FM industry looking to progress their career, what would it be?
My advice would be to embrace the ever-changing nature of facilities management. We all know it’s constantly changing, but that also means there are plenty of opportunities waiting to be seized. So, the one thing I’d say to anyone seeking a career in the industry would be to grab those opportunities with both hands and go for it! Believe in yourself, work hard, and you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Outside of work, what keeps you busy?
Outside of work I’m a proud Mum of an 11-year-old and a wife, so life can get pretty busy! Finding that balance between family and work has always been important to me and here I am supported to do so.
When I’m not in the office, I enjoy exploring new places, watching rugby league (go Rhinos!), and going on family holidays.
To find out more about career opportunities at SBFM, please visit: https://careers.sb-fm.co.uk/vacancies/vacancy-search-results.aspx