Support Staff Conference
Fri, 04 Apr 2014 09:20:00 BST
There are just 20 places remaining for this year’s Support Staff Conference (at the time of writing), so if you haven’t booked your place yet you have until 7 April. If you can no longer attend the conference please cancel your place on eventbrite to enable others to attend. You can book your place here: Support Staff Conference 2014.
Our Event Management students took time out to interview this year’s key note speaker, Christine Wilkinson, President of the Huddersfield Textile Society. They describe her as a very inspiring, creative and busy woman who is passionate about her work. She likes meeting a variety of people, using every opportunity to learn and network with other people within the textile industry.
Here’s what Christine had to say:
Tell us a bit about yourself, your journey and how you came to your current role.
“When I was young I was selected to go to a Grammar school. At that time everyone told me that my only option was to become a teacher, however, I knew I wanted to do something else, something different. I took a marketing course at Huddersfield College and completed my master’s degree at Leeds University. Nothing was planned really, it just happened.
I started my first job at the Imperial Chemical Industries in Harrogate, within the fibre division, which involved technical development and research while helping people with their technical problems. This is where I took my first steps in industry networking. I later came to Huddersfield Polytechnic, now the University of Huddersfield, as an Assistant Lecturer and eventually became Head of Department.”
Christine is active in many areas. Amongst other things, she is the current president of the Huddersfield Textile Society and she teaches and prepares graduate re-training and courses at Leeds University. She is however especially proud of being a founding member of the Nonwovens Network, bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.
Outside of the textile industry, Christine is also a Rotarian, helping to raise money for different charities and causes. These range from supporting people in other countries to have clean water to helping young people in England with learning difficulties.
How do you feel about being the first woman President in its 120 year history?
“It is a great honour for anybody to become president, however, this used to be and still is a very male industry. There is no anxiety about it, it is just lovely and great fun, but we waited 120 years for a woman to take this role and I hope more women will take on this role in the future.”
What motivates you? What makes you wake up in the morning?
“Knowing that I have something to do because every day is a new day. No matter how your day starts I believe it can be a good day in the end. So ‘seize the day’.”
What are you hoping to share with staff as this year’s keynote speaker at the Support Staff Conference?
“I would like to share the importance of working together as it is always the way forward. I also want everybody to feel that there is no point in feeling sorry for yourself. It can be annoying when you don’t hit a top position, but whatever life throws at you, always try to inspire others. In life you have a choice to become miserable or you can get out and change anything you want, and nowadays it is easier than ever to do so.”
This year's conference is all about making a small change to make a big difference. Did you ever make a small change that made a big difference in your life?
“I made hundreds of small changes in my life and I embrace every change because it always makes a big difference. Change should be embraced.”
Who do you consider to be a source of inspiration? Are there any role models in your life?
“I always learn from people and I feel very inspired by others. In particular people who know how to behave and care about others.”
