The Yorkshire Mafia

Sue Davison

Q: If you could improve anything in the region what would it be?

A: I would like to improve the support for getting people back into jobs and helping graduates to succeed in gaining their first step on the ladder. Would love to see support shops/offices in Yorkshire noticed there was a one stop shop like this in Glasgow when I was there at beginning of week.

Q: Who or what has most influenced you in your career?

A: One bad, an extremely excruciating experience with an appraisal done by a ‘dinosaur or maybe reptilian type’ bank manager who could not see why I would want to progress to become the first lady bank manager, so I left banking as a career as soon as I could.
One good, a very supportive lady mentor when I was first excited by the world of Leadership Development who encouraged me to go through CIPD exams! I am still excited and passionate about Leadership development and particularly Virtual Leadership needed more and more!

Q: What are the best and worst pieces of advice you’ve ever been given?

*A:*Good advice – Be happy! Also, where there’s one there’s another and usually better than the first. Both have rung true with lots of both in my life and career. Worst piece of advice, none I can think of, perhaps was so bad didn’t listen to it!

Q: What do you most enjoy about your work?

A: Different people, different and new challenges, variety of work! Feeling that I have helped build and support people and organisations.

Q: What’s been your biggest achievement/biggest business mistake?

A: Biggest achievement- successful kids and happy family! Biggest business mistake not starting even earlier and listening to self talk about Fear of going it alone!

Q: How do you relax?

A: Relax with exercise, pilates, gym and long walks- love lakes and travel, seeing and living other cultures.

Q: What’s on your ipod?

A: Don’t have one!

As a natural giver and supporter, my talents are in training and development, so I am motivated by wanting to help others to succeed in their chosen careers and businesses. Having helped businesses in the region with business growth coaching over the last 15 years I have been in business, I was attracted to Yorkshire Mafia as the ethos and values of the group seemed to fit with mine. Yorkshire Mafia is a great way of giving support to others in our region. It’s a way of exploring ways of helping others to succeed in their careers and businesses. It focuses on the enthusiasm, energy, confidence and skills within our own group and communities. It enables communication channels and collaboration throughout our diverse cultures and regional spread. It encourages others to seek and find answers, offers networking and learning through the group and succeeds in motivating me to look at new ideas and enterprises. The idea of the Yorkshire Mafia is to have true vision and in Leadership that is a key element. The group is learning together and listening to each other so the vision has been realised and grows with the depth of the group. The vision can change the focus and inspire others to aspire to making the region economically sound! That’s why I want to be part of this inspirational group!

Sue Davison, ETC