At first glance, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and precision engineering may seem like two very different worlds – and admittedly, I have swapped conversations about thoughts and behaviours for conversations about CNC machines, production and manufacturing! However, I have discovered that the two have more in common than you might initially think: identify the problem, understand what is causing it, and find a practical solution.
My mind has always been solution-focused. I am analytical by nature, naturally curious and rarely satisfied with simply knowing that something works – I like to understand why it works, what could work better and what is preventing progress.
I have over 13 years’ experience as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, including running my own counselling practice and working with individuals and organisations across the UK. My work has included face-to-face, telephone and online therapy, with remote services becoming particularly important during the Covid-19 pandemic.
I have also provided services on a contractual basis for Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and delivered onsite stress-response support for organisations when required.
Running my own practice developed skills far beyond my clinical work. I was responsible for managing a business, building professional relationships, communicating with a wide range of people, organising services, solving problems and adapting quickly to changing circumstances.
Alongside my counselling career, I have been involved with Hollingsworth Engineering for the past six years, supporting the company throughout a significant period of growth. I have now substantially reduced my counselling commitments and my main professional focus is fully within Hollingsworth Engineering.
My previous career brings a different perspective to a manufacturing business. Active listening, asking the right questions, analysing information, identifying underlying problems and developing practical solutions are skills I use regularly at Hollingsworth. They are particularly valuable in customer and supplier relationships, business development, internal organisation and understanding where processes can be improved.
I am now increasingly involved in the company's growth and digital development. As Hollingsworth introduces new systems and ways of working, I am particularly interested in how technology can simplify processes, improve visibility, reduce unnecessary administration and allow the business to operate more efficiently as it grows.
I approach this from both a business and user perspective. I don't have an engineering background, and I am continuing to develop my knowledge of manufacturing and its terminology. I see that as a strength rather than something to disguise: I am comfortable asking what something actually means, why we do it that way and whether there might be a better solution.
My focus going forward is to combine the skills and experience from my previous career with my growing knowledge of manufacturing to support Hollingsworth Engineering through its next stage of development and growth.
