Can you tell us more about your career before joining Edinburgh Napier?
"Before I decided to pursue a Master in Business Administration at Edinburgh Napier, I was already involved in project management and account management roles. I worked at Latitude 91 (parent company to SkillSet Ltd.), managing a range of client projects—from technical implementations to quality management processes. This experience gave me the confidence to tackle complex projects and lead diverse teams. I developed skills in everything from sales bids and scoping work, to handling 24/7 support contracts for global clients like Ericsson. It was a great foundation for the work I do now."
What was your ENU experience like?
"Edinburgh Napier was a fantastic experience for me. The Masters programme offered a great balance between theory and real-world application. The lecturers were highly knowledgeable, and the coursework was immediately relevant to what I was already doing at work. I particularly appreciated that ENU allowed me to be flexible with my studies whilst continuing to work and raising two young children. The programme really helped me sharpen my leadership skills, as well as exploring new concepts that were outside the scope of my original role, including finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship."
As Operations Director at SkillSet, what does an average day look like to you?
"I oversee our team of consultants and developers to ensure we deliver top-quality eLearning and learning management system solutions for our clients. An average day might involve anything from team meetings to catching up on project progress, to liaising directly with clients to scope out new work. I also spend a lot of time ensuring that our operations run smoothly, whether it's managing client relationships or overseeing the development of bespoke eLearning courses. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is collaborating with our team to capture clients' knowledge and transform it into engaging, practical eLearning content."
What has been the high point of your career so far? Have you faced any challenges?
"One of the high points for me was transitioning into my current leadership role. I’ve always enjoyed managing teams, but stepping up to guide the entire SkillSet team was a big challenge. Balancing client needs while ensuring we deliver high-quality solutions can be demanding, but it's also incredibly fulfilling.
"A key challenge I've faced was navigating the fast pace of change in the eLearning industry, particularly in response to new technologies and shifting client expectations. But these challenges have also driven my team and me to continuously improve our offerings. For example, our off-the-shelf eLearning health and safety courses combine the convenience of ready-made courses with the adaptability to be tailored to meet specific clients’ objectives."
What do you do in your spare time?
"Outside of work, I’m a big sports fan, particularly cricket. I love taking my family to matches when we have the chance. It's a great way to unwind and spend quality time together. Both my children are sporty so lots of my spare time is spent at swimming competitions or football tournaments! Balancing a demanding job and two children can be challenging but extremely rewarding."
What advice would you give to someone wishing to follow in your footsteps?
"My advice would be to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, even if it seems outside your comfort zone. Project management, particularly in eLearning, is all about adaptability and problem-solving. Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges and trust in your ability to learn as you go. And most importantly, always keep an eye on the bigger picture. Understanding your clients’ needs and delivering value to them is what ultimately defines success."