Sandra Howarth is the Founder of SH People Consulting. Ahead of launching a new programme next week, to empower young professionals transitioning from education to the workforce, she shares her story
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Sandra Howarth, and I live in Cambridgeshire with my husband Richard and Poppy, our cocker spaniel. I’ve had a varied career with more than 30 years of experience as a skilled HR professional. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some incredible blue-chip clients. This diverse exposure has only ignited my passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional HR practices and offering a fresh perspective.
I’m a huge fan of using Insights Discovery as a tool to explore self-awareness, it’s a tool I wished I had when I left school or during my early career as it would have explained so much to me. It’s a powerful tool for self-awareness and understanding others in the workplace.
Staying curious about the latest people management trends is vital to me. I bring new thinking to my clients, constantly seeking ways to improve company culture and positively impact business outcomes.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, particularly walking my dog, Poppy. Socialising with family and friends is important to me. I’m an avid reader, participating in a local book club and recently launching one on LinkedIn. I finally passed my motorcycle five years ago and now own a motorcycle for sunny days!
What led you to setting up SH People Consulting and what were you doing before?
After 30 years of successful HR leadership, including leading the successful implementation of a new performance management system for a large multinational corporation, I founded SH People Consulting. Driven by a desire to make a positive impact on people and organisations, I wanted to leverage my expertise to help businesses achieve sustainable success.
What are your connections to East Anglia?
My deep connection to Suffolk runs through my veins. Born and raised in a small village, I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by my family – my mother’s side having lived there for generations. Summers were spent exploring the Suffolk coast, and I spent many a day at Minsmere Beach with friends and walking across the Bailey Bridge or taking the ferry from Walbersick to Southwold.
My family still live in the area so I’m lucky to be able to visit regularly and meet up with friends and love days out in Woodbridge, Southwold and Snape enjoying all the great scenery, relaxed vibes and taking in the coastal air. I can also be found at Henham Steam Rally aiming to drive my brother’s tractor around the arena and meeting up with friends.
Suffolk and the surrounding areas have so many amazing places to visit and if anyone asks me where to holiday in the UK, East Anglia is always top of my recommendations!
How are you helping people in your new business?
Within my business, I help people in several ways: through Insights Discovery; bespoke learning & development programmes; and providing an HR Consultancy with a people-focused approach.
And how are you helping graduates/young people specifically? What’s happening next week?
I’m launching a programme next week because, after working with recent university graduates and A Level students, it became clear that sharing their concerns and worries about their next steps to an independent person in a safe space was invaluable. They also needed real, practical advice on how to move them from academia into the working world.
The world of working is very different from the world of study, which makes it important to cut out the noise and get these amazing graduates and students confident about their next steps and interview preparation. We are providing two distinct offerings: One-on-One Packages and a Cohort Experience. The Cohort Experience will encompass: Enhanced Self-Awareness; Essential Skill Development; Personalised Coaching and Valuable Networking Opportunities.
When these Graduate and A-level clients secure a role, I feel like I’ve won the lottery! I’m in it with them. With their newfound self-awareness, they feel confident to take their first steps into their chosen careers.
It’s always been my passion to support and develop people to their full potential and having the opportunity to support them at this stage in their life/career has been so rewarding.
I’m a huge fan of using Insights Discovery as a tool to explore self-awareness, it’s a tool I wished I had when I left school or during my early career as it would have explained so much to me. It provides a great foundation for that first leap into a role and an organisation that will be very different from studying, focusing on self-awareness, communication and teamwork.
What would your advice be to anyone leaving education and starting out in the world of work?
● Self-reflection is key – identify your strengths and interests
● Build your CV and online presence: tailor your CV and build a professional portfolio
● Network, network, network
● Master the job search process: identify job boards and company websites and practice your interview skills
● Take care of yourself: job searching can be stressful. Make sure to prioritise self-care activities. Don’t get discouraged by rejection.
Remember: Your first job is just the beginning of your career journey. Be patient, persistent, and don’t be afraid to explore different opportunities. Good luck!
What are your hopes and dreams for your business?
My vision is for my business to continue to thrive so that I can continue to help empower individuals and organisations to achieve their full potential. I aim to create a positive and lasting impact; expand the Insights Discovery offerings; launch the ‘Horizon – Your Career Compass’ programme; and foster a progressive and client-centric company culture.
Visit shpeopleconsulting.com and follow Sandra Howarth on LinkedIn.
Featured image supplied by Sandra Howarth
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