Pdr

 

I honestly don’t know whether to be disappointed or pleased with my new line managers take on my skill set.

My line manageremphasised the high academic achievement I have. I am academically very strong.

But it is not first and foremost how I see myself man by professional skills.

I chose an academic course, which aligned with my passions. Having initially set out to do physics at university, I quickly changed to a course in natural sciences life sciences is enabled me to move into a career dedicated to environmental protection.

Then I spent three years in the water industry, partly in quality control and compliance, And partly in research and innovation. Here I found sufficient passion to complete a PhD in wastewater engineering for environmental protection.

And now I have completed 30 years dedicated to a broad skill set In sustainability, The protection of rivers in nature, The reduction of home home by necessary human activity such as water supply water production and industrial or manufacturing activities for an economy that supports us, But must be sustainable to do so. I gained the skills and competencies required of my status as a charted engineer and a charted member of the Institute of chemical engineers. All of these are highly practical skills and my application in a highly practical industry his hands on applied use of my knowledge.

So I am an engineer first and an academic second. And only academically successful because of my passion for my subject. So we decide for me to be seen as an academic as though it was mutually excluded to also be a brilliant engineer a brilliant bio chemist and the process engineer applying chemical engineering knowledge - Dr. Uncharted level, To the recycling of water back to the environment and the supply of clean drinking water. That these are numerous subjects has also allowed me to bring tangible benefits to investment strategy, supply chain financial benefits regulator accounting, embodied carbon calculation, a net zero roadmap. It has taken me to fabulous blue chip companies in New York, And down to earth in industry in Detroit, To carbon regeneration in the black country, And aesthetic pharmaceuticals in France.  As well as all of the work I do in the field. Which to be honest is my favourite part. Can we learn about management and leadership from this unsatisfactory interaction? It says something to me about not imposing your own perspective and it says something to me somewhat disappointing about society that suggests you could either be an academic or you can be hands-on and practical. Society tells us you cannot be both. Being described as academic feels limiting.  I am an Engineer first. Academic second.

As a volunteer to mentor early career professionals, Mentoring recently qualifies engineers to become charted engineers. I would not want to impact such limitations on my mentees. Few experiences in my career having more satisfying than seeing someone grow in their professional career from someone who reported to me when I am there line manager or is it a team led by me or who is mentored by me and so unwilling necessarily not necessarily unwilling recipient of my wisdom such as I see it .