Emerging Leader Programme + Q&A with Myria Monoyiou
Our Emerging Leaders have just completed a session on "Developing and Owning Your Brand", which is part of the "Create Purpose" focus area of the programme. Developed by our Talent and Leadership Partners Ashley Baxter and Marc Muir, the session focused on identifying and defining participants' distinctive brands and value propositions, as well as recognising the necessity of extending their brand's influence.
The session was fittingly held at citizenM in Glasgow - a new breed of hotel. A brand full of attitude, showcasing a strong but fun personality, citizenM is a "hybrid hotel that isn't just a place to sleep, but somewhere to work, relax, and play. To meet like-minded people and get inspired. Somewhere to feel at home the moment you walk through the door."
Did you know that the UK has an estimated 53 million active social media users? And on average, each user spends approximately 110 minutes of their day interacting with these digital platforms? With this data in mind, our Marketing Specialist, Kirstin Gault, joined the session to demonstrate that when building a personal brand, your presence on social media needs to create the right impression - how you professionally show up in person should also be reflected digitally.
Thank you to our guest speaker, Derek McNab, Managing Director of Mabbett, who shared a presentation of the importance of embracing personal values, being authentic and being mindful of the footprints each and every one of us leave on others. Packed with advice, tips, best practice, business case studies, and strategic insights, Derek also gifted our Emerging Leaders with a copy of "Embrace the Space: Inspirational insight from a decade of delivering social media training to businesses that give a damn!" by Gary Ennis and Colin Kelly.
Session Feedback
Session feedback from some of our Emerging Leaders;
"Really enjoyed Derek's talk - very inspirational."
"Ashley was very engaging and interactive - interesting topic."
"Good blend of learning (presentations, questions, and activities)."
"Really well presented as always. Social media outlook was interesting, and good talk and interaction with Derek."
"I found the information on social media really interesting and the speech from Derek was enlightening and informative."
Q&A With Emerging Leader, Myria Monoyiou
Tell us about you… what’s your work history to date?
My name is Myria Monoyiou, and I work within the Mabbett Environmental Engineering Team in Glasgow.
My journey began in 2014 when I moved to Glasgow (from Cyprus) to study Process & Chemical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.
In the summer of 2017, I undertook a research internship with my university, which was funded by BP, where I conducted a research project on Human factors in the Oil & Gas Industry. The research focused on ‘Behavioural Operational Research’ and how it can be applied to improve Process Safety.
In the summer of 2018, I obtained a placement through the highly esteemed and sought-after Saltire Scholar programme by Entrepreneurial Scotland where I was given the opportunity to work for Petroleum Experts in Edinburgh.
In 2019 I undertook a placement with Mabbett, where I was able to complete my master’s thesis and was later offered a permanent position as an Environmental Engineer. I am currently transitioning into the Process Engineering Team.
Who or what inspired you to peruse the career you have today?
My Dad’s background is in mechanical engineering, and he has incredible DIY skills. In fact, I call him the Swiss army handy man – here to assist with all your electrical, joinery and construction work needs!
Ever since I was a kid I was drawn by my Dad’s practical skills and whenever he was working on a DIY project (which was ALL the time!), I would follow him around with my own toolbox (initially filled with toy tools, later replaced with real ones).
Later in school I really enjoyed and excelled in physics, chemistry and maths. After going to some career fairs with my dad I made the decision to study Chemical and Process Engineering.
Without a doubt my dad’s influence shaped my practical/thinking personality traits, and in combination with my love for STEM these lead to my chosen career path.
Can you provide details of a professional accomplishment in the group that you are proud of?
With the support of my manager I was able to develop the Glint & Glare service currently offered by Mabbett by self-learning how to use the modelling software, researching/gathering information on relevant legislation and best practice guidance, developing assessment methodology and core report structure/contents, developing proposals and budgeting for projects as well as delivering the majority of Glint & Glare assessment projects to date, training other colleagues and developing internal training material for the team.
We now get regular enquiries for this service both from returning and new clients, which is exciting to see.
What inspires you, and do you have any personal goals that you are hoping to achieve?
I like to learn and experience new things, particularly when it comes to food/drink and culture, so my long-term goal is to scratch off as many countries as possible from my scratch map while sampling the local cuisine abroad!
Professionally my short-term goals are to complete my transition into the Process Engineering Team and become a Chartered Engineer.
What motivates and energises you at work?
I like technically challenging projects and working with people from different backgrounds giving me the opportunity to draw from their knowledge and expertise. I also like to share my own knowledge and learnings with my teammates, particularly when it comes to my younger colleagues. I was a graduate not that long ago and I understand the importance of having someone to support you through your first professional steps.
Which of our Core Values means the most to you and why?
Demonstrate Integrity and Respect. You can never form any meaningful and strong relationships/connections with others without integrity and respect.
