How has your experience prepared you for your current role?
My career in Marketing at Canon has given me a broad exposure to the overall business both in terms of internal processes and the external commercial environment. I have also learnt that it is critical to build strong relationships with other functions, particularly sales. In my current role I’m no longer directly managing people as it is more of a project manager type role. I still feel that having people management experience is essential because while you might not be managing people directly, you are managing a number of project teams within which all the individuals may have different objectives and different levels of commitment to the project. What were the turning points in your career?
There were two real turning points. Firstly I moved into a senior role earlier than I had anticipated when a position became vacant unexpectedly and I took the opportunity. It was a big change as I was suddenly reporting to the Managing Director. It was a challenging move, and the MD certainly expected me to prove myself. As well as being a challenge, reporting to the MD really opens your eyes to the critical issues within the business. The other big turning point was having children. Until then I had thought of my career as on a continuous upwards trajectory and was happy to work 24/7. It’s a cliché but I really do now place more emphasis on work/life balance, and have had to reconsider my career path. How has Canon supported you in your career?
The most valuable support Canon has given me is allowing me to work flexibly and to reduce my hours. Some companies definitely struggle with the concept of flexible working at a senior level. Canon isn’t one of them. When I moved into my current role, it was a big change, from managing a large number of people to managing projects without any people reporting to me directly. As a manager, you often value your role by the number of people working for you. Changing both my own and others perceptions of this has been quite challenging. My current role is in Business Transformation which is all about planning and driving through change. We need to ensure we are in the right shape and have the right processes in place for the UK CCI business to continue to be successful. We want to be best in class. Canon has given me the opportunity to move roles when I have needed to. Sometimes you reach a point where you no longer find what you do challenging and interesting enough. If you are ready for a new opportunity, and let others know that you are, Canon will definitely support you. How could we improve employee development in Canon?
I think we are much better than we used to be; there is more career planning support available and managers are encouraged to actively discuss and take an interest in their employees’ career development. We’ve become better at thinking more long term, and are less task-centric. Obviously we still need to get the task done but we’re better at considering the developmental needs of individuals. We do need to be more active in encouraging people to move around the company, and to move out of their comfort zone. This exposure to different areas broadens skill sets, and opens people’s eyes to opportunities that they may not have been aware of before. Working with different people and for different managers is also very important, because you can learn a lot about how to manage and communicate more effectively. How has working in different business units helped your career progression?
It has definitely broadened my business knowledge. You need to be prepared to move where the opportunities are. You can’t sit and wait for it. Do you have any advice to people looking to progress in their career?
Be open to opportunities you would not otherwise consider. I’d not considered moving outside marketing before the opportunity came up. You need to make sure others know you and have an idea of your capabilities. You have to take control of your career; it is after all your responsibility. What is your own approach to career development?
Don’t plan too rigidly, because you could miss opportunities by being too focused on your plan. Be prepared to make a sideways move, and don’t be frightened to move out of your comfort zone. Why would you recommend Canon as an employer?
I would recommend Canon because there are a huge variety of roles in Canon, and the company is genuinely supportive of you and your career. If you have proved your capability and commitment the company will work with you to support your career choices – even if that means working less hours. Why have you stayed with Canon?
For all the reasons I have already mentioned. Also, the overall benefits package is good, and the pension is fantastic. A lot of people just look at their basic salary, but Canon offers more, a lot more.
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