What was your journey to your current career and role? 

My journey to my current career and role has been an exciting and fulfilling one. Upon completing an Engineering degree in Geotechnology, I explored different opportunities and realised that my passion lies in building safer places for people. When I moved to the UAE to grow my career and explore the world, I was introduced to the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code and that’s when my journey to my current role began. I'm excited about the possibilities that this path holds and eager to continue learning and growing in this field. 

What makes you proud to work for Siderise? 

I take pride in working for Siderise because it allows me to contribute to the construction and fire safety industry, where female representation is typically low. I feel proud to be one of the women to come forward and deliver myself. 

Who inspires you? 

I draw inspiration from several people. My sister Jessy stands out as someone who has greatly influenced me for her independence, resilience, and empowerment. Professionally, my senior Yousuf and Sreenivas (Narayanan) have been instrumental in guiding and motivating me to excel in this industry. 

What does the future hold for you? 

My aspiration is to become an influential female leader in the industry, recognised for my contributions and achievements. I aim to make a lasting impact and be synonymous with success in this dynamic field. 

How do you embody the company values in your work?  

These values aren't just part of the current company ethos; they have been integral to my approach for over 40 years. They serve as the foundation of how I conduct myself both professionally and personally, shaping my interactions and decisions in and out of the workplace. 

What does the future hold for you? 

My aspirations for the future revolve around elevating APAC's presence within Siderise, expanding beyond the current 12 countries I oversee. With the right support, I aim to significantly increase our sales contribution in the region. There's immense potential for growth in Siderise's largest geographical area, and I'm committed to being an integral part of realising that potential. 

What did you want to be when you were younger? 

As a child, my dream was to become an architect, fascinated by the process of shaping buildings and spaces.  

Can you see any links to that and what you do now? 

Absolutely. My childhood aspiration to become an architect laid the foundation for my current career trajectory, spanning over 40 years. Although I didn't pursue architecture directly, the link between my childhood dream and my current role is unmistakable.  

What’s been the biggest career challenge you have faced? 

The most significant career challenge I encountered was navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As someone who thrives on personal interaction and collaboration, the restrictions brought about by the pandemic posed a considerable hurdle.  

What was your journey to your current career and role? 

My journey in the Indian Façade Industry started in 1995, since then I have worked in many roles from manufacturing and operations to sales and marketing. Perhaps the biggest change my career saw was when I decided to venture into entrepreneurship in 2012. The journey continued until 2019, when my partners and I decided to sell our business to a US multinational corporation. In 2022, Siderise beckoned as a new chapter. 

What’s the most exciting part of your work? 

Sales has been a very exciting part of my career, but at Siderise India, it's more than just sealing deals; it's ensuring people’s safety. It’s simple: the more effort we put in, the safer our people are! 

What makes you proud to work for Siderise? 

It's the dedication to human safety and the unyielding commitment to integrity that sets us apart. Knowing that every day's work contributes to safeguarding lives and upholding honesty fills me with pride. 

What does the future hold for you?  

I see myself leading Siderise solutions into newer markets in SAARC and hopefully I will continue at Siderise until my retirement. 

What was your journey to your current career and role? 

My career began on 12th May 1992, as a Sales Administrator at Siderise Special Products. I was initially tasked with customer liaison and inputting sales orders into our DOS-based computer system. My role gradually expanded, and I began creating manufacturing documents, often handwritten at the time, and coordinating deliveries both internally and externally with the customer. Over time, I assumed responsibility for stock control, costing enquiries, creating quotations, and winning business. The experience gained from working with manufacturing and suppliers gave me the confidence I needed to start winning business, and this evolved to where I am today. 

What’s the most exciting part of your work? 

Customer service isn't just a role for me; it's in my DNA. If I can meet and continuously exceed our customers’ expectations, then I’m content to go home at the end of the day knowing I’ve given my best. I don’t see customers as people we can make money from, more as industry friends and partners. I know if we have achieved all their expectations, they will continue to buy from us. People buy from people, and trust is a massive factor in this transaction. 

What qualities does someone need to develop to get started in a career at Siderise? 

Be personable and humble, with a desire to learn. No one can be successful on their own, and so it is important to ask for and accept help from your colleagues so that we can grow as a team together.  

What’s been the biggest career challenge you have faced? 

Learning to use a computer! 

What was your journey to your current career and role? 

My career has been dedicated to international shipping. I joined my previous employment as a shipping clerk in 1989 - 2021 and my career was spent in coordinating international and export shipping until I was made redundant. I then joined Siderise to head up their growing export department.

How do you embody the company values in your work? 

I have always worked in a customer focused environment where their success is our success. I always strive to deliver the best level of service I can, recognising the contributions everyone makes and ensuring accuracy every step of the way.

What qualities does someone need to develop to get started in a career at Siderise?

Enthusiasm, ambition, tenacity, a “can do” attitude and the ability to be a team player.

Who inspires you?

Julia Roberts – one of the most famous women in the world whose success and reputation has been won on her own terms. 

What brings you joy inside or outside of work? 

My daughter, travelling, long walks and being by the seaside!

What was your journey to your current career and role?

I was appointed at Siderise in 2008. Coming from an Operational /Business Services background, I joined the internal team as a sales agent which progressed into a supervisory role. Being a smaller family run business back then, my time in this role allowed me to build my knowledge of the company and how it operates. Which enabled me to build strong relationships within the industry. My aspiration to have a greater understanding of our products and how they influence the construction market, led me to ask questions like ‘why’ and ‘how’ we do what we do. After developing my knowledge, I joined the Siderise Technical Services team of engineers which developed into my current role of Technical Services Manager.  

What’s the most exciting part of your work?

I have an amazing team of skilled engineers who are very supportive and share the same vision and dedication and goals.  The construction and manufacturing industry is fast paced and always evolving, which brings versatility. As a team, we can contribute our experiences and skills to the market. We provide unique services to the industry and to be a part of that process is very rewarding. My role can be very challenging at times, but this pushes me to my best potential, which offers a great sense of accomplishment once these challenges are overcome.  

What makes you proud to work for Siderise?

I am proud of my team! Siderise has created a large Technical Services provision, appointing the best people to support our customers.

What qualities does someone need to develop to get started in a career at Siderise?

At Siderise, professionalism is non-negotiable. We treat every customer with respect and courtesy, adhering to the highest standards of conduct. Our unwavering commitment to excellent customer service is not just a goal; it's our ongoing mission to enhance fire safety and build lasting partnerships within the passive fire protection sector.

What’s the most exciting part of your work? 

For me, the most rewarding aspect is the opportunity to mentor and impart knowledge to younger colleagues. My ethos has always been that I like to leave things better than I found them, so I want to share what I have learnt. Plus, I still get a tremendous  buzz from the innovative projects and overseas expansion endeavours of the company! 

What qualities does someone need to develop to get started in a career at Siderise? 

One word: curiosity. You must have an interest in what you do, and keep on asking questions all day, every day. Siderise is a business built on seeking solutions, and having a questioning nature will help you succeed.  

What did you want to be when you were younger? Can you see any links to that and what you do now? 

I was a grammar school boy, and after completing my GCSEs, I aspired to be a lawyer. While circumstances led me down a different path, I've found parallels between my early interest in law and my current role. 

What brings you joy inside or outside of work? 

Family, especially my seven grandkids, and counting! 

What’s the best piece of career advice you have received? 

Success is 90% perspiration and 10% inspiration. You can be bright, but you have to be prepared to turn up and do the work to get where you want to go.  

What was your journey to your current career and role?  

After a degree in construction management and a robust background in the timber frame industry, I started at Siderise back in 2020 as a Technical Services Engineer. I eventually transitioned into the role of Training Manager in 2022. 

What qualities does someone need to develop to get started in a career at Siderise?  

A willingness to learn is key. We operate in a vital section within the construction industry and a desire to understand the importance of our product is vital. 

Who inspires you?  

Two people stand out: Rob Burrow and Billy Connolly, for similar reasons. Both people are going through different but serious health challenges, but rather than retreating to the shadows they have used their fame to publicise their conditions and increase support and understanding. 

What does the future hold for you? 

I really enjoy the work that I do and want to continually expand our training offer to the industry. Competency isn’t a short-term buzzword, it’s here to stay. I want to make sure that Siderise keep driving competency in the industry. 

What’s been your greatest achievement inside or outside of work?  

Raising three healthy and lively young boys and somewhat being able to keep them in check is quite the accomplishment! 

What’s the most exciting part of your work? 

The most exciting part of my work is the sheer variety and scope of projects we tackle both locally in the UK and on a global scale. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, keeping me constantly engaged and inspired. 

How do you embody the company values in your work?  

Living and breathing our company values is not just a checkbox for me. It's woven into the fabric of every interaction I have, whether it's with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders. 

Who inspires you? 

Inspiration comes in many forms, but for me, it's those who dare to challenge the status quo. Icons like Mary Portas, who revolutionised the world of retail, Coco Chanel, a visionary in the fashion industry, and Richard Branson, the epitome of entrepreneurial spirit. 

What’s the best piece of career advice you have received? 

"Believe you can, and you will."  

What’s been the biggest career challenge you have faced? 

If I were to pinpoint the biggest challenge in my career, it would undoubtedly be re-entering the workforce after taking a break to focus on raising my son before he started full-time education. 

What’s been your greatest achievement inside or outside of work? 

Getting to see my son grow and thrive. And being a finalist in the Welsh national boxing championships! 

What was your journey to your current career and role?

My father ran a civil contracting business, so I have grown up with a passion for the construction industry, with many opportunities to spend time on sites and be a part of the day to day operations. I was also passionate about sales, pursuing a master’s degree in business administration with specialisations in Finance and Sales.

My career journey in sales took off in 2006 when I began working at Brovis Wireless Networks. Relocating to Dubai in 2007, I joined Speciality Coatings. In 2014, I ventured into a new chapter with General International, Siderise's UAE distributor. 

Transitioning to Siderise itself in 2016, I became the first employee appointed outside the UK, initially serving as a Sales Officer. Since then, I have embraced various roles within Siderise, including Specification Development, General Management, and technical roles. Today, I proudly represent Siderise in a global capacity.

How do you embody the company values in your work?

Being in the fire and life safety industry, the advice we offer provide critical protection for occupants, providing them with a safe environment and a peace of mind. In my work, I am constantly striving for betterment, whether that be through learning or sharing my knowledge and experiences to teach others and ensure passive fire protection can be done right the first time, every time. 

Who inspires you?

I take inspiration from our Director, Steve Swales, and our CEO, Adam Turk. Their encouragement, integrity and vision motivate me greatly in my own work. 

What does the future hold for you?

The company’s entry into the North American Market is the next big phase, and to be part of this team is exciting and challenging.

What’s been the biggest career challenge you have faced?

When working around the world, navigating cultural differences can be difficult. From communication styles and decision-making processes to work ethics and workplace norms, codes and practices, every country and their jurisdiction is different. Bridging these gaps requires a lot of patience and a willingness to learn.