Jerry L.
About me
| Jerry L. | |
| Social and Political Science | |
| Social Science | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Alcuin | |
| 1975 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| United Kingdom |
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My career goals when I graduated
I had none other than to live life to the full and explore my options.
My career history
After Uni I spent time as a Youth Worker and part time teacher, followed by child care for my young son, before starting my first business with no knowledge of business and no money. For the last 30 + years I have been growing my businesses, and writing about business issues.
What has helped my career to progress
Trial and error, persistence, creative ideas, surrounding myself with people who do their jobs better than I can.
What surprised me about my career so far
When I left York I never, ever expected to be in business. I imagined being an international journalist.
My advice to students considering work
If you know what you want to do, or the area you want to work in, get a job that will give you experience of the sector however lowly it might be. Experience is vital. If you dont know what you want to do try as many things as you can. Trying things out is the only way to know.
My advice about working in my industry
Most of my career was in the wine business, with the emphasis very much on the business side. See the above answer for how to get going.
Contacting me
If you have a business idea, for profit or a social business, and would like help with the issues to consider when starting or growing it I can comment and guide.
What I do
Over the last 30 years I have started and built a number of for profit and social businesses. I am currently Chairman of a 25 person wine distribution and brand building company. My primary responsibility is leading the strategic growth, enabling the senior team to decide where they want to take the business and then developing step by step plans across all areas of the business to get from point A today to point B in a few years time
Skills I use and how I developed them
Inspiring, challenging, guiding and congratulating others in performing their roles as best they can; encouraging teamwork. I learnt over the years through trial and error that listening to, and understanding, others is key.
What I like most
Seeing the team come up with an idea or a plan and then collectively making it happen.
What I like least
People not doing what they say they will.
What surprised me most
The leadership of the company I work with have boundless dynamism and positivity in a tough market. There is no doubt this creates a brilliant atmosphere for people to work in and motivates clients and suppliers.
Next steps...
If you like the look of Jerry’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Jerry a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Jerry to be your mentor.