Carly Brooks

"Being in a leadership role, the 'Manager' personality type fits with what I do. To direct and lead a team especially through a lot of change, you need to have a personality that brings people together and be someone who people want to follow and support. It is also important to be someone who will listen and understand others ('Coach') and come up with ideas to improve things and makes things better for other people, both internally and in my role, for our customers."

"As Global Customer Service Director of a life sciences company, my job is to lead all the customer service teams based in different sites and countries around the world. My mission is to make our organisation as easy to do business with as possible, so scientists can spend more time on research and less time on administration. The company I work for often buy smaller scientific businesses, so I need to incorporate new scientific products, services and colleagues into our organisation and make sure the customer sees one brand and a smooth order process. This involves a lot of project planning to change and improve processes, a lot of dealing with people to help them feel happy and motivated, and understand the business and lots of travel to make sure I am up to date with what is happening at the different sites and with my team members. I really like having the ability to improve things, for internal employees and for customers. It is great to be in a position where I can have an idea and make it happen. I also love knowing that I work in an organisation that makes the world a better place - our company mission statement is 'Science for a Safer World' and I am very proud to be part of that. Although I don’t wear a lab coat, the work we do in Customer Service enables our customers to do their research and we aim to support them with quick and efficient service and great value to help further their work as fast as possible. Travel is also a great opportunity: I have been able to go to places such as Shanghai, San Francisco and Boston with my role."

"I first started as a part-time lab technician while studying, to start with I was mainly cleaning and making tea! I was taught to use a pipette, to run laboratory instrumentation and robotics, to read PCR results, then to manage projects and quote pricing to customers. From there I got into office and management roles and the rest is history. Having worked hands-on in the lab has definitely helped me to understand our products and our customers. I am often inspired by others who are relatively young and in leadership roles, especially women. I often look to the level above myself and think, if they can do it then so can I. There are lots of role models around and I've found they are often willing to meet for a coffee and give advice if you are brave enough to ask!"

"I live in Essex with my boyfriend and our rescue cat. I enjoy going on weekends away, meeting friends in London, having dinner parties and game nights, having beauty treatments and spending time with family. To relax, I enjoy getting my nails done and a glass of prosecco!"

"Typically I work from my local office in Hoddesdon, near London, but I could be at home, at one of our sites around the world, or on a plane/airport travelling there and back! I have lots of meetings, phone calls and workshops in my diary for the various projects I am leading or involved in, or to keep up to date with my team. As my role is global, most of those meetings are held over webcam, but where possible I like to meet face to face. In between meetings, I make notes to organise myself and keep my priorities and strategy clear in my mind. I write up PowerPoint presentations, answer emails and carry out other admin tasks."

"Secondary education (GCSE/O-Levels) GCSE Business Studies (A) IT (A) English Language (A) English Language (A) Religious Studies (A) French (B) Art (B) Textiles (B) Science Double Award (B) Maths (B) Statistics (B)Post secondary education (College, A-levels, NVQ3 or equivalent) A-Level Business Studies (A) IT (A) General Studies (A) Psychology (B) AS Level Art (B)Undergraduate degree (BSc, BA, etc.) BA Hons Business Studies (2:1 classification)Change Management Foundation and Accredited Practitioner level from Change Management InstituteNet Promoter System Accredited Associate (Customer Satisfaction system)PRINCE2 Project Management Foundation and Practitioner Emerging Leader Programme Various work based courses such as sales training, management skills, creating a great workplace culture, customer service, train the trainer"