Page 44 - Gi flipbook August 2018

IGEM NEWS | Past President’s update

What I have gained the most,
though, is a great bunch of friends
who care and help, pick up the
phone when times are tough to
offer some words of comfort

CATCHING UP

WITH SHEILA

In her final column for Gi as President, Sheila Lauchlan opportunities as they arise and I know
talks about what IGEM means to her who to contact to resolve them or
take advantage of them.
s I approached the end of CPD current, by simply turning up My professional profile has been
my term as President, I you are supporting your Section. raised and I continue to be invited to
started to reflect on my I also encouraged my staff to attend express my opinion on certain matters.
time as an IGEM member by hosting events, arranging car share I have grown my own business and
A – what I’ve contributed and sometimes knocking off half an have gained a varied and interesting
and what I’ve gained. This is my IGEM. hour early to get to an event – that’s career as a result, giving me a
I joined the institution having worked how management can support it too. comfortable lifestyle and allowing
in the industry for many years I then joined the Section’s me to indulge in matters about
beforehand. My career was progressing management committee to help with which I am passionate.
well when I’d heard about the the organisation, which lead to me I rub shoulders with people at all
institution through work. It did help becoming a trustee, attending Council levels across the supply chain and
that two former Presidents held senior and joining other committees. have gained their respect. What I have
positions within the organisation. I spend my time reading reports, gained the most, though, is a great
Former President Richard Hadden reviewing applications, considering bunch of friends who care and help,
once said that you create your own budgets, assessing business cases, pick up the phone when times are
opportunities in life. I agree to an extent, assisting applicants and attending tough to offer some words of
but a bit of luck always helps too. conferences. I have to find a lot of comfort, who share their knowledge
What I think he meant was that time to fit these things in, as well as and wisdom generously and give
only you can make sure that you’re in travelling and juggling work and advice freely.
the best possible position to ensure income, particularly now that I am They have given me the confidence
the most favourable options available. self-employed. to take steps towards a goal I’d never
To that end, my goal was to become a What I gained, as well as imagined was in my grasp and have
professional engineer. professional registration, was a hung around to celebrate it with me.
I supported my Section by wider understanding of the energy I have donated many hours to IGEM
attending events, which is massively industry, from government policy to and I feel that I’ve paid my dues, but
important. A lot of hard work goes consumer concerns. what I have gained is immeasurable.
on behind the scenes to arrange Suppliers, service providers, IGEM provides many things to the
these, to secure speakers and manufacturers, network operators, industry, but at its heart it is a group
sponsors, and this is only possible if material specialists and advisers are of people, and what a wonderful,
there is an audience. As well as all in my address book. I have a quirky, mad, diverse, lovable bunch
gaining knowledge and keeping your greater understanding of issues and you are. That’s my IGEM. ■

44

IGEMNews_Sheila.indd 1 19/07/2018 16:23