"The Inspiration Behind Establishing Countryside Resources: A Personal Journey"

I've been working in the corporate world since I was 18. I have had an amazing career, the experiences (not all good) I've had along the way have provided the foundations for who I am professionally and personally.

I started out as a data entry clerk for a big transport company, at 21 I moved to London working for the same company but now on the London Underground. I went from a Service Delivery Manager to a Production Manager for the Northern Line where I managed large teams of maintenance technicians, I even learned to drive the trains! At 25 I moved to London Trams as Senior Production Manager, and it was there that I was first introduced to Project Management.

At 30 I had my daughter and moved from Surrey to Dorset. I was worried that as a woman with a young child my career options would be limited. What I wasn't expecting was how I would change, and how my attitude towards work would be different.

After a year of maternity leave it was time for me to find where I fit in, this led me to a career in the defence industry. I spent some time in the civil service delivering projects on the Wildcat helicopters but found working for the clunky civil service frustrating. I joined a consultancy business and spent a fun year at Army Headquarters helping to make improvements within the Army's portfolio office, but once that contract expired, I was exposed to the acquisitive side of consultancy that did not match my own values. I am still employed in the defence industry for a company I really value, however, as I said earlier my attitude is different now and in October 2023 I went to volunteer for an organisation that would (I'm about to be really dramatic!) change my life.

If you have looked at my Facebook page, you will find lots about The Heard Therapy CIC. At first my intention was to be around horses again while supporting a good cause, but in The Heard Therapy CIC I have found so much more. The organisation needed someone to help with its fundraising strategy, applying for grants and helping to expand its outreach. In the last few months, I have learned a lot about the third sector and about the groups that the sector supports. I have met some incredible people, people who will be friends for life, and not to mention rediscovered my love for horses! Through this my confidence has grown, I am no longer afraid to put myself out there and do something I love, which is to help people grow and succeed.

Anne 🌳