We have recently had the pleasure of providing a work placement to Tom, a 2nd year graduate from Leeds University.
Having read about our MBO in 2023, Tom had approached us asking to shadow CEO, Victoria McEneaney to provide himself with a deeper understanding of business and leadership. In his own words, this is what Tom had to say about his experience:
"I recently had the incredible privilege of shadowing @Victoria (CEO of AFM). An opportunity that has deepened my fascination with business and leadership. This experience offered valuable insight into the skills and mindset required to lead and manage a dynamic organization, while equipping me with key lessons and practical knowledge in business.
From boardrooms to building sites – Here’s what I learned:
- Prioritising is essential: not everything can be achieved simultaneously
- Importance of Decisiveness: builds team confidence, clarity and direction
- Legislation: non-negotiable to stay informed
- Customer experience comes first: provides the foundation for success
- Business’s must be Nimble/ reactive: Dynamic external environment Risk management:
- (‘No Surprises’) - is essential to ‘survival’ and growth.
- External influence: should be monitored for business strategy and decision making
- Clarity of direction: Vital to guide and motivate a workforce.
- Relationships drive results:
- AFM’s people-first culture was a standout
Key takeaways / lessons from CEO:
“Be Curious”: ask questions, take advantage of knowledge and experience around you.
“You learn the most when the chips are down”: Personal growth comes through challenge, push yourself out of your comfort zone.
“Take risks”: Calculated risk provides opportunities for growth and learning: 'Create your own ‘luck’.
The benefit of “Lateral thinking”: key to problem solving and innovation.
Misconceptions
- CEO’s know everything: No leader has all the answers. True leadership is about adaptability and curiosity to ask the ‘right’ questions at the right time.
- No two organisations are the same: There is no ‘right’ way of running or directing a business.
Some Standout Moments from my time at AFM include:
- Attending Channel 103
- Business club Seminar
- Joining Viberts Law Seminar
- Update on discrimination + employment
- Engaging with the Minister of Economy at the Chamber of Commerce
- Sitting in on CRM meeting, Technical Manager Meeting and HSEQ meeting
- Site Visit – Quality control/ Productivity - Real World Case study
- Presenting solutions to CEO
- Researching the influence of AI/ Technology
- Preparing/ Pitching Strategic ideas to CEO
- Strategy day
- Daily De-briefs Reflection
Huge thanks to @Victoria for organizing and structuring such a unique two weeks as well as for the continued advice and mentorship throughout. Additionally, a massive thank you to the entire AFM Jersey Team for welcoming and supporting me during my time. This experience has:
- Allowed me to bridge the gap between theory and practice regarding business management.
- Demonstrated the reality and complexities of a real-world business.
- Given me a brief insight into the role of a CEO
- Provided me with clarity on the ‘bigger picture’ of business.
As I head into my penultimate year at The University of Leeds, I’m excited to continue developing my understanding of business, leadership and economics."
We were delighted to host Tom. As well as satisfying his own curiosity, we valued his insightful questions and feedback, bringing a fresh perspective on how we lead our business and the expectations of GEN Z!
AFM is committed to helping young people transition into the workplace and are keen to provide opportunities for work placements. If you are in full time education and would like to gain some insights into leading a business, please get in touch.