Join the FM train, let’s go on a journey

When I joined Student Living by Sodexo back in 2016 little did I know what was ahead of me and the journey I was about to embark on. As it turned out it was a great career move for me. As we celebrate World FM Day 2020, Fiona Stewart shares her journey so far.

When I joined Student Living by Sodexo back in 2016 little did I know what was ahead of me and the journey I was about to embark on. As it turned out it was a great career move for me.

Initially joining a global organisation such as Sodexo was quite scary but exciting at the same time, the contract I was about to manage had already been mobilised and I was about to take the FM services into the stabilisation phase.

I was responsible for a large team all of which were reliant on me to guide them. I had to learn Sodexo’s systems, policies, processes and procedures, understand the contract, build client relationships, meet lots of new stakeholders, deliver compliant FM services, ensure day to day operations are delivered safely, grow my network internally and externally, support with business growth, review and contribute to our strategic business plan - pretty normal stuff I hear you say.

Did I achieve all of the above? Absolutely and more, with the support of a great team I may add.

First stop 2018

I won an industry award! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would win and receive such fantastic recognition.

My colleague was also up for an award on the night, I remember being sat at the table at the PFM awards in 2018 and my colleague’s name was shouted, he had won the Rising Star award, we were all absolutely thrilled for him.

The next category was ‘Account Director of the Year’ I was a finalist in this category, and I remember thinking, there is no way that another Sodexo person will win, but I was wrong, the next moment the presenter said the words and the winner is, there was a slight pause before I heard two words I didn’t expect, my name, Fiona Stewart.  It was me I had won I was over the moon.

 

Next stop: 2019

What a fantastic year, 2019 was for me. Three major events happened.

Firstly, I completed the IWFM level six extended diploma qualification. I had enrolled in the course in 2017 and had opted to have face to face workshops as this suited my learning style. Prior to me attending my first workshop my tutor did contact me to say that other learners on the same course weren’t able to make this workshop due to other commitments.

Fabulous, I thought, I will learn so much and would really relish this opportunity of the one to one tuition. My god it was tough, he challenged me, tested my knowledge, told me directly when I was waffling, but he also praised the good work I did. I went away from that first workshop thinking ‘Fiona what have you done?’ I struggled greatly with my first assignment and did have thoughts about not continuing.

Sodexo sponsored me to do this qualification and there was no way I could let my employer down; I wasn’t going to let myself down either. I was going to it no matter how tough it was, I always say to my team, ‘you have to challenge yourself’ I had to practice what I preach.

Studying again as a ‘very’ mature student was difficult, I managed to complete my first assignment and from there, with eight more assignments to complete, I set myself a target.

Between each workshop I had a six-week gap, my target was that I would complete each assignment before I attended my next workshop. Ok, so sometimes I didn’t achieve and keep to my target, but I wasn’t far off.

When I submitted each completed assignment to my training provider, I waited in anticipation to get the message ‘you have met all of the learning outcomes for the assignment’ I did a little happy dance each time, but I have to admit those words really did make me smile and determined to complete the next one.

Although, there were times when I got a message saying ‘you have gone completely off on a tangent and used to many words’ back to the drawing board for me! I then managed to complete all nine assignments three months ahead of my two-year deadline.

Secondly, I won another award - IWFM Manager of the Year, unfortunately I was unable to attend on the night, I was gutted, however my colleagues kept me updated with videos and I am sure they drunk my quota of alcohol. What was happening? I had won two industry awards in the space of a year.

Thirdly, I was put forward to be part of the Advance Senior Managers programme in 2019, to be selected to go on the programme is so special, Advance is an internal Sodexo development programme for people who are recognised in the business as having high potential for further career progression. What an absolute honour, I felt so privileged to be one of the chosen ones.

This programme was the icing on the cake for me, I learnt so much about myself, worked with some amazing colleagues, grew my network substantially, and generally had a really great time.

As we celebrate the FM industry this week I wanted to share my story and hope it inspires others and helps and supports those who may have doubts about what they can achieve or goals that they feel they may never reach.

There have been many occasions in my career where I have had doubts, and I have asked myself questions such as, can I do this? what if?

It is important to reflect on why we ask ourselves these questions, why do we create tension for ourselves? We do we have little bursts of anxiety. Why, because as a human being we don’t want to look silly, we don’t want to embarrass or humiliate ourselves.

Putting things into context, how many times have we really made an absolute fool of ourselves? Very few I would have thought.

How many times have we made an error but gone away and thought about it, changed things and have learnt from it? It’s ok for this to happen, it’s ok to make mistakes, we are human.

There have been many times in my career where I have felt these emotions and asked myself those dreaded questions, the what if ones! However, I have learnt to turn those negative questions into positive ones.

I recall when I attended the IWFM qualifications award ceremony in London, Richard McCann’s spoke about ‘Resilience’. I listened to his story, I observed his style, I learnt so much from someone who I had never met before, and in such a short space of time.

Surround yourself with people who inspire you and give positive vibes, even if you take away something minimal, that little something could help you with your career development, build your confidence, help you manage your emotions.

If you have a goal don’t ever doubt that you won’t achieve it, you will. Always turn negatives into positives, this will help you succeed.

If stepping out of your comfort zone means taking a risk and potentially making a mistake, just do it.