My route into procurement was anything but traditional. I started out as a hairdressing apprentice at 16, where I learned quickly how to build trust, communicate well and adapt to people from every background. I did not realise it then, but those early lessons in service and human connection became the foundation of my career. I had always imagined myself working in an office one day, so I moved into local government and joined Essex County Council in commissioning and planning for adult social care. That’s where procurement found me. I suddenly found myself working through regulated processes that had real impact on people’s lives, and I loved the mix of structure, problem-solving and purpose. From there, I grew into category management, commercial roles and major programmes. Every step reinforced the same realisation: procurement is ultimately about people and shaping outcomes that genuinely matter.

What do you enjoy most about your current role at Mace Consult?

What has been your proudest achievement at Mace Consult so far?

Becoming a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply is one of my proudest achievements. It represents years of dedication to my profession and a responsibility to support others through mentoring, speaking and sharing knowledge. But I’m equally proud of the community we’ve built within Mace Consult.

Growing our procurement function from a small UK‑based team into a connected global capability has taken commitment, collaboration and belief. Watching colleagues step into new opportunities, find their voice and feel genuinely empowered has been incredibly meaningful.

If I had to choose a single theme, it would be impact: the moments where I’ve helped teams find clarity in complexity, supported clients through difficult decisions or created spaces where people feel seen and supported. Those are the achievements that stay with me, and they’re the reason I love what I do.

Why Mace Consult?

I joined Mace Consult four and a half years ago because it offered the opportunity to help build a centralised procurement and supply chain function at a time of rapid growth. The team was small, around eight people, but the ambition was huge.

I loved the idea of shaping governance, service offerings and sector‑led capability, especially in government work, where I already had experience. What struck me immediately, though, was the culture. Mace Consult genuinely encourages people to be themselves and to bring ideas that challenge the status quo. I started on government‑focused programmes, partnering with clients like the Ministry of Justice and Parliament, and quickly became involved in building the function and supporting our growth. What truly hooked me was the belief that procurement isn’t just a process, it’s a strategic enabler of impact, relationships and outcomes.

What motivates you every day?

My motivation is always rooted in people. Whether I’m mentoring a colleague, supporting a team during a challenging moment or helping a client navigate complexity, I’m driven by the belief that small acts of support create long‑lasting impact.

I’m energised by growth, my own and others’. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing people discover strengths they didn’t know they had or step into new spaces with confidence. That’s why public speaking, writing and mentoring mean so much to me, they’re ways of elevating our profession and building communities of learning.

Purpose also plays a huge role. Procurement isn’t always the headline topic, but when done well, it shapes how major programmes succeed. Helping teams understand that and embedding great practice into everyday work is what keeps me motivated.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into what you do?

I’d say start by being genuinely curious about people, because procurement is ultimately about relationships, not processes. If you enjoy understanding how things work, asking good questions and helping others make confident decisions, you’re already halfway there.

Don’t worry about having the “perfect” background. Mine certainly wasn’t linear, and that’s been a strength. Every experience, even the ones that seem completely unrelated, teaches you something valuable about communication, service and judgement. Bring all of that with you.

Also, don’t wait until you feel 100% ready. Some of the best opportunities appear when you’re slightly out of your comfort zone, and that’s usually where the real learning happens. Say yes, stay open, and trust that you can grow into the role.

You've worked in both the UK and Saudi Arabia. How has that shaped you?

Moving to Saudi Arabia was a transformative experience, personally and professionally. I arrived without a fixed idea of what my role would become but quickly saw the scale of ambition and the rare opportunity to help shape procurement for national‑level programmes. The culture is incredibly warm, driven and united by purpose, and that environment encourages you to bring your best self.

Working in the Middle East expanded my perspective on what procurement can be. Instead of operating within established structures, I was often building them, developing frameworks, defining governance and supporting clients as a genuine strategic partner. It also strengthened my appreciation for global collaboration. Different cultures bring different strengths, and Mace Consult creates space for those perspectives to thrive. I’ve learned to navigate complexity with sensitivity, lead within multicultural environments and build trust across borders. It’s been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

Outside of work, I’m happiest when I’m creating, exploring or connecting with others. I love drawing and writing because they give me space to slow down and express myself without structure. I even started writing a book on commercial strategy in construction (still a work in progress but something I’m proud of!).

Living in Saudi Arabia has also deepened my love for the outdoors. I’m a sunset chaser with a camera roll full of photos, and I find genuine peace near the ocean, in open spaces or discovering new places. Reformer Pilates helps me switch off mentally while building strength and balance.

Community is really important to me, so I spend a lot of time with women’s groups, friends from all over the world and the “extended family” I’ve created here. These things leave me grounded, energised and better able to show up fully at work.