A Week in My Life: Lisa Maynard-Atem, Marketing and Inclusion Director, Acacia Training

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by Samuel Pordengerg Mar 20, 2023 News
A Week in My Life: Lisa Maynard-Atem, Marketing and Inclusion Director, Acacia Training

There are a number of hats worn by Lisa Maynard- Atem.

She is a board member of The Black United Representation Network, an organisation focused on the social and economic empowerment of the black community in the north of england.

She is a member of the board of the Blair Project, a social enterprise that is working to accelerate the world's transition to net zero through sustainable motor sport. She is also a non-executive director of MBH Corporation.

What a busy week Lisa had.

Monday

I start my day at 5 am. I wake up, get ready for work, have some breakfast, and then open my computer. It is hard to wake up early, but it makes a huge difference as I can get a lot done before 9am which is when the world of work usually starts.

Board members and directors meet on Mondays to get ready for the next week. Mondays are used to deal with anything challenging or business critical. I think it's important to tackle the tough stuff first so that you don't have to do it again.

It makes work even more enjoyable for me, as I can focus on being creative, coming up with ideas, and thinking outside the box. It can be enjoyable on Mondays. I went on a site visit of the new Soho House Manchester which was followed by a get together and meal at The Blackfriars for all committee members. It's the least popular day of the week and a perfect end to it with good food and fine wine.

Tuesday

I go into the office on this day. I like to get out and see people when I work from home. I use them to discuss any pressing matters with my colleagues and check in on them from a wellbeing point of view. On Tuesdays, I talk about the topics of the day, whether it's your favourite old school sweets or the latest government shenanigans, on the radio station.

It is back to more meetings once the radio show is over. It is difficult to market a training provider that has won an award. I revisit the strategy and review it to see what changes need to be made in order to remain relevant. It's important that everything you do is current but flexible because agility is so important.

On a Wednesday, campaign meetings are usually held. Various stakeholders come together from across the organization to report/ discuss performance - what's working and what isn't alongside possible new ideas to be road tested and revenue. Stakeholders have to take away and work on a number of tasks at the end of every meeting.

I have a lot of time to prepare for International Women's Day. I am passionate about social justice and the need for greater equality, diversity and inclusion across society as a whole, and I take every appropriate opportunity to talk about these issues. Visibility and representation are important. I want girls and women to know that it's possible for them to occupy these spaces as well. I need to use the position I am in to show other people what is possible because I never saw anyone like me growing up.

Thursday

The MBH board members and I record content on Thursdays. We talk about investing, sharing best practice, and other topics.

It is one of my favorite things to do. Hearing how others approach their work and overcome challenges give me insight into how their business became successful. We often have conversations and debates about how we can strengthen this particular footprint.

Friday

A very early morning session is what sets me up for the weekend. Even though I don't like exercise, I make sure to do it every week. I need to be at my best.

To make sure that any tasks that haven't been completed this week are at the top of my to do list for the next week, I need to look at any tasks that haven't been completed this week. I follow up on critical matters and wrap up any loose ends. Most people are in weekend mode so I don't have meetings on a Friday.

Work and play can't be the only things life has to offer. I will be travelling to London to see my sister and brother-in-law if they don't go on strike.