I could not be prouder of the journey I have been on, or with the company that supported me and believed in me for the last twelve years. I still love what I do and look forward to continuing my Audley journey. Just remember It’s not what we do, it’s why we do it that counts!
Susan McLean, Operations Director
I actually didn’t on the day itself. I’m embarking on the next stage of my career journey, in my new role as Operations Director, so that in itself feels like a milestone.
Extremely proud. I feel like I’m really invested in our company values. I never expected when I took time out to raise my family that I would one day be lucky enough to have this huge opportunity.
I was Club Services Supervisor, then CSM (equivalent to Operations Manager) then Village Manager, then General Manager, then Regional Operations Director, and now Operations Director for the Group. Having first hand experience in those roles definitely helps me to appreciate the challenges our team members face, which in turn enables me to better support and guide them in their role.
Several years ago my Operations Director gave me a book ‘Start with why – How great leaders inspire everyone to take action’ which was inspiring to me. It sounds simple but it really made me think about what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. I became really focused on opening my mind to the fact that I wasn’t starting again, I was picking up where I left off before I had my family. I pushed myself and continued to drive forward, which I still do.
As a child I wanted to be a librarian, but as I’m one of the most energic people on the planet my mum told me that was ridiculous. I’m a people person, and I thrive in a busy environment, so I’d say my career path has brought me to exactly where I should be.
I enjoyed the coaching. I learned a lot from that, coupled with re-reading my book. I went on a bit of a self-discovery journey.
It was invaluable and very well-timed. The training started in 2019, but was massively impacted by the pandemic so most of the training was on the job. Our first challenge in that role was guiding the villages through covid.
Yes, the Operations Manager In Training and General Manager In Training programmes continue to be well-received by all at Audley.
It supports people already in role by supporting their training and development, to give them the tools to be their best selves, and for others it gives them an opportunity to progress. In both cases it supports them in their journey with Audley. Because we’re unique in what we do, there isn’t an off-the-shelf solution. With the Academy’s support, we open it up to everyone who’s on that pathway, as long as they are willing and dedicated.
We’ve had successes from both programmes, and we’ve seen people excel when they thoroughly deserve to. I believe in paying it forward. I was given so many opportunities that others also deserve. As long as they want it and they put in the work. I’d say this is probably my most enjoyable part of the role, it’s genuinely rewarding. I am forever grateful that people gave that time to support me.
I’m also thankful to all the stakeholders that help drive this forward – I rely on stakeholders across the group to give their time to support the GMIT and OMIT training. It speaks volumes about our culture at Audley.
At Audley, good is at the heart of everything we do. It’s about more than just making a profit – it’s about building a better future for our homeowners and our team members, and a big part of that future is dependant on taking better care of our planet. We all have a role to play and every change for the better, no matter how small, is a positive step forward.
We are continuously driving forward positive change at our villages. I’m delighted that we now have electric car charging points at all villages. Things have come on a long way in the last 12 months.
Due to the proximity of the villages I’m conscious to create an ongoing circular route, to keep commute to a minimum. I make sure my commute is productive for thinking time.
I like Steve Bartlett (British entrepreneur) podcasts and I love to listen to Radio 1. I like the early morning breakfast quiz on Radio 1.
Not for a long time – I don’t plan to give up working any time soon. Although some of our owners continue to work in some capacity long after they move in, so who knows.
As my Nanan used to say, today you’re my favourite. Every village feels like my favourite when I’m there.
We’re the leading retirement village operator in the sector and I’m really proud to have been with Audley since we had only 4 villages. We now have 19. I’m really proud to have been part of that journey and we’ve all evolved together.
