We value getting to know all about the clients we work with and the faces behind the brands and businesses. Naturally we expect you to want to know more about us too.

To help with that, we’ll be bringing you regular insights into our team, sharing what they love about their work, how they spend their time outside of the office, and what book or film they’re currently immersed in.

 

Cool, Calm, Client-Focused…Always Primed for a Run in the Trails

NAME – Liz Owers

ROLE – Head of Client Services

AREA YOU COVER – I have recently joined the team to lead our incredible team of consultants and the first class HR services that they deliver every day to our clients which really do Make a Difference. I will also be supporting MAD-HR to develop it’s presence and offering. I am lucky to also have the opportunity of supporting some clients myself.

Where do you live?

A village just outside Colchester

And who with? (Tell us as little or as much as you’re comfortable to, including spouses, children and pets)

Husband – James, our children Thomas 10 and Jessica 7 plus our Labrador – Freya!

Tell us a little about your career background:

It has always been HR for me. I was fortunate to get started through a summer placement during my time at University and everything clicked in terms of my studies and applying them in the real world. I spent some of my early career in SME consultancy and then progressed with internal roles at Musto and Helly Hansen until my last role which was as Group HR Director in the IT and recruitment sectors. I am really excited to return to the world of consultancy with the pace of a busy team and varied client base.

What do you most enjoy about your particular professional role?

I love that the world of business and therefore HR is so diverse with every client being at a different point of their HR journey. It is amazing to work with such a talented group of HR professionals who are all aligned in our PARIS values (passion, accountability, results, integrity and simplicity).

What attracted you into the world of HR?

HR activity is a central lynchpin to every business and it really allows you a privileged position of access to key stakeholders and make an impact.

Do you have a pet peeve about how others perceive your job?

When you are introduced to people and say “I work in HR” it is often met with a drawing of air and a perception of either tea and tissues or a heartless hatchet person. Great HR is neither of those things. It is commercial, pragmatic, respectful and empathetic. But yes, sometimes it does mean leading difficult conversations.

If you hadn’t gone into this type of work, what else were you destined to do?

I think that the other area that I connected with was marketing and brand. There are actually huge crossovers with strategic HR activity.

What one key thing do you feel people should know about MAD-HR that might surprise or delight them?

We may be small but we pack a mighty punch with the breadth of skills, knowledge and experience across our team.

What are you most looking forward to in the year ahead for MAD-HR?

Growth; I am excited to be a part of the growth of our client base and team, and supporting our internal development.

How would your colleagues describe you?

The sensible, calm and considered one.

Outside of work, do you have particular things you like to do or places you like to go regularly?

I love to run, particularly trail running which is great for the soul. This is key because I also love to eat and relish the opportunity to eat out at some of our amazing coffee shops, pubs and restaurants.

Do you volunteer, and if so, where and what drives you to do so?

I have been a governor at our village primary school for the last 6 years, which ultimately helps support the teaching and learning of children in school, including my own! I also qualified with UK Athletics as a Run Leader this year and volunteer by leading runs for the incredible Running Colchester Facebook community.

What do you love most about living in this part of the world?

I love the variety and ease of access to everything that we may need. Within a short space of time, I can be in the beautiful countryside of Constable Country, on incredible beaches such as Frinton and Walton or I can hop on a train to London or Norwich for city life and shopping. We really are very lucky.

How do you like to spend a day off? (Be as specific as you like)

Time with my family, some exercise and some great food.

Currently reading: I am just starting a book called Superfast – Lead at Speed after listening to the author, Sophie Devonshire talk as a keynote speaker at an event. The world is changing so quickly and she talked to many successful leaders to collate their lessons and successes.

Currently listening to: I regularly listen to The High Performance Podcast with Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes. I highly recommend it for the variety of guests talking about high performing cultures.

Currently watching: Vigil, the BBC drama set on a submarine. The advert showed the actors wearing Musto HPX suits so I tuned in for that reason as I still love the brand.

Find out how you can join the MAD-HR team…