Meet the Team – Lucy Jacobs

How long have you worked for Oliver Wight?

Six months, although I spent 12 years working in close partnership with the Oliver Wight team.

Tell us about yourself – what does your day-to-day role at Oliver Wight involve?

Supporting businesses through diagnostics, leading education sessions, workshops, or coaching. It also involves researching current thinking in industry best practice and developing ideas.

What did you do before joining the EAME team?

I had a long corporate career with Cummins, Pfizer, and initially Shepherd Neame, a UK Brewery. In my last role, I led supply chain transformation for a global distribution network. Prior to that I had a series of assignments leading multi-divisional global Integrated Business Planning deployment programs.  After university, I qualified as an accountant and spent seven years in Finance, prior to moving into supply chain and more general leadership positions.

What three words best describe you?

Energetic, brave, strategic.

What is your idea of a utopian workplace?

A diverse and creative workspace where people can contribute free from inhibition, where the team are valued and feel a strong sense of purpose towards the work they deliver.

And what’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Well, I have three:

1. You have two ears and one mouth for a reason.

2. When you are lost or stuck just keep doing one small positive thing and the bigger picture will start to emerge.

3. ‘Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better’ – Maya Angelou reminding us that wherever we are on our learning journey is okay.

What are your interests outside of work?

I love to spend time with my family – on holiday, at the beach, walking, or just hanging out. I enjoy reading, the arts, and the theatre. I’m also a Harlequins Rugby Union fan.

You’re an animal for a day – what are you and why?

It would be great to have the exhilaration and perspective of an eagle, plus the saving in travel times.

Finally, what’s your favorite part of working at Oliver Wight?

I am a passionate coach and love engaging in people development, but ultimately the process of working with businesses and utilizing my business acumen, creativity, and insight to then see the result in the bottom line is what it’s all about.