January 14, 2025
In the next edition of our “Professional Progression” series, we are excited to share Julia’s journey so far at professional.
I initially ran a consultancy business for 16 years, which I had only planned to do for five years. However, during COVID, it became increasingly challenging, and I decided it was time to get my career back on track. I first took a role at a company that made icing sugar and marzipan, working on various projects. Unfortunately, after a few months, they could no longer fund my work.
I then applied for another role, which happened to be with Carlisle Support Services. My entry into security was purely unintentional—I applied for the job, got it, and discovered a whole new industry.
When I joined Professional Security, there was no dedicated HR department—just a consultant who worked one day a week on disciplinaries, office workshops, and tribunals. My role involves building the HR foundation from the ground up.
My daily tasks include handling disciplinaries, mitigating risks to the business, and implementing initiatives to build a stronger, more supportive business. As the company expands into guarding, my experience with transfers and large mobilizations is invaluable. If we secure these contracts, I’ll focus on managing the transfers before returning to core HR responsibilities.
I love the fast-paced nature of the security industry. I’m never bored, as each day brings something different. I never know what challenges will land on my desk, and the opportunity to grow and develop within my role keeps things exciting. Most importantly, I enjoy working with a wide variety of people—it’s what makes the job truly enjoyable and unique.
When I was working for the NHS, my manager told me to always think before I speak. It’s something I didn’t always do in the past—I’d just blurt out my thoughts. Now, I take a more balanced and thoughtful approach, which has made a big difference in how I communicate.
Make it known that you want to progress. Don’t just sit back and wait for someone to notice you—be proactive. Show a willingness to learn and be persistent in pursuing your goals. In large businesses, things can sometimes slip under the radar, so it’s important to stand out and make your ambitions clear.
I’m double-jointed, so my arms bend in all kinds of weird ways! Also, I was once an extra in a comic strip movie, which was a fun and unique experience.