Podcast Summary: James Reed: All About Business
Episode 9: Entry Level to Managing Director: How to Make It Happen
Release Date: December 30, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 9 of "James Reed: All About Business," host James Reed delves into the transformative journey from an entry-level position to the pinnacle of corporate leadership. This episode features an inspiring conversation with Donna Murrell, the Managing Director of Reed in Partnership, who shares her two-decade-long ascent within the Reed Group. Listeners gain valuable insights into career progression, leadership, diversity, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Guest Introduction: Donna Murrell

Donna Murrell's story is a testament to dedication and passion. Starting as an employment advisor at Reed in Partnership in 2003, Donna climbed the corporate ladder to her current role as Managing Director. Her journey emphasizes the importance of hard work, social impact, and impeccable leadership.

Notable Quote:
"I want to help my team to be successful." – Donna Murrell [07:39]

Donna's Career Journey

Donna recounts her initial days at Reed in Partnership, where she was drawn to a role that allowed her to make a meaningful difference by helping long-term unemployed individuals re-enter the workforce. The challenging environment in Stratford, a deprived area before the London Olympics, provided her with profound learning experiences.

Notable Quote:
"Every person that's in front of you is at a different point in their journey, and the best way to help them is to help them take that next step." – Donna Murrell [05:17]

Growth of Reed in Partnership

Under Donna's leadership, Reed in Partnership has expanded significantly. The organization now operates in five markets, including Employability, Reed Wellbeing, Reed Citizen Services, Reed Assessment, and the newly established Reed Environment. Collectively, these divisions impact millions annually, demonstrating the organization's commitment to diverse social and economic initiatives.

Notable Quote:
"We've helped over 300,000 unemployed individuals find work since our inception in 1998." – Donna Murrell [07:55]

Leadership and Team Building

Donna emphasizes the critical role of a talented and diverse team in achieving organizational success. She credits her growth within the company to being surrounded by skilled professionals and highlights the importance of delegating effectively to manage a burgeoning organization.

Notable Quote:
"We simply wouldn't achieve the results that we do without that talented team." – Donna Murrell [09:34]

Diversity and Inclusion

A cornerstone of Donna's leadership philosophy is fostering an inclusive workplace. She discusses the importance of measuring diversity across all organizational levels, ensuring representation in leadership, and promoting from within while also welcoming external talent to enrich the company's diversity.

Notable Quote:
"We measure diversity at every level within the organization to ensure a balanced and inclusive environment." – Donna Murrell [10:47]

Strategies for Career Progression

Donna offers actionable advice for individuals aspiring to advance their careers. She underscores the importance of excelling in one's current role, understanding and supporting managerial priorities, and proactively preparing for future opportunities by acquiring relevant skills and expanding one's network.

Notable Quote:
"Get yourself ready for the next role, even if that job isn't available right now." – Donna Murrell [25:09]

Continuous Improvement Culture

A significant focus of the conversation is the cultivation of a continuous improvement mindset. Donna explains how embracing the possibility of being wrong and fostering an environment where employees feel safe to innovate and learn from failures can drive organizational growth and personal development.

Notable Quote:
"Continuous improvement starts with an attitude; you have to be willing to accept that you can always get better." – Donna Murrell [32:58]

Women in Leadership

Donna candidly addresses the challenges women face in leadership roles, including unconscious biases and historical stereotypes. She advocates for authentic leadership and encourages women to overcome self-deselection by embracing their roles confidently, despite societal biases.

Notable Quote:
"Don't ever let bias or self-doubt put you off from being in the room and contributing." – Donna Murrell [43:18]

Advice for Managers and Employees

For managers aiming to identify and nurture talent, Donna recommends creating opportunities for employees to engage in projects beyond their immediate roles and maintaining open lines of communication. She also advises employees to treat their career progression as a personal project, continually developing skills aligned with their career aspirations.

Notable Quote:
"Identify the skills and experiences you need and have a plan to acquire them." – Donna Murrell [49:26]

Motivation and Future Aspirations

Donna shares her unwavering passion for her role, highlighting the fulfillment she derives from leading a dedicated team and making a tangible impact. Looking ahead, she envisions further expanding Reed in Partnership's reach and enhancing its service offerings.

Notable Quote:
"I love my job because it's meaningful and impactful." – Donna Murrell [54:50]

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Donna Murrell's narrative provides a blueprint for career advancement, emphasizing the significance of continuous learning, diversity, authentic leadership, and fostering a supportive organizational culture. Her experiences illustrate that with dedication and the right mindset, ascending from an entry-level position to a managing director role is attainable.

Key Takeaways:

• Excellence in Current Role: Strive to be the best in your current position.
• Support Management: Understand and align with your manager’s objectives.
• Prepare Proactively: Continually develop skills and seek opportunities for growth.
• Foster Diversity: Promote an inclusive environment to enhance team performance.
• Embrace Continuous Improvement: Cultivate a mindset that welcomes learning and adaptation.
• Encourage Authentic Leadership: Support diversity in leadership roles and combat unconscious biases.

Notable Quote:
"Being in a leadership role is about owning the strategy and guiding the organization towards its long-term goals." – Donna Murrell [23:30]

Final Thoughts

Episode 9 serves as an empowering resource for individuals seeking to navigate their career paths and for leaders aiming to build inclusive, dynamic, and high-performing teams. Donna Murrell's insights are a valuable guide for anyone aspiring to elevate their professional journey within a supportive and growth-oriented environment.