Assistant Manager

At Bakelite Hylam, I began as a Technical Assistant to the General Manager, which gave me exposure to both strategic decision-making and operational oversight. Later, I took on the responsibility of managing phenolic laminate production, a critical product line that required balancing technical expertise with team leadership. I led data analysis and project execution, especially in transitioning R&D innovations into efficient production processes, which sharpened my strategic planning and operational management skills. Working closely with employees and union leaders, I developed strong negotiation and conflict resolution abilities, which were critical in maintaining smooth operations while fostering collaboration and trust. My role also involved conducting plant trials and leading initiatives to improve production efficiency, which demanded a deep understanding of process optimization and problem-solving. This helped me strengthen my ability to lead continuous improvement projects, a skill I now leverage in coaching others to enhance their leadership impact. Another critical aspect of my role was managing the treatment of polluting chemicals. This responsibility deepened my understanding of sustainability and long-term planning, which I now emphasize in my coaching to help leaders drive both business growth and social responsibility. Additionally, managing production costing and the Excise department enhanced my financial acumen, reinforcing the importance of financial control in overall business performance. These experiences provided me with a unique blend of technical, financial, and people management skills, making me a more effective coach. As a coach, I draw on these experiences to help individuals and organizations navigate complex challenges, improve operational efficiency, and build cohesive teams. My focus is on empowering clients to achieve sustainable growth, while balancing the needs of both people and process, to create lasting success.