Sam Uren is one of the founding directors at SLC Rail - a company that supports local authorities and private developers who want to engage with the rail industry. She's been in her role for 12 years.
HOW HAS YOUR COMPANY HAD TO RESPOND TO THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS?
We were pretty slick to move online as we often used to work remotely before COVID. We added technical provisions such as a company intranet that helped people get together and connect better. We also set up monthly company updates as well as individual teams meetings for different groups and departments. We had a lot of fun with a Stay Day instead of our yearly all-company Away Day and even a Christmas karaoke sing-along on Zoom. It was important that we continued to foster our culture and put our people first. We offered additional money for people to set up their home office and had a number of wellbeing activities during lockdown that have since continued.
HAS THE LOCKDOWN PRESENTED ANY OPPORTUNITIES AS WELL AS CHALLENGES?
In the summer of 2021, we had the opportunity to review the location of our offices. We now are homed in the very pleasant environment of Brindleyplace with a bright and open space with our own Wellbeing Space and a large outdoor patio overlooking the canal. While COVID was terrible, we have had the opportunity to review the work-life balance of our staff and ensure that we put people and their wellbeing at the heart of business. We have continued this in 2023 with an overhaul of our benefits and reviewing what people need from their employer to ensure they are not adversely affected by the cost of living crisis.
WHAT DO THINK THE CURRENT CRISIS WILL MEAN FOR YOUR INDUSTRY IN THE MONTHS AND YEARS TO COME?
COVID has had a big impact on the rail industry. There has been a change in how people travel; the demand is more spread during the working week with longer travel more acceptable, and there is an increase in leisure travel at weekends. This change has made us rethink rail and the benefits it can bring to people. The industry is slow to evolve, but we hope that by focusing on communities at the heart of all our projects we can rethink strategies for rail schemes and where the demand will be in years to come.
HOW DO YOU GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR STAFF?
Treat them individually. We need to recognise that everyone has their own story, how they have got where they are, and what makes them tick. It is important to recognise similarities with others and differences and celebrate them. I am not just referring to gender, race, or religion but, more importantly, what they feel, why they feel it, and why they react or are triggered by certain situations.
Encouraging people to embrace their vulnerable inner selves and recognise that it is okay to be human and flawed and that we all have inner demons to manage is important to me, as this is where I have come from.
HOW MANY EMAILS DO YOU TEND TO GET IN A DAY, AND HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE TO READ THEM?
I don’t monitor how many emails I get in a day. I tend to manage my inbox fairly well. I was taught to try and handle information only once, so I file the emails for information straight away, delete the rubbish and drop stuff I need to deal with straight away or read later in my to-do boxes.
HOW DO YOU HOPE YOUR COLLEAGUES WOULD DESCRIBE YOU?
Despite my loud and confident nature, I hope they would describe me as genuine, friendly, and caring.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
Opening Worcestershire Parkway was a special day for me. Being involved in the early stages to seeing the first passengers on the first train out of the station in my home county was fabulous. Some of the other stand-out moments in my career are the many friends I have made along the way. Work is such a big part of your life and so many people have impacted my career so far that I cannot mention them all. Not all are still with us, and I would like to leave a legacy like they have on people’s souls.
ANY PARTICULAR FAUX PAS OR EMBARRASSING MOMENTS IN YOUR CAREER YOU WOULD PREFER TO FORGET?
We all make mistakes – that’s what makes us human. I don’t want to forget a thing, as those moments have made me who I am today. I recall some of the sexist behaviour that used to occur on building sites in the 90s, but now I know that has made me the woman I am today, and I feel thankful for those lessons.
PET HATES?
Dishonesty and arrogance.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF SOME WISE ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Enjoy the ride – embrace being you – there is no one else I would rather be.
HOW DO YOU RELAX AWAY FROM WORK?
I enjoy yoga and going out with my friends. I also have two teenage sons, so I love spending time with them and my husband, especially on holiday!
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS SPECIAL ABOUT THE BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS COMMUNITY?
Since I arrived in the West Midlands in 1992, I have never felt the need to return to London. Brummies have an honesty and openness about them that I admire and love.There is a sense of humble pride that does not need to be shouted from the rooftops, but it is known by everyone who lives and works in this great city. This is a great region that recognises true diversity and embraces everyone no matter what.
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE PROBABLY WOULDN’T KNOW.
I am an active ‘oversharer,’ so many people know a lot about me. However, what most people won’t assume about me if they met me is that I am made up of lots of different cultures. This makes me think differently from others and drives my need for inclusivity regardless of what’s defined on the outside.
YOU CAN TAKE ONE BOOK, ONE FILM AND ONE CD ONTO A DESERT ISLAND – WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
Book – The Book Thief
Film – High Society with Grace Kelly and Bing Crosby
CD – Foo Fighters The Colour and the Shape
YOUR FIVE DREAM DINNER PARTY GUESTS, DEAD OR ALIVE?
Dave Grohl, Dolly Parton, Sheryl Sandberg, Enid Blyton, and my Dad
WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO EAT FOR YOUR LAST SUPPER?
My Mum’s braised beef with cheesy leeks and mashed potato, followed by chocolate cake with chocolate custard.
