"This programme allowed me to share ideas with peers, learn from others, and reflect on my strengths."

Tell us about your career to date

I came to England in December 2001 from Zimbabwe, looking for better opportunities. Before coming to England, I worked as a graphic designer after leaving high school.

Moving to England was a huge culture shock. When I arrived, I first worked as a warehouse operative before moving into care in 2005.

Very quickly I realised that I had a natural caring side. I was always thinking about whether I had done enough for the people I supported, especially the elderly in nursing homes.

Why and when did you join Lifeways?

I joined Lifeways in 2024 as I was referred by a friend who worked for the company. At the time, I did not know much about Lifeways apart from what my friend had shared with me.

Tell us about your role

I joined Lifeways as a Support Worker. During the interview, my manager asked if I would consider a Team Leader role, as she felt I had performed very well in the interview. I was hesitant at first, but she reassured me that I could return to a Support Worker role if it did not work out.

Once I started, I felt the same passion I had when I first joined care. I wanted to make a real difference within the services I was leading. I was very lucky to work with an amazing team, supportive colleagues, and a manager who was welcoming, open-minded, and encouraging. Everything we achieved was through teamwork, which gave me confidence to share ideas. Feedback was always positive and constructive.

Six months later, a Service Manager role became available. My manager encouraged me to apply and said she would love to work with me as a colleague.

Tell us about your experience of completing the Lifeways Operational Leaders Programme

This programme allowed me to share ideas with peers, learn from others, and reflect on my strengths. It also helped me build a strong network with other managers and area managers. Because it was face-to-face, it created trust and made it easier to connect and support one another.

One of the biggest things I took away was the importance of taking responsibility and being fully accountable for my decisions. It also helped me reflect on how I interact with my team, how I present new ideas, and how my presence in the room can affect others.

Aside from the great networking opportunities, the programme has given me practical tools to become more effective in my role. I have learned to delegate more confidently, to use short‑burst achievements as motivators, and to balance quick wins with more complex long‑term tasks.

To other leaders who are thinking of completing the programme, I would say you need to go into it with an open mind because it will challenge your thinking and your leadership style — in a positive and meaningful way. It’s a fantastic opportunity to grow, gain new ideas, and connect with like‑minded leaders.

What would you say to other people thinking about moving into social care?

In social care, differences are made every day, from top to bottom. Efforts are visible and recognised by the people we support, their families, and other professionals.

Many people think they would not be able to do this job, without realising they already show care in their everyday lives, whether that is caring for children, helping a neighbour, supporting a friend, or helping a stranger with their shopping or a flat tyre. If you have a caring nature, social care could be the right path for you.