Laura Holbrook has never been happy to just tread water, and this is reflected in her journey through ABB. She first joined the company in November 2000 as a Low Voltage Sales Specialist. After a few years out of ABB to become a full-time parent, Laura then returned to ABB in 2008 as a Travel Co-ordinator. While this was very much a junior role, she quickly found that it was the perfect place from which to learn about ABB’s systems and processes from right at the heart of the company and plot the next steps in her career.
In April 2015 an opportunity came up for a new role as a Service Co-ordinator, based in Dublin. “I was eager to learn, and I was ready and open for some new challenges in my career” explains Laura, “I had a good work ethic, a positive mindset, and curious about this new position. I worked closely with the Field Service Engineers, the Sales Team, Project Management, the Finance team, and Procurement, evolving my skills through the role.”
Laura’s ownership, dedication and development throughout her career, has helped her progress into her current role as Service Operations Manager. According to Laura, collaborating with my team and building a culture and creating an environment where people feel their voice matters is rewarding.
“I take ownership of my responsibilities and what is required as an Operational Manager. I immerse myself in the daily operational goals, I like to drive change and grow the team and the business with a positive attitude.”
The role is wide-ranging and involves providing guidance and direction to ensure that everyone is involved with organisational goals and objectives. Laura also works with the project management team, focusing on project execution and continuously improving processes.
“None of this just happens by itself” says Laura, “I’ve come a long way from being a Travel Coordinator, but it takes time, effort and dedication. In addition to my day job I have attended some evening courses to build my knowledge and skills to prepare me for my next journey. This is something ABB promotes – with the UCD Professional Academy you can choose the course which suits your role. ABB has supported me and gave me opportunities to progress in my career and I am very grateful. I have completed Diplomas in Change Management and in Sales Management, I have completed First Line Manager Programme, I was part of the ELSE Women’s Mentorship Programme, and I have just completed The Ignite Advanced Leadership Programme. I feel very proud to be part of the ABB team and proud of myself to be in the position I am today”.
“Even then, it’s up to you to go that extra mile. I’ve dedicated many hours to completing these courses, and I never stand still. Training might get you 80 percent of the way in a role, but you still need a great attitude and work ethic, and you also need to grab onto opportunities when they come up and really make the most of them.”
“Am I a role model?” muses Laura, “I certainly try to be. I also want to pass that onto my daughters. By progressing up the ladder I’ve been able to support my two daughters through University, I encourage them to develop and challenge themselves. I remind them that this didn’t happen by accident – it took a lot of time and effort, often outside of work hours alongside being a mother to my daughters. So yes, I’d like to think I’m a role model, not just to my children but to the people who read this article. Follow your dreams. The opportunities are there, and ABB will support you all the way, but you still must be the one that walks through that door.”
Reflecting on my 17 years in ABB I cannot possibly write everything here but it has certainly been a journey of inspiration, learning and development being curious about our future in ABB being able to adapt to change and about being happy in my roles.
