Gwen Parry-Jones is Chief Executive of Magnox Ltd and President of the Nuclear Institute. Gwen was awarded an OBE in 2019 for services to science and technology.
Gwen lives on the island of Anglesey in North Wales near Wylfa power station. She also has a passion for horses.
She grew up in North Wales and also in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia as her dad went to work there. After a few years of living abroad, she came back home to a boarding school in North Wales which gave her, her independence. Her head teacher, Mr Peacock, was a huge influence and taught her about the importance of every individual having a view and requiring respect.
She went to college in Colwyn Bay and then moved to Manchester to read Physics joining the physics undergraduate population – she liked the uniqueness of there not being many female students. She also enjoyed the Manchester city lifestyle.
Gwen then went on to do banking and finance in Bangor at a master’s level. Following this, Gwen joined the Central Electricity Generating Board at Magnox Wylfa as a reactor physicist. When she first started as a nuclear operator, there were no female changing rooms, toilets or work clothes!
Gwen successfully developed her career within the nuclear industry to become the first female station director of Heysham 1 – an achievement she still feels very privileged to have done to this day.
The turning point in Gwen’s career is when she stopped trying to do everything herself and realised it was okay not to know everything and she believes you really start adding value when you start talking about what you think.
For more information visit: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/gwen-parry-jones-b489a594
Follow your heart, take courage, do the things that you really want to do. Miranda Kirschel, Commercial Director, Circular1Health
"Keep your head. Use your strength to keep moving forward." Hannah Paterson, Technical Manager for the Spent Fuel Consolidation Programme at Sellafield Ltd.
"Have a bit more fun" says Saralyn Thomas, Senior Consultant, Abbott Risk Consulting
When you have options, be true to your values. Andy Worrall, Integrated Fuel Cycle Section Head, ORNL
I don't care at all about making a load of money, I care about growing something that's going to be the best it can be. Rob Hurlston, Principal and Chief Engineer, Fidelis Engineering Associates.
Don't change who you are for anyone else. Stay true to yourself. Melissa Evans, PA to the Board, National Nuclear Laboratory
"Follow what you're passionate about" Dave Goddard, Fellow, NNL
The Conversation. Professor Juan Matthews, The University of Manchester and Dr Tim Gregory, NNL
Award entry sting
"You are not wedded to a particular pathway, retrain and learn something new." Charlotte Williams, Head of Communications, NNL
"Curiosity serves you well!" Dr Tim Gregory, Analytical Nuclear Chemist, NNL
Take a risk once in a while! Robin Taylor, Senior Fellow, National Nuclear Laboratory
Have that inner belief, you can do it. Georgia Pawson, Consultant Analyst, Corporate Risk Associates
“Just try and be slightly better than yesterday or the week before as it’s those small improvements that compound over time!” Arun Khuttan, Engineer, Magnox Ltd
"Enjoy the journey of learning." Maggie Brown, Hinkley Point C, EDF
"There's lots of fun ahead, life is an adventure" Callum Thomas, CEO, Thomas Thor Associates
Failure isn't always a bad thing, it's how you grow from it! Fiona Reilly, Managing Director, FiRe Energy
Being convinced that a course of action is the right one is to question it and question a bit more! Tom Greatrex, CEO, Nuclear Industry Association (NIA)
Don't ever be afraid, try new things! It's the only way you'll get to truly enjoy different experiences! Nichola Newton, Head of Technology & Digital Change, NNL
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Reaching your Goals
Insights@work
The Ken Coleman Show
The Cardone Zone
Drive With NAR