Gary Cookson is Director at Epic HR Ltd. He grew up in Winsford, Cheshire and went to Verdin High School. He still lives in Winsford with his wife and four children and has been recognised in HR magazine’s HR Most Influential: Movers and Shakers 2019.
After finishing high school, Gary went to the University of Huddersfield to study history which was a subject that had always been of great interest to him. Gary then went on to do a PGCE in secondary history at the University College of St Martins in Lancaster which is now part of the University of Cumbria.
After completing his PGCE, Gary went on to have a variety of different roles including Process Improvement Manager, Training and Development and Head of HR before getting his ‘lightbulb moment’ in 2017. It was at a CIPD conference that Gary got his lightbulb moment and realised the importance of getting the work-life balance right after a couple of family setbacks and how he himself in HR needed to lead by example. Gary’s got a down to earth, personal story of growth which we can all learn from.
You can find out more information here: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/garycookson https://epichr.co.uk
Bring your whole self to work. Julianne Antrobus, Global Head of Nuclear, PA Consulting
Believe in yourself, believe that you have potential and believe that you can make a difference. Mike Tynan, Nuclear Expert and Advisor
I saw it as an opportunity to learn something new, it was a challenge but I got there in the end! Reuben Holmes, PhD Researcher, The University of Tokyo
Take the plunge, it will be okay! Have that courage. Jack Gritt, Founding Member and Former President, Women in Nuclear UK
The strength of a leader is having people in your team that are better, stronger and come together collectively. Clare Barlow, HR Director Board Member, National Nuclear Laboratory
Find the skills to connect with people. Relationships create opportunities! Andrew Sherry, Special Advisor, National Nuclear Laboratory
Contribute to a greater good! Nassia Tzelepi, Laboratory Fellow, National Nuclear Laboratory
If you really believe in something, stick to it! Professor Gerry Thomas, Director of the Chernobyl Tissue Bank and Professor of Molecular Pathology at Imperial College London
“Take every day as it comes.” Dr Sue Ion, Independent expert and advisor on nuclear power
"Take the opportunities that come your way and do not feel scared” Robert Alford, Senior Strategic and Economic Advisor, NIRO.
Keep an eye on the changing landscape. Suzy Hobbs Baker, co-founder of the Good Energy Collective
Say yes to new opportunities and keep every door open, because you never know which one you'll end up going through. Ismaeel Patel, NNL
Everyone within an organisation is responsible for the success of that organisation. Colin Bailey, President and Principal,
I can't advise or emphasise enough how important is it to pursue a career in something you enjoy as opposed to something you're good at. Annalise Beddard, Nuclear Skills Strategy Group
Enjoy the journey as you don't know where it's going to take you! Paul Howarth, CEO, NNL
Take time to reflect on what you have done and what you have gained from that. Sheila Rae, Internal Regulator for Nuclear Integrity, NNL
Never assume you know what someone's motives for doing something are! Mark Salisbury, Senior Technical Advisor, NIRO
Don't be afraid of opportunities! Stuart Crooks, Managing Director, Hinkley Point C
Just try different things. Your first job doesn't have to be your forever job! Susan Binnersley, Founding director of H2H
Make a decision and just go forward then drive it in the direction you want! Air Chief Marshall Sir Simon Bryant, a former Royal Air Force officer
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