16th February 2021
Stories from an Inspiring Leader – Kirsty Gaunt
Kirsty Gaunt, Learning & Development Manager, Anabas
Kirsty has an amazing way of connecting with people with a great ability to reassure and support in all manner of things going on in people’s lives. Perhaps the best example of this is when she personally phoned over 200 furloughed employees throughout the lockdown period. Checking in with her colleagues, Kirsty supported their wellbeing as well as keeping everyone updated on things happening at Anabas and any funded qualifications that could be completed by her colleagues who were on furlough. She also kept in touch with those employees who were still in the business either on site or working from home. She has a great sense of humour and a very human way of making every person at Anabas feel valued and supported. During the lockdown period, Kirsty also initiated a children’s Easter competition, an end of season fantasy football virtual presentation and a showcase of Anabas Family pets that we were all spending more time at home with during lockdown.
Kirsty has maintained the motivation and engagement of our teams throughout the pandemic by sending personal gifts to colleagues who have continued to excel in their apprenticeships, those who have supported the translation of newsletters into other languages and other colleagues who she has noticed have gone above and beyond in their roles.
Kirsty also took the opportunity to volunteer at her local foodbank during the lockdown period as a delivery driver taking food parcels to those identified as vulnerable within her local community.
Kirsty arranged for a team of our evening cleaners whose first language is Spanish to begin an ESOL course, held at site prior to the start of their shift to support their understanding and use of the English language.
Endorsement
“[Kirsty’s] tenacious approach to life and work are a true inspiration. Able to inspire, motive, and drive the team from the Managing Director to the teams on the front line of service, Kirsty has captured the hearts and minds of the Anabas staff. […] Kirsty has our employees at the heart of everything she does. [She] has been a shining light and has touched the lives of so many of our employees, and their families.”
About Inspiring Leaders
The extract above is taken from the Inspiring Leaders 2020 initiative which recognised exceptional leaders during the Covid-19 pandemic. You can download the full eBook with all the leader stories here.
Inspiring Leaders was created as a vehicle to recognize people who stepped up to help individuals, teams and organizations navigate personal and business challenges, and make a contribution to make their business, their community and the world a better place.
Due to the success of IL 2020, we have brought it back in 2021. We are now open for nominations. For more information about how to enter Inspiring Leaders, dates and fees – click here.