New Feature - A week in life of..

Welcome to our new feature: 'A week in the life of' This new feature aims to go under the skin of people in this wonderful sector that is Academic Venues. It will give you an insight into the working week of a host of different people in various roles, in what we hope you find an interesting blog.

Now over to our first insight... Welcome Paul Bartlett, Director, Warwick Conferences & Acting Director of Sport and Active Lifestyles.

In our first issue, AVS speaks to Paul about what his typical (if such a thing exists!) week looks like.

The simplest way of describing my job:

I am a member of 2 amazing teams: Warwick Conferences & Warwick Sport. My normal role is leading the strategic direction of Warwick Conferences, but due to a vacancy I am also carrying out a similar role in Warwick Sport.

I typically work from 8am until approx. 6pm most days, and that covers emails, meetings and walking the floor.

My alarm goes off at:

6.30am and then snooze until 6.45am and I am generally out the door by 7.30am. I have a ½ hour drive to work which allows me to think about the day ahead.

I prepare for the week ahead by:

Checking my emails and diary appointments regularly on my phone. Sometimes having to establish which are face-to-face meetings versus a video call . Certain meetings will take a significant amount of preparation where I may have papers to write which need to be completed quite a long way in advance of the actual meeting.

The worst part of my job is the volume of emails, especially if I have a heavy meetings week.

I can’t leave the house without:

My mobile phone, laptop, wallet, and my university ID

In an average week, I:

Do calls, have meetings/catch ups with key team members, chair several groups, review reports and check up on the team and how they’re feeling and checking whether they need support etc. I also spend a fair amount of time responding to and processing emails.

The best part of my working week is:

Walking the buildings and engaging with the teams. (I wish I had more time to do this) I also enjoy getting time to read the lovely feedback we receive from our customers and passing that on to all involved, plus reading the Monday morning revenue reports (as long as they are good results!) and reviewing the enquiry report every Friday.

My favourite part of my working week is when I get to see team members receive rewards & recognition for living our values & behaviours. 

And the worst part:

If we receive negative feedback or if I have any unhappy team members.

Why I love my job:

I work with an amazing group of people, who constantly aim to deliver a fantastic service to their colleagues, students, visitors and customers and the surplus we make is re-invested in teaching & research.

I relax after work by:

Grabbing a bite to eat, spending time with my 17-year-old daughter, watching some TV or spending some time at the driving range.

I’m normally in bed by:

11.30pm

If you could like to feature please contact dawn@academicvenuesolutions.co.uk