Susan Walkley
23 January 2024
Passion with purpose: Q&A with Sarah Mikhailov
23 January 2024
Jenneh Thomas, our talented Director – Talent & People explains what makes her tick, why she loves working in Thames Ditton, and how to join the Havas Life Medicom team…
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Usually, it’s my daughter’s sweet melodies singing first thing in the morning. Getting up and going to work is just engrained in me, it’s like a bad habit you just can’t kick! Seriously, it almost doesn’t feel like I’m going into work – it’s a second home.
What sets Havas Life Medicom apart?
It feels very intimate here. I know it’s cliché to say it, but there is a real family feeling. And like any family there are struggles, challenges, break ups and make ups. But when the chips are down, people pull together. With a collective drive and motivation, we can get through even the most challenging days with smiles on our faces.
Another thing that I learned very quickly myself after joining four years ago, is that if you need support from colleagues, you’ll get it. No matter how busy people may be, they will find the time.
What development opportunities can someone expect at HLM?
We provide a variety of blended learning opportunities and we’re continuing to grow our learning programme to support professional development. We of course do technical training because everyone needs those skills to be able to do their role; however if you don’t also feel confident, motivated, or feel you have the necessary tools to be resilient or, feel supported through coaching, then it makes it very difficult to excel at your job.
What’s the best thing about working at HLM?
A personal highlight for me, on top of the people I get to work with, is the amazing location. We’re on the Thames and it is beautifully green. Lunchtime walks are on a whole other level here – where else can you feed swans on your lunch break or go for a walk along the river? It’s a mindfulness paradise!
What would you say to someone who wants to work here?
The short answer is “hurry up and share your CV”, with the hope of me saying “welcome” at our next meeting! The longer answer is – if you love a story, love a challenge, and love hard work in a fun and fluid environment, then this is the place for you . You’ll be challenged every day, but you will also achieve every day.
If you love a story, a challenge, and hard work in a fun and fluid environment – this is the place for you.
What do you do in your spare time?
I would love to spend more time travelling in warmer climates and indulging in fine dining. I’m a qualified counsellor, which takes up some of my spare time. I consider myself very fortunate to support others through a multitude of life challenges. It’s extremely rewarding helping individuals make positive and empowering changes to their lives. Training as a counsellor has also been tremendously insightful to me as an HR professional. For example, one of the phrases I tend to use is ‘look beyond the words’; it’s important to understand that although a person might be saying one thing, they are trying to express something else. It’s essential to remember this when supporting individuals in the workplace.
When she’s not directing talent, Jenneh can be found sightseeing (also known as driving around the M25) or navigating the Thomas household (where she’s often told that nothing is ever where it is meant to be and something is always missing).
