Our next spotlight shines on Debbie Robinson, Regional Manager UK North. My interactions with Debbie are usually centered around our charitable giving initiative, Store it Forward, and I know her to be one of the most generous colleagues I’ve had the privilege of working with. I asked someone who works more closely with her, Dan Saunders, Regional Director UK, to help me out with her introduction and here’s what he had to say:
Debbie has a broad range of experience within our industry, having worked under several self storage brands, and has been successful in each role she’s assumed – from store management, to training and development, and further into managing her own region.
Her attention to detail and breadth of vision means she has remained unfazed when presented with challenges of any scale and her considered, methodical approach has earned her the respect of her peers, as she is able to build purpose and clear direction in those around her.
Debbie has proven herself to be a hard working and dedicated member of the StorageMart family and has kept a cool head in times of crisis. I feel privileged to have Debbie as a colleague and friend.
What do you do at StorageMart?
Regional Manager – UK North
How long have you been at StorageMart?
I have worked for StorageMart since October 2016, but I have worked in the storage industry my whole professional career. I have done a bit of everything, starting as a part-time sales assistant; I have also been an assistant manager, a manager, a trainer for new employees, and now a regional manager. I am really proud that I have worked my way up the ladder and have had experience at lots of levels.
Is there a particular turning point in your professional experience that really helped define your career path?
After my first year in the industry I was given an opportunity to manage a failing store; I was only 17. It was at this point that I knew I loved to manage and have the responsibility of bringing in results.
To what or whom have you turned to for inspiration throughout your career?
My parents! They are both very academic, they both went to university and I never did. I desperately wanted them to be proud of me regardless of my qualifications. Needless to say, they are proud of what I have achieved.
What are some qualities of strong leadership that have proved important but are often overlooked in a professional setting?
Having a strong and supportive team is the most important ingredient to success. I try to achieve this by listening with empathy and understanding; I believe in putting in the extra time to understand someone’s position and point of view goes a long way when trying to work well together.
Based on your experience, what is one thing managers or execs could do better to support and encourage women in the workplace?
In a previous setting I had to work hard to be heard, in a male majority workplace my opinions were sometimes over-ridden, or not taken seriously. This had a knock-on effect on my willingness to share my views and/or opinions and at times I now have to work hard on having the confidence to share my views and ideas!
What is one thing a leader has done to help promote women in the workplace — either organizationally or for you personally?
It has been uplifting working for StorageMart to see women working at all levels; it sets a great precedent, and gives hope and aspiration for others working in the company to set their goals high!
Tell us a bit about what you do when you’re not busy being a rock star at work.
When I am not at work, I love to have family days, entertaining my girls Reeva and Grace. We have great fun at the weekends going out for breakfast, meeting friends, visiting farms and the zoo. Sometimes I think I come back to work for a rest!