The Hot 100 career quiz: EasyJet’s Helen Lowe

What’s your most vivid memory from being a trainee?

I trained with KPMG, but not as an accountant as they offered an MBA at the time so I did that instead.  I think I spent the first three years with KPMG (arguably significantly longer) without a clue what I was doing or why I was doing it. 

Not having any idea how all the jigsaw puzzle pieces I gathered each day fitted together to make a complete picture was quite daunting. Eventually they all dropped into place, but I do remember that feeling of being constantly confused – it was definitely a case of ‘fake it until you make it’.

What is the thing in your professional career that has terrified you or taken you out of your comfort zone the most?

I worked as part of the restructuring team for five years with KPMG. The variety of work was fantastic – everything from businesses that needed a nudge in the right direction through to administrations.

Unfortunately sometimes we had to make difficult decisions and closing down businesses and making staff redundant en-masse was one of the most terrifying experiences of my career, made even more so because you know that you’re not actually the one having the hardest time that day.

It really taught me the importance of empathy – you can always deliver difficult messages with kindness and compassion, but it also taught me that sometimes it’s OK for people to hate you, if that’s what they need at the time.

What is the wisest thing anyone ever said to you (and who said it)?

A partner at KPMG said “there is a solution for every problem” – I am relentlessly optimistic and always believe there is a way through any challenge.   

One of the Co-op values is “be yourself always”. It’s a value I’ve embraced, know that that if I don’t fit in as me, then it’s not the right place.  I also do my best to live this through my leadership – encouraging people to be themselves is one of the best ways to help them to reach their potential.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to get to where you are/do the job you do?

Treat others with kindness, and never burn a bridge. Find people in your organisation and sector who you can share the ups and the downs with, as well as those who can guide you through when you need some support. It takes a village to do many things, including building a career.

What’s your best friend from university doing now?

She leads the customer journey team at Sydney Trains having been to Australia on holiday and never really come back! We went to school together and then unexpectedly both went to Warwick, albeit to do different degree courses.  After we graduated, she moved to Australia, but we’ve kept in touch throughout – and every time we catch up it feels like we just spoke the week before.