Shining a spotlight on those making a difference at Wood is an important part of our inspired culture. We are all about motivating our teams to be the best they can be, recognising the expertise, capabilities and positive energy they bring to work every single day.
This World Mental Health Day, meet Michelle Ryan, Vice President Growth & Development and one of Wood’s Mental Health Champions.
When I joined Wood in January 2007, I was a single mum of one and I knew this career move needed to be the right one for my son and me. I still recall my welcome on day one and the first thing that struck me was the friendly, family environment that I had stepped into.
Over the years I have grown personally, professionally and academically and will continue to strive to do so. I met my husband through a colleague at Wood and I have been blessed with two more children. As I always say: "a goal without a plan is just a wish" and it has been through the support of the wonderful mentors, coaches and leaders that I have had during my time at Wood that has enabled me to advance my career.
Championing good mental health
I have been a Mental Health Champion for several years and this means that I am proactive in promoting mental well-being and supporting my colleagues with any issues or challenges.
I decided to become a Mental Health Champion as nobody knows what a person might be dealing with in their day to day lives; whether its financial, relationship, health or work-related stress or any other factors that are causing them to not feel ok. It’s important for everyone to have someone they can turn to who will listen and provide support to them when they are struggling.
Good mental health for me means that a person can effectively cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, maintain healthy relationships and make sound decisions. However good mental health doesn’t mean the absence of challenges or negative emotions but rather the ability to navigate them as best you can.
I’m a firm believer of never underestimating the power of saying “Hello” to someone you meet in your day whether that’s in the office, out and about or virtually online. You may have been the first person to say hello or speak to that person today. Saying hello and “are you ok?” could make all the difference to that person at that moment in time.
I manage my own mental health in various ways such as camping with my family, listening to podcasts and walking in the Irish countryside. I also enjoy singing and watching my three children take part in sports and stage productions. These activities all help me to be present in the moment.
I also get much pleasure from being on the Committee of Network Galway, an all-female non-profit voluntary organisation which supports professional and personal development of female entrepreneurs, SME owners and professional women. The network promotes diversity and equality, entrepreneurship and leadership development, collaborating with like-minded people and organisations.
People and relationships
Wood has changed enormously since I joined more than 16 years ago. Change brings challenge but the two things it always it comes down to for me are our people and our client relationships, the currency of our business.
As our world becomes more complex being part of Wood enables me to work with people who can think outside the box and come up with innovative, sustainable, adaptable solutions for our clients. The atmosphere between people at Wood has aways been one of open-mindedness, curiosity, teamwork and the desire to be successful together. We are one team that trusts and supports each other.
I am committed to ongoing learning and personal growth, ensuring I stay informed about the latest developments in various fields and being open to new ideas and perspectives. A key part of this is collaboration with my peers and colleagues with a long-term vision to address the complex challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We all have a responsibility to make the world a better place for current and future generations.
Over the years I have made the most wonderful friends in both my former and current colleagues and at the end of the day what makes a company is its people.
Find out more about Wood's Wellbeing Network.