Michèle Cusack

Job Title Regeneration Director

Location

Origin 2

Salary Range

£ 36,000 +

How long have you worked here?

Two and a half years and the first time working in a Local Authority environment. 

What does a typical working day for you involve?

I like to get into the office very early, before 7.30am usually, to consider any emails and to set myself up for the day's meetings and work ahead.  

On a typical working day I have 3-4 meetings with members of my staff, other directorates, local, sub-regional and regional partners.  

My day is divided up between ensuring the delivery of significant regeneration projects, discussing strategy and performance and operational tactics with individual members of my senior team and project managers and working on strategic issues which influence national, regional and local policies and plans. 

Do you need any qualifications or specific training?

Qualifications are not entirely necessary for this post. What is required is an ability to take a helicopter view of activities and actions which influence macro and micro economics and to have a broad understanding of the factors that influence regeneration.

My background in the private sector, in business support and working in the "business" of business development both in this country and abroad has certainly given me an excellent background to enable me to undertake this job.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Very difficult question to answer as there are so many elements of the job I enjoy.  I enjoy the challenge of setting strategy, and am very proud to be involved in any project which brings prosperity, jobs and new opportunities for North East Lincolnshire.

I also enjoy the challenge of working with a very diverse and professional team of people within the Economic Regeneration Agency and across the Local Strategic Partnership.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Trying to please as many people as possible all the time. In delivering regeneration there are many different segments of our community to consult, listen to and please - individuals, communities and organisations that very often have very differing and often conflicting needs and aspirations and views about what a great place to work, visit and do business looks and feels like.

It is not always easy to satisfy everyone equally in delivering solutions that meet so many diverse ideals and ideas in what constitutes regeneration and which have a positive impact on the quality of life for all here and now whilst doing what is right for the long term sustainable regeneration of the area.

Striking this balance and ensuring everyone within our community has the ability to have their say and ultimately benefits in some way from our regeneration efforts is easily the most challenging part of my job.

Is there any progression opportunities in your career?

Definitely. The disciplines of business support, business development and regeneration are intertwined and therefore opportunities are many and varied within both the public and private sectors. 

Having held several positions at Executive Director and Board Director and senior management levels in both sectors has given me personally significant opportunities to new and exciting career paths. Just have a look at the number of jobs in regeneration advertised in the likes of Regeneration and Renewal magazine. 

If you could change one aspect of your job what would it be?

The need to read and respond to a number of "cover all" emails which have very little relevance to my area of work. I find it very time consuming and frustrating, and try desperately not to add to the problem myself, although on occasions I am sure I do.  

What inspires or motivates you to do your job on a daily basis?

The professionalism, support and loyalty I get from my staff and the accolade the ERA receives from external stakeholders and partners.    

Seeing new physical developments on the ground which had been spearheaded by my directorate is a great inspiration and achievement, and seeing new jobs and investment coming into the area is a great inspiration.   

Any additional comments?

I have had a very strange career path which was certainly not planned but has always been challenging and has catapulted me many times into the brave unknown but my enthusiasm to grasp the nettle and prove myself to be the best at what I am and to be recognised for that has always spurred me on.

Regeneration is an exciting field to be in. You don't need to be an expert at everything but you do need to have a wide interest, flair and skill across a wide number of functions.  You also need to learn from the success of others and build a good team with diverse skills and expertise around you.

I would challenge and support anyone to do the same as I have done and give it a go!