Theodore Awani

When I look at a job description, one of the first things that really attracts me to a role is the organisation itself and its values. When I read the three values; with heart, with strength and with ambition, something just really lit up inside me. I really identified with what each value means, and it felt as if I was already living that. 

At this stage in my life, I’m going through a journey and I’m still on that journey. I started in Macmillan in January 2022 and this part of my journey is where I feel I need to give back and be of service. I need to feel like I’m making a real impact with the work I do. 

Over the past few years my psyche has moved from money being super important in my life to health and wellbeing. When I read about Macmillan, who they are and what they do, I really loved that Wellbeing was rated highly and prioritised. For me, giving my best means, my health and wellbeing needs to be at its best. 

The simple fact that I can be of service to colleagues supporting people impacted by Cancer and working for a company that values Wellbeing is what attracted me to Macmillan.

I’ve never worked in an organisation where I feel like everybody who’s part of the team always brings the best of themselves to the table. Everybody is well invested in the job they’re doing, and they always bring the best of themselves. Working with people and likeminded professionals who bring the same level of dedication, excitement and passion into a task or activity, is the force that keeps me going and keeps things exciting and fresh.

Working in the People Advisory Team means I look after People, it’s a People-centric and stakeholder management focused role. I look after the needs of our colleagues, managers and key stakeholders making sure that everybody in their role is well supported. That means, also dealing with complex matters like grievances, flexible working requests, advising and coaching managers on people management aspects such as performance management, sickness absence, attending regular meetings and being a sounding board for managers chairing disciplinary’s or grievance meetings coupled in ensuring managers are well-equipped to handle complex situations, make effective decisions and supporting managers to write good outcome letters.

It’s the people here, the people I work with; I work in a great team, one of the best teams I’ve ever worked with. I feel motivated and challenged. 

I sat down recently and really questioned myself, what is it that makes me feel this good about working here? It is the colour green, our Macmillan Green brand, it draws me in and makes me feel good. For those who believe in “Feng shui” Our structures & processes just really work. Our policies aren’t complex, they’re simple and easy to understand and are not convoluted either. 

Our colleagues are happy to meet with you, talk with you, engage with you. I’ve not met anyone who isn’t willing to help and engage in a practicable and meaningful manner.

I feel happy coming in to work here every day; I love Macmillan.

For me, it’s a great career choice because once you realise that you’re dealing with such a high likelihood of people being affected by cancer, you realise Macmillan and what we do is important. The people who are involved in it are important, the people who see you will know that what you’re doing is important. Also, Macmillan opens up a whole breadth of development opportunities which are at your fingertips

Macmillan Cancer Support speaks for itself.

If you want to find out who your true friends are listen to this quote I heard the other day:

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind”

I absolutely love that quote because when you think of your friendships, when you think of your inner circle, if you’re speaking your truth, if you’re being your authentic self and they mind and they’re judging you for that, those people should not be in your close sphere, because your true friends, the ones that really love you, they want you to be your authentic self. 

They’re going to celebrate you in your winnings and be there to support you in your losing. They want you to live out your true self. That’s true friendship and that’s who should be in your inner circle!

Macmillan encourages you to bring the best of yourself to work! An environment where you feel totally supported.

Thank you