Phil Mawdsley
PhD, Chemistry, Imperial College London. Joined ICI Paints: October 2004, Currently ProjectManager - UK/ROI at ICI Paints - Slough
Where did you first hear about a graduate career with ICI?
Website and career days
How would you sum up ICI?
Exciting and fast paced. With all the changes that have occurred since I began work in 2004, ICI Paints has become a place where you feel if you want to make a change and can prove why it would be a good idea, it will happen. Also, feel part of a great team of functions working together for the same goals.
What have your experiences been to date?
Many projects ranging from cost savings to new product developments. I have had the chance to manage people as well as projects. I have completed training and am about to graduate in a Six Sigma qualification and am now enjoying my role as a project manager on a global project.
What have your training experiences entailed?
Apart from the EGDP courses, which aside from being extremely useful and informative were great fun, I have completed training for Six Sigma - this entailed 4 weeks training followed by 2 years of projects. I plan to graduate this year. In-house training has involved more technical sessions as well as marketing and financial training.
What are the main challenges you have faced and how have you overcome them?
As part of the graduate programme you are viewed as a 'high potential' individual. Most people will use this to the business' advantage by giving you challenging roles and developing you to your best potential. My challenge has been the dealing with the relative few who have not seen the scheme this way and have seen me as a threat. I have overcome this by ensuring I am a team player where I can and keeping them informed of every step of progress so there is no secrecy etc. I have become good friends with most of these people that I have encountered.
What have been the most and least satisfying challenges to date?
Most: Six Sigma…high profile and a lot of work very early on in mycareer.
Least: When you are excited about a project or challenge and no-one around you is.
What do you like and dislike about your role/working for ICI?
Like: The fact that you can make an individual difference to a large company
Dislike: The reputation of the company as a chemical giant.This is not really true anymore and makes any sustainable/environmental projects/issues difficult.
What are your interests away from work?
Cinema, theatre, badminton, golf and more recently my new born son!
