In this edition, we caught up with Louise Willumsen, SME Sales Manager in Newcastle to find out what makes her tick!
What is your favourite part about working for TotalEnergies?
The people – they are what make the role. They make me want to come into work every day. They keep me on my toes but I’m not sure how it would be if they weren’t all here. I have a great team here in Newcastle.
What energizes and drains you when you are at work?
I wouldn’t say it drains me as such but the volatility of the market can be a mood hoover at times in sales and I’d imagine in quite a few departments too. It’s completely out of our control and there are peaks and troughs which impact us enormously but it’s about riding the wave, putting on your positive hat and getting on with the day.
What is energising me at the moment is the Brilliance Pool. I’ve created a platform for aspiring sales agents to develop into roles within the business. As part of this, we’ve launched a mentor scheme and are actively giving opportunities to these agents, creating and building on PDPs, setting them up for success to secure future roles in the near future.
We’re prioritising issues raised and through root cause problem solving sessions identifying solutions which benefit us as employees and TEGP. Our aim is to continue to build on and sustain an excellent working environment and culture here in the Newcastle Office and make this a centre of excellence. These guys are the future at TEGP and I’m proud to be working with and supporting them all.
Tell us three things most people don’t know about you…
I have a terrifying fear of birds – enough said. - I used to have terrible OCD when I got out the shower I’d flush the toilet.
- I’ve been a homeowner since I was 19 years old (which I’m rather proud of considering I’m only 21 now). 4th thing, I may lie about my age at times.
Which fictional character do you feel you're most like? What traits do you share with them?
I’d have to say Pheobe Buffay from Friends. Mainly for our uncanny style of running but also for her ability to see the positive in most situations, see the good in people but also being quite gullible and coming out with what I call “Louise-isms”.
What’s the best career advice you have received?
Treat any job/role as if you are self-employed. Spend the company money as if it’s your own. Treat performance against KPIs as if that was the difference between you paying bills that month or not. Build your business to be the very best it can be.
If you could invite three people (dead or alive) to dinner who would they be and why?
David Attenborough. He’s an absolute legend for obvious reasons!!
Freddie Mercury, another legend. I’ve loved Queen from a young age and may or may not admit to Bohemian Rhapsody being my karaoke jam (which none of you will ever see)!!
I’ve thought long and hard about the 3rd but know it wouldn’t matter as my 5 year old Daughter Olivia would take the 3rd seat as she’d ask to come along.
What is on your bucket list?
The boring list or the fun list…?
Boring adult list would include being mortgage free, living in a hot climate 6 months of the year, relaxing, drinking great wine, eating amazing food and leading a very chilled and fulfilled life.
The extrovert in me would say going on an African safari, enjoying a hot air balloon ride and swimming with sharks. (The latter will NEVER happen as I’m terrified of fish. Not the sharks, the fish)!!