New horizons beckon for Craig with Oaklea!
“I believe that ALL work should be engaging, stimulating and meaningful” Craig Smith
He’s in tune with Oaklea!
We have just welcomed a new Trustee on board – please give a fully amplified hello to Craig Smith from Newcastle (via Nottingham!)
‘Howay the NE’!
Craig’s arrival beefs up our North East presence on the board. He brings with him a background in training & consultancy. You can see him about to have his induction with Chair of Trustees, Chris Harris and CEO Clive Wigley.
This wasn’t the only inquisition he faced!
So lets find out a bit more about Craig in his own words…
“I bring over 25 years of experience of working as a line manager, Learning and Development professional, OD Consultant, and business owner. I have worked as an employee in sectors such as utilities, logistics, food, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and construction. Subsequently, as a business owner, I have worked with an even more diverse range of organisations.
Running things….it’s in his blood!
“Since 2007, I have run my own business. I am the owner and lead consultant at The Big Picture People. I have a passion for helping organisations and individuals achieve their full potential. I believe that ALL work should be engaging, stimulating and meaningful. My goal is to help clients to create an environment where this is possible, whatever sector or role they operate in. I look forward to bringing my experience to Oaklea to help it achieve its vision and mission. I’m at a stage in my career and life where I want to give something back to the people and communities of the North where I’ve lived since 1985.”
Fully engaged
“I host the ‘Engaging Internal Comms’ podcast (www.engagingic.com) which has been running since 2020 with over 100 episodes including interviews with thought-leaders and experts in the field of employee engagement from across the world.”
Running to standstill – He loves a challenge…
“When not working, I am a keen runner who ran all the six World Marathon Majors (Boston, London, New York, Chicago, Berlin, and Tokyo) between 2010 and 2014. I have also completed over 550 park runs since 2010. In 2023, I ran “The Wall” ultramarathon (70 miles from Carlisle to Newcastle along Hadrian’s Wall).”
“I am also a keen cyclist and walker and, in 2008, I trekked to the summit of Kilimanjaro (the highest mountain in Africa). In 2016, I completed the National Three-Peaks challenge (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon) in less than 24 hours.”
The Force is strong in this one…
Finally Craig says he does take time to chill….sort of….
“Aside from physical activities, I’m an avid “Star Wars” fan and memorabilia collector. I am also a bass guitarist, playing in an original songs band. I love watching live sport and have supported my hometown football team (Notts County) since 1976 and am still a season ticket holder despite living in Newcastle. I also follow F1 and have been to the British Grand Prix on numerous occasions since my first in 1981 and have also been to the Spanish, Monaco, and Dutch Grand Prix.”
…Oh and I’ve been married to Helen since 1992 and have two grown up “children” aged 22 and 25.”
Friendly rivalry?
We may need to go to VAR at Oaklea Board meetings as Craig –as mentioned above- is a supporter of Notts County (the original Magpies) and Trustee Andy Scott is a big Nottingham Forest fan – I’m sure we can rely on them to stay calm! (luckily Oaklea CEO Clive is a former footy referee!)
Why not join Craig -be a Trustee or Board member
Find out more about becoming a Trustee with Oaklea https://www.oakleatrust.co.uk/become-a-trustee/ or volunteer Board member at our CIC Right2Work here https://www.right2work.org.uk/about-us/our-board-of-directors/
The January transfer window welcomes Craig – not everything will be so black & white!
