5 mins with Sonia Hall, People Director at Intercity Technology

How long have you worked at Intercity Technology and can you tell us a bit about your professional background?

I have worked at Intercity Technology for just over 4 years. Before I joined the business, I owned a consultancy which offered a variety of compliance solutions. With over 25 years of experience in HR, I have been lucky enough to work with some fantastic people in countries across the world including Amsterdam, Germany, USA, Australia, and Singapore.

What has been the highlight of your career at Intercity Technology?

There have been so many, but winning the Institute of Customer Service - ‘Employee Engagement Strategy of the Year Award’ was an excellent achievement and highlighted that our colleagues are one of our greatest assets.

What are the biggest challenges facing the People Directors today?

There are a few challenges, depending on the size of an organisation, I think these include Talent Attraction and Retention, Brexit, Gender Pay Gap Reporting, the introduction of GDPR and convincing organisations that there is a valuable role for a Chief of People at Board level. A business can never be successful without having a focus on its people.

Can you tell us something you have learnt in the last week?

I was in hospital recently, and although I listen to the news, it is not until you are in hospital that you truly learn and appreciate how valuable the NHS is. I would like to thank all nurses and doctors at Good Hope Hospital who helped me on the road to recovery as well as all of my Intercity Colleagues for their support and kind messages.

What talent do you wish you had?

The ability to deliver motivational speeches: I would love to do more of this professionally.

How do you relax when you’re not working?

I have a real passion for interior design, really enjoy gardening (when it’s not raining) and spending time with my family.

If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?

I’d love to be an astronaut, I have a curiosity for the unknown and exploring different planets would be great.

If you could go back and give your 21-year old self a valuable piece of advice, what would you say?

Appreciate all the people around you and don’t take life for granted.