My job requires me to recruit more than 200,000 people: 100,000 contractors, 70,000 volunteers and about 6,000 paid staff. The fact that 170,000 of those people come on board six weeks before the Olympic and Paralympic Games begin is something of a logistical challenge, but we definitely have the expertise and experience to do it.
We look for people who are absolutely passionate about the Games and sport, and who also bring with them their specific expertise. We want individuals who can hit the ground running, absolutely know what they're doing and want to deliver a superb outcome in 2012. I think it's an achievement being able to produce a diverse workforce, where everyone is absolutely proud to work here. I think the culture that we've created is second to none.
I started my career at Ford as a graduate trainee. Then I worked at Prudential for 16 years and while I was there I was part of the team of ten who set up Egg, the first internet bank in the UK. After that I was HR director of Marks and Spencer. I love what I do and I'm passionate about it. If I wasn't, I'd probably get very bored very quickly and quite mischievous!
I love the fact that we're contributing to the regeneration of east London. Also it's an opportunity for us to showcase to the world how great the UK is. The commitment that we made in Singapore, to provide a Games for everyone, really filled me with pride.
My favourite Olympic memory is watching Usain Bolt win the 100 metres in Beijing. I was there in the front row and it was absolutely superb to be there and be watching the fastest man in the world. It really was amazing.
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