Jane Ellis-Brush
I have spent the last thirty years working in the supply chain field as an executive across a number of sectors, the last ten years in financial services for a global bank. I was privileged to work with many talented people and spent the last five years leading a service centre in Budapest with 2,000 people.
Having finally decided to start a portfolio career from the beginning of 2021, I have been extremely fortunate to secure a part-time teaching role as a senior lecturer at my old University (Bath) where I did my PhD in 1999.
In addition to this role, I also work for the Cabinet Office and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), as well as being a business coach to a number of people (Bath Gold Scholars, Bath Future Talent Programme).
As a result of the appointment with Bath University, my husband and I ‘upped sticks’ from Marbella, where we had been living for the year of lock-down, and met our furniture from Budapest in Bath in early April 2021. We are new here, didn’t know anyone, but have been amazed at how quickly we made connections and are looking forward to building our lives here.
My fledgling portfolio career is allowing me the time and space to create the charity I have long thought of creating. It came partly out of some voluntary work when I used to work in London for ‘Dress for Success’, but also in receiving all of my extensive corporate wardrobe delivered from Budapest, the majority of which I won't ever wear again. Wouldn’t it be great, I thought, for others, who have less opportunity, to be able to access a range of outfits for interview. So 1st Impressions was started. It is early days and I have absolutely no experience in setting up a charity, but with the help of people like Isobel Michael, can already see my embryo of an idea becoming a toddler! Broadly our aims are to help young underprivileged women and returning women into employment through helping them create their interview ‘look’ and also coach them through the interview. We are very happy to have help, and if you would like to get involved, please see the website as to our aims and objectives: www.1stimpressions.org.uk.
I love country walks and am into my fitness and yoga, as well as being a keen rugby fan. Whilst we are true Saracens fans at heart, we have decided to adopt Bath Rugby as our second team and are excited for the new season to start.
It’s great to be part of the Bath Women’s Fund and look forward to meeting you all when we can!