Making a difference in the water sector
Lila Thompson is the chief executive of British Water, a trade association for the UK water supply chain that helps members grow and develop their business at home and internationally
Water is at the forefront of addressing climate change and building a resilient economy and is one of the most exciting sectors to work in right now.
It is a fantastic time to join – water is undergoing a technological transformation but with an expected skills shortage of 27,000 people over the next decade, the sector needs new talent to take it forward.
Both in the UK and internationally, water is at the heart of the post-COVID green recovery and is embedded in all aspects of development and economic growth. From science, technology and engineering to economics, resilience planning and project management, the potential career routes are incredibly varied. Data analytics and digital development are just two areas where new talent and ideas are needed, both at home and globally.
For me, it was international trade that led me to the water industry 15 years ago, when I joined British Water as international director, coming from the Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI), where I was head of international business.
I did not always know what career I wanted to pursue and took a job in the insurance sector after leaving college. It was after moving to the Overseas Trade Services Department as the Country Manager for Lebanon and Syria – now known as the Department for International Trade – that I realised international trade was the perfect fit for me.
I took a diploma in international trade, attending evening classes whilst travelling extensively in a full time role. Encouraged by my lecturer, I then went on to gain a degree in economics at Birkbeck University of London, while still at the Overseas Trade Services Department. My subsequent civil service roles included a secondment to the British High Commission in Pakistan and Country Manager for the United Arab Emirates. These visits were exciting and challenging. I was only in my 20s, but I found international trade incredibly fascinating and it completely suited my personality. After moving to ABHI, I had further opportunities to travel in the Middle East, as well as in Latin America and Europe.
The confidence and people skills I developed during this time were hugely valuable and put me on course for my current position as chief executive of British Water, a role I took in 2018 and that I absolutely love. In business, I have pushed myself to always reach for the next thing but getting to this point has not always been easy.
It can be tough when you’re the only person of colour in the room. At times I’ve felt undervalued and underappreciated and I’ve had to deal with racism, in the UK and overseas. However, while I’ve encountered some people who wanted to discourage my progression, I’ve always found more people from all types of backgrounds who have actively supported me – often without me being initially aware.
Throughout the highs and lows, I have kept my focus on what I wanted to achieve and retained my courage and determination to keep going. The desire to make a difference has always been a significant driver for me and is why, as a water industry leader, I have established campaigns and partnerships to make the sector more inclusive. For example, in February 2021, British Water became the latest organisation to pledge its support to the Change the Race Ratio campaign (https://changetheraceratio.com).
Initiated by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the campaign aims to increase racial and ethnic participation in UK businesses at senior leadership and board level. British Water recognises the lack of ethnic diversity on UK boards is reflected in our industry and I am proud to join this campaign.
It is great to see other companies in the water community, including Pennon PLC, have done the same and I hope this will encourage a younger, more diverse workforce to consider joining our industry.
"All my experiences, good and bad, have been pivotal to my journey. If I hadn't taken one step, I wouldn't have got to the next."
For anyone who sees themselves as a leader of tomorrow, I would encourage you to be courageous and take the steps to explore and find the career options that best suit you. Always seek guidance and support when you need it. Some practical advice I would offer is to join a governing board – I am a school governor and a trustee at a hospice. This is a valuable way to contribute to your local community whilst gaining real experience in business, finance, communication, leadership and diplomacy.
Throughout my working life, all my experiences, good and bad, have been pivotal to my journey. If I hadn’t taken one step, I wouldn’t have got to the next. The challenges have helped build and strengthen my character, enabling me to strive to be the best leader I can be today. Keep going, stay focused and don’t give up.
British Water’s support of Change the Race Ratio is its latest commitment to create a more inclusive workforce. In 2018, the association launched its Women on Water campaign and in 2020, signed up to the 30% Club mentoring programme. It is currently preparing to launch a 2021 diversity and equality campaign.
www.britishwater.co.uk
CAREERS IN THE INDUSTRY
CIWEM (Chartered Institute of Water & Environmental Management) – https://ciwemjobs.com/
Institute of Water – https://jobs.instituteofwater.org.uk/
