Spotlight on Helen Scott, our Doorperson at The Wolseley

Tell us a little about your background. Who is Helen Scott and how did you come to be such a valued member of Team Wolseley?

Growing up in the vibrant city of Edinburgh with my four siblings, I always felt the pull of curiosity and adventure. As far back as I can remember, I loved to try new experiences and follow absolutely any adventure, I really wanted to see what the world had to offer.

My journey has been a colourful mix of diverse roles and unexpected turns. It began with a leap into military nursing after college, at Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Core, a place where I learned a great deal about serving others. But life had more in store for me beyond the barracks.

After my time in the military, I ventured into different fields, from office administration to orthopaedic nursing and even personnel management at iconic companies like Marks and Spencer. I also loved my role working for the Police as a transcriber and found time to complete my studies in computer technology and electronics, just because I found tech so fascinating.

I moved to Spain for several years as well, and found joy working in not only in hospitality, but also in Real Estate – so I’ve really enjoyed a mix of job roles in my journey so far.

When I returned to the UK in 2015, I went back into nursing and met Brian from The House of St. Barnabas, who invited me to enrol in some of their some training programmes. Whilst I was there, a job became available at The Wolseley, who were actively looking for a veteran to join their team, and that’s how I ended up working for The Wolseley Hospitality Group.

For the past four years, I've poured my heart into my role here, and I adore the daily interactions I have with our guests and also with my colleagues. It’s a wonderful place to call my ‘work home’. To me, life is about seizing every opportunity with enthusiasm, and that’s what I always do. ?

What do you love about your job?

I’m a people person through and though, and I love just connecting and talking with people. It’s a really powerful thing to be able to impact someone’s day just by smiling and talking with them – it is by far the best job to have at The Wolseley.

What annoys you about your job?

Most of us who work in hospitality have studied or trained extensively, and we do our jobs because we want to serve; because we love service and we want to make someone’s dining experience memorable. Every now and again, people forget to be kind and it can feel like we are invisible.

Is there a person who has made an impact on your life professionally?

I admire Matthew Silcock who is a Floor Manager here at The Wolseley. He is a brilliant manager – straight to the point but also kind and supportive. I have so much respect for him. You know where you stand with him and he always looks after the people in our team. He’s been at The Wolseley for 20 years – he is a true legend. He’s not only loved by the team, our guests love him too.

How would you describe yourself?

I'd describe myself as a free spirit. From last-minute trips to chasing unexpected opportunities, I'm all about living life to the full. Although my carefree nature may have caused a few grey hairs for my parents, it has taught me resilience and the ability to adapt to any situation. In a professional setting, my spontaneity helps me to turn tricky situations into workable solutions because I can improvise and adapt quickly. I'm always up for new challenge, and I try ?to make the most of every moment.

What piece of advice have you been given that has always stayed with you?

One piece of advice from my father which has always resonated with me was: 'Hold your head high, shoulders back, and go for it. You can do it.' These words have been a constant source of encouragement for me - they have reminded me to have confidence and determination when I face any challenges. Even when things don't go as planned, my father's voice telling me to move forward with grace and resilience has been invaluable. It's taught me the value of perseverance and self-assurance, and this means I can navigate setbacks with pride and optimism.

My father also emphasised the value of kindness and restraint, saying 'If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.' This old adage is so important when it comes to understanding in the importance of empathy and diplomacy. Words have a big impact on people, so think before you speak.

If you had to give any advice to someone who was considering joining the hospitality industry, what would you tell them?

For the younger generation, I would emphasise that whilst the hospitality industry can be tough at times, it's also really rewarding. Every day offers you the chance to grow and learn. Mistakes are inevitable, but they're also valuable learning experiences. Take feedback constructively, learn from it, and use it to improve. Above all, stay true to yourself. Authenticity is key in our industry, so be yourself.

To those who may be considering a career change or joining the industry later in life, I would love to highlight that our industry is unbelievably inclusive and supportive, no matter your age or level of experience. It's a welcoming and diverse community, and everyone has a place. Give it a try - you might find that it's exactly where you belong. Hard work is definitely required, but the rewards are plentiful. At The Wolseley, we celebrate diversity. I work alongside people from many different cultures and backgrounds and this adds a real richness to my role here.

Finally, what’s the best compliment you ever received?

I always get complimented on my smile, and my friendly personality. But I think in my job it’s essential to have both. Still, it’s lovely when our guests compliment me on my smile, it makes me feel proud of who I am and reminds me that a smile can really make someone’s day better.