HR and employment law specialist Deb Tweedy supports the region's SMEs with their HR responsibilities as part of her roles as HR manager at Gordon Brown Law Firm LLP (GBLF) and HR consultant for the firm's sister company, Hadrian HR.
However, outside of the office Deb can often be found boxing at the gym putting her mental agility and physical fitness to the test. We learnt more:
What is your passion outside of work, how did you get into it and why do you enjoy it so much?
I have a passion for boxing. After years of focusing simply on the number on the scales, today my focus is much more on my health and core stability. Spending time with my personal trainer has allowed me to train correctly without injury. I got into boxing as a result of my PT’s love of the sport. At first I didn’t think it would be for me, however, I soon realised this is much more than a physical sport. I particularly enjoy the fact you have to be agile and quick thinking.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
A person who strives for perfection. Someone who values people for their individuality. A team player.
What would your autobiography be called?
How I never lost heart, despite the odds.
What do you look forward to most at the end of the week?
Spending time with my husband and my grown up family especially over a glass of wine and good food!
If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be, and why?
It would have to my Aunty Ann. I miss her kind and wise words so, so much.
What is the best book you’ve ever read, and why?
Little Women. Even though the family had so little they showed so much compassion towards one another. These values were very important to our family when growing up and the story resonated with my upbringing. Even though we were not poor my parents always taught me the value of money and placing emphasis on family over material objects.
If you could have one superpower what would it be, and why?
To be invisible when everyone wants a piece of you, because it would work even better than trying to ignore your phone or emails when you’re trying to focus.
What was your dream job as a child?
To be a hairdresser.
What is your greatest achievement?
Passing my post-grad diploma and achieving 85% in my last module. What is it about your role at GBLF that inspires you? The management are so down to earth and genuinely care about the staff members. They value feedback from staff and, for a law firm, this is so refreshing.
How long have you worked at GBLF for, and what attracted you to the firm?
I have worked for the firm for 5 years now. My interviews spanned for some 9 months. I first met the previous practice manager over a coffee. I knew from first meeting her that the culture was something I wanted to be a part of. The values and vision of the firm are now truly cemented in day to day working practices, which is a testament to both Kathryn and all of her team.
Hadrian HR understands the need for no-nonsense HR consultancy advice which is vital to the smooth running of any business. Its team of HR specialists provide personalised packages to micro and small businesses across the North East, ranging from one off contracts to a full audit of current policies and provision of customised contracts and handbooks.
Hadrian HR. T: 0845 340 0099 E: info@hadrianhr.co.uk W: www.hadrianhr.com
