Erica Turner, head of commercial property and partner, has recently been promoted to head of legal at Jacksons, while chartered accountant Amie Callan is working alongside her as head of operations. Here, they share an insight into their new roles and lives.
What were your career ambitions growing up?
Erica: I wanted to do something where I made an impact on a business or on people – and I also wanted a fast car! I’ve achieved the latter and I’m hoping people would say I’ve achieved the former! In my teenage years, I was attracted to being a big city lawyer in London. But studying in Teesside, I realised the North East had so much to offer and wanted to stay. I’m now a firm advocate for training, living and working in the region.
Amie: My initial goal was to be a chartered accountant. Once I was in a professional environment, I knew finance was my passion. I love the dynamics and the fast-paced environment. I’m very blessed to have family that have supported me to take my own career path and push and challenge me.
Tell us about your current role and what do you most enjoy?
Erica: I am now responsible for the overall management of the firm as well as commercial property transactions. I really enjoy the people aspect of both roles, engaging with our employees on a daily basis and also engaging with clients to help them achieve their goals.
Amie: I love that no two days are the same and, just as some people can lose themselves in a book, I can lose myself in a spreadsheet! I genuinely love all the elements of my role, where employees are at the heart of our business. In my role, it’s imperative everyone is happy and knowing I’ve achieved this gives me great job satisfaction.
What is your proudest business achievement?
Erica: This recent promotion to head of legal. I’m quite proud of how my career has progressed over 20 years. For me, it demonstrates that no matter what background you’re from or where you’ve trained, if you work hard and apply yourself, you really can achieve what you believe to be the impossible. I hope my career journey inspires others.
Amie: The recent Law Practice Management Award win at the Northern Law Awards was a clear recognition of the efforts of the Jacksons team. For a chartered accountant working in a professional legal environment to be recognised was a huge achievement.
How has your industry evolved in the last decade and what changes do you see in the next decade?
Erica: There are a greater number of females in senior positions today. There is a bit more diversity overall and what I would like to see in the future is more diversity and inclusion – at the same time as evidence that firms are promoting people on merit.
Amie: The environment has become so much more dynamic and fastpaced, seeing how businesses adjusted to challenges such as covid was really commendable to see.
What are you currently working on?
Erica: The sale of a business park, an energy from waste site and a solar option and lease agreement. It’s very diverse, which goes to show all the opportunities there are in the North East. I’m also working with Amie on an employee engagement programme, our five-year plan – and something we can’t talk about until next year!
Amie: We are working on a number of key employee engagement initiatives and strategy and growth plans for the business, looking at where we can apply process changes that are aligned with our continuous improvement philosophy.
Tell us about the team you work with?
Erica: Due to our roles, we work across many teams and all the teams are supportive, dynamic and the people are approachable and patient.
Amie: Due to the nature of my role, I can work with my immediate team within operations or with employees from other departments. Everyone at Jacksons is passionate, helpful and really engaged.
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Erica: Be more confident! I remember it was only because one of the partners had attended university awards that they realised I had won an award, as I didn’t tell anyone. Had I spoken up, I might have got my training contract sooner.
Amie: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. I’m a perfectionist, but now I really do believe failure and failing fast is the key to success – but don’t make the same mistake twice!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Erica: At Jacksons, which I hope will be the most successful, diverse and innovative firm in the North East, in a position to hand over the reigns of the overall management of the firm to someone else who shares my ambition, enthusiasm and commitment.
Amie: Continuing my role at Jacksons working as part of a team to drive the firm forward and growing and mentoring other people to help take the reigns.
Who would be your four ideal dinner guests, alive or dead?
Erica: Freddie Mercury, Jeremy Clarkson, Ayrton Senna and my husband Graham. Graham and I are motorsports enthusiasts and Graham deserves to meet those people for all the support and assistance he’s given me.
Amie: My Grandpa and Gran who have sadly passed away – they were big advocates for me in terms of my professional development. Celine Dion for a bit of karaoke and my husband Andrew – who would do the cooking! He’s such a big part of my journey so I think it’s only fair for him to be involved!
How do you unwind outside of work?
Erica: Graham and I have a camper van and two German Shepherds, Loki and Vader, and we head off to the moors and spend time in the countryside.
Amie: With a toddler at home, not much! But seeing his face light up when I come into the room or hear him belly laugh makes the most difficult of days seem worthwhile.
Favourite book and boxset?
Erica: I like Stephen King’s The Shining and my favourite boxset is Breaking Bad.
Amie: My favourite boxset is Downton Abbey and my favourite book is Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight.
www.jacksons-law.com