Heather Lacey

Tell us a bit about yourself outside of work – what do you like to do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies/interests/sports – we’d love to know

I am a real foodie – I definitely live to eat! – and love cooking. I was diagnosed with a wheat-induced anaphylaxis at the age of 21 (which was a massive shock to the system!) and I’m always on the hunt for the best gluten-free recipes. I am particularly passionate about finding the best gluten-free pizza (since pizza was the meal that caused the reaction!). I own three guinea pigs and am currently in the process of adopting a puppy, so I am preparing to puppy-proof my flat and get ready for the inevitable early-morning walks. I love reading (once an English student, always an English student…) and am particularly interested in non-fiction at the moment. I am an avid documentary-watcher, and you can usually find me exploring true crime cases and watching series that uncover the detective work behind them. I like to write for various publications, including magazines and journals, and I am director of Inclusive Minds Collective CIC so do a lot of the strategy work for that. I’m also quite a creative person, and have several ongoing projects at once: recently I’ve been card-making, trying out some ‘diamond art’ and watercolour painting. I’m no artist (although my grandpa was), but I am a classically-trained vocalist so you can often hear me singing around the flat…apologies go to my neighbours!

How many applications did you submit for a graduate job? How many interviews did you attend?

Countless…to be honest, I was quite set on a career in teaching post-university. Immediately upon graduating from my M.Res., I did end up in a part-time job teaching non-compulsory Study Skills at a post-16 college, based in the SENDs department. After a year or so, due to lack of funding this provision was cut, so I toyed with the idea of obtaining a PGCE or PTTLS qualification, with the goal of going into teaching full-time, ideally eventually within SEND as a SENDCo. After much consideration – and although I’d had acceptance onto several courses – I decided not to pursue teaching. I had the rare opportunity as a member of the teaching staff in my previous teaching role to see that – due to the fluctuating nature of my conditions – managing the workload would pose difficulties. As a result, I reluctantly withdrew my applications. Determined to make the most of a ‘fresh start’, I began looking at any and every job that might interest me. In a way this was quite freeing – I didn’t have a particular direction, but I knew that I had transferable skills, and knew that I could use them in a different sector. I did apply for hundreds of jobs: I had many rejections, and many workplaces didn’t even acknowledge the applications, but eventually, I started getting interviews. These interviews were a great way to gauge the culture of a company and gave me an idea as to how these organisations would respond to my requests for workplace adjustments.

Were you open about your disability during the application process? What support was provided to you?

I was when the opportunity was afforded to me. A while ago, I remember speaking with my old English teacher. He knew me well, and knew of the challenges my disabilities had thrown at me over the years. The best piece of advice he gave me was not to settle. He said ‘if an employer doesn’t want you for all that you are, you don’t need them. Don’t settle.’ I remember this fondly: I knew from then on that all of me is valuable, and I can be an asset to an organisation when given the adjustments I need. I am not from a legal background, so when I applied for a role with Eversheds Sutherland I didn’t know much about the firm at all, aside from the research I’d done. I noticed that the website talked through their disability confident accreditation, and D&I seemed to be at the top of the agenda. It wasn’t until I attended the office for my interview that I realised this firm was quite a big one (which is perhaps an understatement!). I usually wear a splint on my arm, and my interviewers noticed this. I took the opportunity to tell them, very openly, that I had cerebral palsy, and that the splint helped me have better control over my affected arm. They listened, and I felt heard. This affected me profoundly after years of feeling belittled and unheard. I knew that I was onto something good.

What led you to this role? Why did you choose to join this organisation?

My first role at ES was actually a role in the corporate secretarial unit doing compliance and governance work for large multinational clients. This included project management of various projects, including corporate reorganisations, M&A work, and managing the coordination of corporate documents for compliance deadlines. It was a fast-paced role, and though I enjoyed working with clients and lawyers all over the world, I was looking to move into a marketing / BD role. Outside of work, I have worked with many charities and organisations on their social media strategies, creating collateral and managing campaigns. So when the opportunity arose for me to move into a marketing role, I jumped at the chance. It was probably the best decision I have made thus far –  I knew the organisation, I knew that ES was keen on ensuring everyone came to work as their true, authentic selves, and I had experienced how workplace adjustments had enabled me to reach my fullest potential, even on bad or difficult days. Working in marketing means that I can combine my prior commercial, fee-earning experience with creativity, strategy implementation and campaign management, allowing me to be more creative in my role and to support a variety of stakeholders from all areas of the business. I finally feel like I’ve ‘found my feet’: and I feel fortunate to be in the position I’m in.

Tell us a bit about the type of work you’re doing at the moment; what are your day-to-day tasks?

I support the Real Estate practice by working effectively with key stakeholders to implement the firm’s marketing and business development strategy. I use my skills in copywriting, content creation and design to work with teams and fee earners to produce and update collateral – including brochures, pitches and placemats – as well as assisting in delivering campaigns, comms product development, as well as maintenance of client-facing content. My days are really varied – one day I’ll be sending out emails, researching mailing lists; the next I’ll be organising an event, booking speakers and planning the session, and the next day I’ll be handling requests for membership, or inputting into product development. No day is the same, and I feel I have a great deal of autonomy. It is really enjoyable combining varied tasks and approaches to support the business.

How do you manage your disability at work?

Honestly? There’s a lot of trial and error. I have several conditions causing fluctuating symptoms, including chronic pain, chronic fatigue, mobility issues and neuro-related issues. I am not always good at getting up and walking around from my desk, but I am trying! I have a kneeling chair which seems to help some of my back pain, and software like MindView to try and keep me on track as my PTSD can make concentration difficult. I think I’m always fighting with my own internalised ableism, but I am realising that I can be my own cheerleader. It’s a work in progress, but I hope that one day I’ll know exactly what works for me, and won’t be afraid to ask for it when needed.

What was it about your job/organisation that surprised you when you first started?

That is was so big! I had no idea at the time

What is your organisation’s approach to disability; how has your employer helped you to do well at your workplace?

Provided the right workplace adjustments, and not questioned me on my disability but have listened compassionately and completely.

Tell us about a personal strength or a valuable plus which you have developed, as a result of your disability. How has it helped you in your career?

Resilience. I am definitely resilient and this comes in handy when discussing client issues / feedback. The disabled community is probably the most resilient I know – it comes from years of live experience to need to be adaptable, creative and innovative problem-solvers. Resilience is always an asset in any job role – it’s the ability to get back up when you’ve fallen down; it’s something each of us can nurture and learn to grow.

What do you wish you knew when you were at university?

That I’d find my feet at some point. The prospect of entering the job market post-university as a disabled candidate can be overwhelming, to say the least. I do think the job market is getting better when it comes to disability but it’s understandable to be overwhelmed. Seek out employers who aim to support you, and will put the accommodations in place to allow you to flourish. It’s the least you deserve.

What advice would you give a student with a similar disability, who wants to pursue a career in the field you work in?

Get experience where you can, make connections, and keep abreast of industry updates. See if you can find yourself a mentor who is willing to share their experience and remember – never settle.