Judith Allsop

My background includes...

...a BSc in mathematics from Cardiff followed by an MSc in change agent skills and strategies. My early career included operational research stints with both British Steel and British Alcan as well as software support with Unisys. I then joined Mars Inc, firstly to work in software consultancy, then in market research analysis and - on moving to the group's petfoods business - market research design. I've also been a production manager, held major business planning responsibilities (including systems implementation) and managed all training provision for the UK management population. I first started working with Antonia Maclean in Mars' pan-European organisational effectiveness team, helping to run a key business transformation programme involving cultural and leadership change. When Antonia left Mars to start Wingivers, it seemed like the natural place for me to further my interests in leading-edge organisational development.

What I'm particularly interested in is...

...the dynamics of how people interact with each other in the business environment. It's very interesting to analyse how and why people get 'stuck' in organisations: how their career development can be sabotaged, albeit unwittingly, by themselves or others. While I have an innate belief in human potential, I've got little patience with people who really can't be bothered to develop theirs. I'd rather work with a forklift truck-driver who's interested in developing their skills than a managing director who isn't! I also like the idea of building as much expertise as possible in the organisational development field - and I don't believe that it's an area where solutions should be 'proprietary!'

When I'm not working I like to...

...socialise with friends. I also run and swim regularly. I'm currently learning to play the piano, and I've just discovered the opera. Whenever I'm in London , I try to take in a play if possible. And I'm an active eBayer.

Something you'd never guess about me is...

...I have a thing about boots. I'd wear them all the year round if possible - as it is, I tend to wear them from August till May. And I like the bags that go with them!