Meet the Tutor – Suzie Henriques

All of our tutors at MOL are industry experts with a wealth of experience; bringing your learning to life using current examples of industry practice, and we’re introducing some of them in a series of Q&As. 

After a career with a host of top businesses and organisations, Suzie Henriques now teaches on both our CMI courses and Human Resource courses (at CIPD Level 3 and CIPD Level 5).

If you’re considering studying a professional qualification, read on to find out her valuable pearls of wisdom. 

Tell us about your experience in the industry and/or education.

I’ve enjoyed a 19-year career in people leadership, operational management and HR roles in the private and public sectors, with some further experience as a charity Trustee over a two-and-a-half-year term. 

The thread across all of my roles has been about how to harness people's potential, create great working environments and help organisations drive the best possible outcomes. 

I spent 13 years with John Lewis in a range of front-line management roles, leading teams of up to 17 and projects of up to £25 million in five stores around the country. 

I then joined the Cabinet Office, working on the cross-government high potential leadership development programme, the Civil Service Fast stream. I then moved to the Department for Work and Pension's Digital Group where I led on early career development, particularly industrial placements and apprenticeships. 

Since 2020, I’ve delivered 11 CIPD and CMI units for MOL and our apprenticeship partners, Total People, as well as running my own CV Writing and Career Coaching business, and some wider assessment work with several major UK universities. 

I am a Chartered Member of CIPD and a Fellow or the Chartered Management Institute.

How and why did you get into teaching?

I’ve always loved to coach, develop and facilitate the growth of others. This has been a thread throughout my career. As a learner myself, I know how impactful it can be to have theory brought to life by someone with real-life experience. 

I reached the stage in my career where I want to be able help people engaged in vocational learning to feel inspired, motivated and supported which is something I hope I’ve been able to do with the cohorts I have worked with.

Tell us why you're so passionate about your subject area.

I really believe that the success of organisations is determined by the capability, engagement and aspirations of its people - at every level.  Great leadership and great people practice are the keys to unlocking this, which is why it is wonderful to be able to support learners who have signed up to better themselves, their teams and their organisations by developing their own people and leadership practice. 

In an ever-changing world, having the ability and confidence to improve processes, develop strategies, and respond to issues through knowledge-based vocational understanding can make a very real difference to realising potential in every possible way. 

I'm passionate about creating conscious leaders who have the confidence, resources and agility to meet business challenges now and in the future!

What is the best piece of advice you can give to students who are considering studying a professional qualification?

1. Make the most of all the resources that MOL has pointed you to, including the pre- and post- webinar activities. Some are essential, some will deepen your knowledge and some will provide you with new ideas and perspectives. There's a great range of resource types, so mix it up. For example, listen to a podcast while you take a walk to give your eyes a break!  
2. Plan your learning. Keep your diary clear before and after your webinars so you have time to get into the right frame of mind and then reflect on what you've taken in. They can be very full with lots of new concepts, so try to minimise distractions. 
3. Engage with the virtual community, both in the webinar itself (always ask if you have any questions and share your perspectives where you can) and through the various forums on the Virtual Learning Environment. These can be a great way to connect with others going through the same experience, share tips and resources, or clarify any areas you aren't sure about.  
4. Finally, make sure you are taking some time to rest. Life can be very busy if you're working and studying so do something that works for your wellbeing and helps you stay fresh!

Why should someone choose to study with MOL?

The team at MOL are passionate about learning. The courses are developed by expert practitioners with deep experience in both education and its practical application in the workplace. MOL wants every learner to succeed and will support you to achieve this wherever possible.  

The programmes are flexible and designed to fit around your commitments, whilst providing the structure you need to help keep you on track. Tutors are knowledgeable, helpful and seek to bring the theory to life so you can add value as a true professional straight away.

Ready to get your CMI or CIPD qualification? Browse our CMI Management & Leadership and CIPD HR courses, or call one of our Qualification Advisors on 03452 032 103. We’re happy to answer all your questions and help you make the best decision for you.