Learn more about Gifted Women Trustee, Zena Gardener

In this article, Gifted Women Trustee, Zena, tells us a little about her extensive experience supporting people, and how this lead her to join our board of trustees:

“I was once described by a Probation Officer as a ‘fizzy bottle of lemonade’.  This resonated with me.

It was an analogy to demonstrate my energy and enthusiasm for helping people.

From a career in retail and hospitality I randomly came across a job through Manpower Recruitment.

They told me they thought I would be a good fit as I value people and want to do the best for people.

Off I went to that interview 20 years ago and have never looked back.  I was successful in becoming a Personal Coach to help unemployed people back into work. 

Using intensive coaching and mentoring techniques, coupled with practical solutions and a can do attitude I excelled at motivating people, giving them hope and realisation they could achieve qualifications, access training and gain employment no matter what their barriers.

I moved up through the ranks but always made sure I spent time with the people we were helping, through various mediums including focus groups and team building days out with them.  

I particularly enjoyed helping them practice their interview techniques and calling them to pass my congratulations to them when gaining employment.

A highlight of my career was leading a programme in Cornwall funded by the Probation Service.

12 months after the contract had finished, they contacted 100 people we had helped into work.  Seventy of them were still in work and had not re-offended, we were awarded recognition by the Howard League for Penal Reform and invited to the House of Lords. 

My role now as Business Development Director at Motiv8, is to help build meaningful partnerships and maintain those relationships in order for us to bid for contracts to help more people.  

When an introduction was made to Jenny we both quickly realized we were like minded people with a common purpose.

I feel very proud to be part of Gifted Women and excited about the months ahead.”

Zena Gardener

Zena is an innovative, enthusiastic individual, who is self-motivated with drive and determination to succeed.  With over twenty years of experience within welfare to work and the criminal justice arenas, Zena is passionate about helping people who have experienced multiple disadvantage and believes everyone should have opportunities to reach their full potential.