What does stepping outside your comfort zone have to do with building a successful career? Everything.

In this episode of Workplus, host Richard Kirk sits down with Paula Leathem, Head of Human Resources at NIE Networks, whose remarkable journey from clerical apprentice to senior leader proves that the opportunities that challenge us most are often the ones that shape our futures. From working in a newsagent at 13 to leading HR for Northern Ireland's electricity network, Paula's story shows how curiosity, respect, and seizing opportunities can unlock unexpected career paths—even if you don't have it all figured out at 16.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, young person exploring careers, or an HR professional, this episode is packed with honest insights about apprenticeships, career progression, and the future of work in the energy sector.

In This Episode:

• Why practical subjects and team sports matter more than you think
• The value of early work experience—from newsagents to care homes
• How Paula went from customer service to leading HR (without an HR degree)
• What NIE Networks offers beyond STEM: finance, IT, procurement, and more
• The future of green skills and achieving net zero
• Why AI won't replace people—but will change how we work
• The surprising role of cyber security in electricity networks
• Paula's advice to her 16-year-old self: embrace the uncomfortable
• What makes work meaningful (hint: it's about people)

YouTube Chapters:

00:00 - Opening quote: Don't be afraid to take opportunities

00:28 - Welcome to Workplus

01:09 - Meet Paula Leathem

01:20 - School days: favourite subjects and team sports

2:46 - Early work experience in newsagents and care homes

04:10 - Making the leap after school

05:14 - Starting as an apprentice at NIE Networks

06:22 - The challenge and reward of customer service

07:09 - From customer service to HR leadership 1

0:33 - Apprenticeship and graduate programmes at NIE Networks

12:03 - Opportunities beyond STEM subjects

12:56 - Green skills and the future of energy work

14:19 - Cyber security in the electricity network

15:34 - Advice to her 16-year-old self

16:27 - What's so good about work?

17:15 - Closing thoughts

Thanks for watching Workplus, the podcast that shines a light on the people doing good work across Northern Ireland.

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