Abi Parker is founding director of Potential Directions, expert in getting people excited about their own possibilities.
Potential Directions uses proven science and psychometric tools to assess people making critical choices, whilst keeping them grounded in reality and focussed on where they want to be in the future.
Abi holds a BSc in Computer Science, a Post Graduate Diploma in International Marketing Management, and has a British Psychological Society Level B Certificate in Occupational Testing.
Twenty years of corporate experience
Over the past twenty years, Abi has worked within, and on behalf of, a diverse range of organisations; small and large, private and public sector. She started her exciting career managing a company in North America for a British inventor, and progressed to a more formally corporate career in telecommunications with the likes of BT and AT&T, latterly specialising in large-scale corporate culture change and people performance. Most of her work has been of a global nature although she now resides in her home town in Hale, South Manchester.
Motivating and inspiring people to succeed
What all of this means is that Abi has a comprehensive insight into the range and validity of psychometric tests available, real and current knowledge of the world of work, and she can share a multitude of experiences to motivate and inspire people as well as giving them the knowledge and skills that they need to succeed in the future.
Abi's insights
Favourite teacher
"The late Mrs Kershaw, History, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, because she was passionate about her subject, and told me not to be self-conscious that I had full lips as it had never held Mick Jagger back!"
Most memorable meeting
"Sitting opposite the Vice President of Sales at a graphics company in Tennessee with his feet on the desk (wearing cowboy boots); at the very start of our meeting he answered the phone shouting 'I'M IN A ******* MEETING!' I was about to give him some bad news."
Favourite boss
"G Roland Hill because you never stop learning when you work for a genius inventor."
Favourite job
"It's always been the one I'm in at the time!"
Favourite quote
"All great successes, all great lives have involved the coincidence of aptitude, talent, but also the luck of meeting people who have believed in you. At some point in your life, you need someone who will tap you on the shoulder and say, 'I believe in you'." - Arsene Wenger. Manager, Arsenal Football Club.