Cat Allen

Background

About Cat Allen

I have always used the motto ‘anything worthwhile is achievable’; I have the reputation for getting the job done. Having outgrown the classroom, I am now making the transition from Deputy Head to pursue my passion for project management, which is exactly what I have been doing for the last eleven years (in addition to teaching my class and the 1,500 decisions a day that accompany that role in a school.) I have been extending my accreditations and already hold Prince2 practitioner and AgilePM foundation certificates, I have acquired an abundance of skills and strengths to use when reaching for success, even in the most difficult situations. Indeed, my sense of adventure (and humour) has enabled me to chair a serious meeting with senior stakeholders whilst dressed as Josephine Rabbit. Meanwhile my empathetic nature – enhanced perhaps through my relationship with my Downs Syndrome sister – facilitated me in motivating my teams during the challenge that is the half term before Christmas, whereas riding a powerful motorbike (accelerating 0 – 60 in just over 3 seconds) accentuated my ability to thrive under the pressure of three classrooms flooding at once, during the school day. Transferable skills include strengths in: Leadership, with 11 years experience as Deputy Head Team management, motivating, inspiring, mentoring and coaching Senior stake holder management Communications and presentation skills Project management - experience in both waterfall and Agile types of projects Managing whole life cycle of projects Change management Anticipation of risks and issues Organisation and documentation, with ability to focus on the detail whilst keeping the whole in mind Multi-tasking and prioritising