Lara Friedman

Employability Manager

Hello,  I’m Lara. I have been with SBC now for just over two years, helping employers to develop their staff innovatively and at the same time supporting young people and unemployed adults.

Joining SBC was a very deliberate move. An attempt to bring together what most of my previous colleagues saw as conflicting interests. A keen interest in business, organisational development and the commercial world, having spent most of my working life in the private sector. At the same time I have always really just wanted to help “change the world; make it a better place.” Ideals that seemed fairly out of place, even naïve in the commercial world.

However, since joining SBC, I have met a group of like minded vibrant and passionate colleagues. I have also worked with many committed employees. They are examples of how we can be commercially focused, profit conscious and run businesses that make a positive impact on our community and the environment.

In my role as employability manager, I have seen how employees’ skills, motivation and morale can be boosted through their contact with young people and unemployed adults. Mentoring an ex offender, presenting to a group of teenage mums or facilitating a communication session have been shown to bring considerable benefit to staff and the business. It is why I enjoy my work, businesses thrive and the community thrives. Working together brings positive change for all. And I no longer need to worry about my “conflicting interests”.