Turning Points - heart and voice

Turning Points is a series of interviews by Lisa Westbury. This week she talks to Lisa Williamson, Communications Officer for the Chichester Diocese which represents the Church of England in East Sussex , including over 500 church buildings and thousands of church officers

1. What inspired your decision to work for the Church of England?

It was a practical decision. I was ready to take on a more responsible role and it made sense for my work-life balance. The spiritual calling came later.

2. Has it lived up to your expectations?

I’ve gone through an incredible few years. I had some fresh ideas which initially weren’t welcome, and it was incredibly frustrating. But I stayed and I started to think there was a reason for me to continue. Then organisation went through a period of enormous turmoil and public criticism which put communications into the spotlight. At the same time my faith has deepened, which helped me to stay the course.

3. What has that faith enabled for you?

A confidence, a sense of being complete, that nothing else has given me.

4. You used to be have anxiety around public speaking. What’s helped you to speak confidently?

I couldn’t find the courage to speak at my sister’s funeral after she died of cancer, which stayed with me as a deep regret. So when I had the chance to speak at my close friend’s wedding, I really wanted to get over my fear and took the leap. I asked a vicar friend for advice and he got me to just speak from the heart and keep it real. So I typed up my heart-felt story of her and realised that I felt totally comfortable with it. That got me through my fear barrier.

5. What has been the impact on you/others?

The gut wrenching anxiety doesn’t affect me so much!

6. What have you learned from it?

That I tried to be too conscientious and that was holding me back.  Now I just accept that nobody is perfect.

7. Is there any advice you give to others wanting to be more confident speakers?

If you believe in what you’re saying, if you’re passionate about it and want to change people’s perceptions, then you shouldn’t be fearful.

8. What’s your biggest challenge at work now?

Being a voice amongst other very strong voices

9. How are you tackling it?

Being quietly persistent about improving our messages in the Diocese and helping it to find its own voice.

10. If you could do anything at all in 2014 what would it be?

Be a voice in the community, speaking for people who don’t usually get heard.

Lisa Westbury, along with Emma Haughton will be helping you face your challenges at the Brighton Summit in July. Book your tickets here.

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk