Nominee Stories
Michelle Blake
Associate Director and Senior Regulatory Affairs Consultant at DLRC Ltd.
Contribution Award winner 2024 - part of the Boyds' Podcast Team.
Q: How did you feel when you were nominated?
When I heard I was nominated, I was so surprised. I think it’s really nice that colleagues and other people have recognised my achievements; it means such a lot to me.
Q: What does this recognition mean to you, both personally and professionally?
I’ve worked at DLRC for 14 years which is my entire regulatory career, which I think is quite usual these days. Obviously, for them to recognise all the achievements that I’ve made during that time means a lot.
What’s also lovely is that many of our clients inputted into the nomination application as well, so I appreciate that they recognise the work that I’ve been doing for them. So, professionally, it’s amazing recognition, in addition to the nice feelings that I got personally from being recognised for the award.
Q: How did you feel when you won?
I have never been more surprised in my life. I’ve previously been shortlisted for a couple of other TOPRA Awards but never won before. I also had five very worthy components, so I really didn’t think I stood a chance. I knew that I was going to have a nice evening, and it was great to be recognised so actually, when they read my name, I honestly couldn’t believe it. I was in a state of shock for about an hour afterwards.
Q: What would you say to encourage people to nominate their friends and colleagues for the awards?
I have previously worked on a nomination for someone in my team, so I understand what’s involved from the other side, and it was really rewarding seeing them being surprised at being shortlisted.
It was quite a lot of work to put the application together, but I felt that it was really worthwhile taking the time to ensure that person got the recognition they deserved for their hard work. Therefore, if there’s someone you want to nominate, it’s worth the work to put the nomination together and submit it.
Q: Is there any advice you would give to someone who is aspiring to win such an award in the future?
I would say to do your best with your everyday work. Of course, being able to stand out from the crowd is essential. To do this, try and think outside the box for ideas and initiatives, and don’t be afraid to voice your ideas to others to bring about change in your environment.
In some companies you’re used to being told what to do, but you might have several different ideas to bring forward such as to improve processes, or things that you think are important. Being able to actually bring good ideas to the table really does set you apart from others.
Q: Tell us a bit about your ‘Contribution’ award nomination. Do you think there was one thing in particular that led to it?
I don’t think it was one thing in particular; I feel my nomination was more of a holistic view of everything that I’m currently doing.
What I really like about my job is the mix of different work. I contribute professionally with my regulatory skills through the client work that we do, but I also support members of DLRC directly through my subject matter expertise support and in my role as a team leader. So, I think it was a mix of all those different aspects.