Guernsey Electricity’s Chief Operating Officer talks problem solving, acting with integrity, and dancing in her kitchen.
As chief operating officer at Guernsey Electricity, Sally-Ann David is responsible for all engineering functions, strategy and tactics and operations. With a degree in electrical and electronic engineering, plus an MBA, Sally-Ann specialised in energy economics, working across the world, before returning to Guernsey. She is also director of the CIEG (Channel Islands Energy Group).
What’s your day-to-day work routine?
I start my day by checking emails before I get into work and as soon as I arrive, I then check in and catch up with each of my operational leads for a status report which covers asset management, the network, energy generation and commercial aspects.
The rest of the day is always varied and depends on the season and what projects we are working on. I guide and work with colleagues on many topics, focusing on anything from new initiatives, risk profiles, financial aspects, sustainability, objectives and projects and liaise with several boards, reporting back on these.
What’s the most interesting thing about your work?
I like solving problems, especially when applying physics to solve engineering problems that can in turn resolve a problem a customer might be experiencing. I love that I use my (mainly mathematical) brain along complex and large infrastructure like engines, ships and subsea cables and, of course, the invaluable input from such clever people to bring change, solve problems and make things happen.
What are you watching/reading/listening to?
My family has just finished The Ozarks on Netflix which we watched throughout lockdown. If you’ve had a bad day, it’s nothing compared to the one Marty Byrde has just been through.
I’m also an avid reader and have just started an intriguing book, Donna Tartt’s The Secret History, in which the protagonist takes part in a murder on page one, but it takes the whole book to work out why.
Through lockdown, my daughter convinced us to buy a family membership for Spotify. I was sceptical at first, but have now rediscovered my old favourites, and am enjoying unashamedly dancing and singing loudly in the kitchen to my kitchen equipment – Fleetwood Mac, The Police, 80s American glam rock and possibly Doris Day.
What are the last three accounts you followed on social media?
- Guernsey Birdwatching
- NASA
- Liverpool FC
When are you happiest?
I’m a happy and positive person (well, most of the time). I’m proud to say that I am actually doing the job that I always wanted to do since the age of seven. I think when you’re happy at work and happy at home, you can count yourself fortunate.
But of course, the ideal scenario would be snorkelling on a tropical reef.
What keeps you awake at night?
I’m organised and always making lists – on paper or mentally – then prioritising and remaking them. Whether that was (in lockdown) mentally ticking off toilet rolls stock, or through work (we worked from home until early May and are now back at HQ), reprioritising the next day and planning the year ahead helps me.
My best Christmas present is a large A4 page-a-day diary for the following year.
What traits do you most like in yourself?
I would say the word that sums me up is conscientious. It was all over my school report. Really, this is both a burden and a blessing because it’s hard for me to shut down.
What traits do you dislike in other people?
I like people and appreciate we are all different. I admire those who try their best and I value integrity so have less patience for those who don’t act with it.
What do you do to relax?
My husband says by the time I’ve finished reprioritising and making lists, we are often half way through our holiday. Once, after a busy period at work (installing a new subsea cable), he swept us off to Nice for a week, and I literally didn’t speak until three days before we came home.
On the weekend, I appreciate nature – I walk the dog and usually try and snatch a couple of hours to birdwatch wherever we are and whatever the weather, using my prized binoculars, a previous present.
How do you measure success?
I would say health and happiness. Also, to act with integrity with whatever you do: “Tread lightly in the world”.
