Rising Stars: Jo Lamont, scientist, WRc

This week we profile Jo Lamont, a scientist with WRc and one of the Institute of Water’s Rising Stars of 2016.

What was your first job?

My first paid job was working in a Cornish pasty shop while I did my A-levels, which is ironic considering I can’t eat gluten. My first career job is the one I currently have.

How did you come to join your company?

I joined through the graduate programme as a scientist after completing my degree in physics from the University of Nottingham. I wasn’t too sure what I wanted to do when I graduated, I just knew I didn’t want to do a PhD and I wanted my work to have a purpose. WRc offered diversity of work topics in the utility industry and represented a chance for me to make a positive impact. This is what drew me into applying.

How long have you been with them?

Just over one and a half years.

What has been your best achievement since joining?

I think my best achievement has been gaining the trust and respect of the senior members of staff. This has opened up many doors and enabled me to have many experiences. To know that my opinion is valued at such an early stage is my career is a great personal achievement.

What preconception about your company did you find was most wrong?

I never thought that I would get so many opportunities so soon after starting. Within months I was leading technical elements of projects, running steering group meetings and organising supplier demonstrations. The matrix management system at WRc allows me to work at a high and low level in projects, maximising the use of my natural skills while still allowing me to improve in areas where I am less confident.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

When I asked people this question, the answers I received were Katee Sackhoff and Jennifer Lawrence. I was quite pleased.

What’s your favourite film and TV programme?

Film: A Prayer for the Dying.

TV programme: Tattoo Fixers. I love laughing at the ridiculous tattoos people get and the way they are turned into works of art. Nothing picks me up more at the end of a stressful day.

What would you do if you ruled the world?

This is difficult to answer without coming across as an evil dictator in someone’s eyes, but I would probably make smoking illegal.

What’s your favourite joke?

There are two muffins baking in the oven. One says to the other: “Man, it’s hot in here!”

The other responds: “Holy crap, a talking muffin!”

Do you have a message for the industry?

Innovation is constantly mentioned in the water industry as the way to new and exciting ideas and technology which promises to improve both profitability and customer service. However, the pressure to provide a near flawless service inhibits the adoption of innovation. We need to be bolder with adopting new solutions in order to gain the benefits they offer and to encourage the next level of innovation.

Find out more about the Institute of Water’s Rising Stars programme at:
www.institureofwater.org.uk/rising-stars