
Last year we were thrilled to welcome Stephen Wardrobe to Stori as our new Director of Resources, a role that oversees our Finance and People Services departments. With a wealth of experience and a passion for driving meaningful change, Stephen is stepping into this comprehensive role at an exciting time for our organisation.
We caught up with Stephen to learn more about how he’s settling into Stori and to find out more about his role.
Hi Stephen, we are glad to have you as a part of the Stori team. You’ve joined Stori as our new Director of Resources can you tell us a bit about your role?
My role provides strategic leadership across Finance, Human Resources, Governance and Assurance. It has responsibility for Financial Management, Human Resources, Health & Safety, Risk Management and Governance and Procurement.
With a role that covers both Finance and HR, what’s a common misconception people have about your job?
That accountants are policing the finances and blocking the creative development of the organisation. I am an advocate that the Resources function facilitates organisation progression whilst ensuring a sustainable future for clients and colleagues.
What are you most excited about joining Stori and working with the team?
I am excited about the services that Stori provides and the positive difference we make to people’s lives. I have been really encouraged by the culture and the positive attitude of colleagues during my interview process and during my first month.
What’s one thing you learned early in your career that you still use today?
I started my accounting career working in manufacturing and I was taught to walk the factory floor to get a feel for the culture and how busy we were. The same principle applies in our sector, and I believe in the importance of visiting our locations and regularly speaking to colleagues across the organisation.
You’ve worked in the Housing Sector before, what has inspired you to pursue a career in this sector?
I first joined the sector in 2008 with a South Wales based Housing Association, I was inspired by the value and purpose of the sector after having previously worked for privately owned medium sized business who were driven by growth and value to the owners / shareholders.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
I am a keen mountain biker so can bore you for Wales of the great experience of getting out into the Welsh countryside on your bike! I like enjoying the outdoors so I much prefer the spring and summer when the day light hours are longer. Aside from this I enjoy foreign travel, good food and generally keeping fit.
What is one non-work-related skill you’re secretly really good at?
Balancing on a Bosu Ball at the gym 🙂
What’s a book that you recommend to everyone?
I read a wide range of books from fictional novels to business and biographies. Some recommendations might be “Can’t Hurt me” by David Goggins from a resilience perspective and “CEO Excellence” for business and leadership.
And finally, the most important question, how do you take your cuppa?
Morning Tea, Coffee in the afternoon.
If I’m having a posh coffee my go to is a skinny latte.
As Stephen settles into his new role, we’re excited to see how his vision and leadership will shape our future and help us achieve even greater success. We couldn’t be more excited to have him on board.
Welcome, Stephen!