david - district sales manager and trainer

I'm a District Sales Manager and Trainer with Claire's, which means it's my responsibility to both maximise sales and drive the development of all of the people in my team. And those people really are fantastic. Wherever I’ve worked before, I don't think I've ever met a nicer, or more focused bunch than those I’ve been working with since I joined Claire’s in 2001. We all put the customer first and look out for each other. For instance, because we have such an effective central office function, I know that help is but a phone call away for whatever I need.

I hope to have a long future with Claire's so my career development is very important to me. It is this that led to me taking on a brand new challenge. I recently spent 7 months in a temporary role as RSM for the Netherlands, looking after 30 stores and the people who work within them.

This has been an amazing opportunity and the new challenges that I have faced have seen me grow as both a person and a manager. The opportunity has given me an insight into Claire's business plans, where I sit within them and also given me a greater understanding of the RSM role, which is where I see myself eventually.

The support from the business, as always, is fantastic, and I feel that there is always someone there to offer support and guidance - which is comforting when you are facing the challenges of taking over a new role in a new country. I was given a great opportunity and I know the new skills I have learned over the past 7 months will help me in my future career with Claire's.