Heather Waugh

Said the following about Lynn Crump - G&W Uk:

“As a train driver, I can only imagine the work involved in heading up marketing and communications for ANY company, far less one of the biggest companies in the UK.

Genesee and Wyoming UK include Freightliner; the UK’s largest rail maritime intermodal operator and second-largest freight rail provider, plus Pentalver, a leading UK container logistics services provider.

This ‘team’ is responsible for corporate communications at Freightliner, and integrating Pentalver into the business, and all internal and external communications. This ‘team’ write and co-ordinate production of the 20 page staff magazine 3 times a year. This ‘team’ manage the staff charity nomination scheme, and the staff sports sponsorship. They also manage our participation in the annual Big Logistics Diversity Challenge. And manage a fantastic yearly event for International Womens Day. They work with WORK180 to raise the profile of the business as an endorsed recruiter of women. They take the time to recognise employees who have gone the extra mile. They manage countless events, working with business partners and customers, from the Samaritans to the Armed Forces.

All this seems impressive to me, and justifies a nomination, but is it enough to win? Or is it just what you’d expect from a Marketing and Communication team from one of the biggest companies in the UK?

How about if I tell you that this ‘team’ is one person?

I am nominating Lynn Crump.

Whilst Lynn is undoubtably supported by others in the business, as Head of Corporate Communications and in a team of one, she is responsible for all of the examples I have given you.

Maybe you’ll argue that workload still isn’t a good enough reason?

Maybe you’ll think that producing a professional corporate image and supporting key business customers isn’t a good enough reason? I agree.

The reason I want to highlight Lynn is that ALL the time, work and effort that she puts in to supporting customers, senior management, and engaging with corporate clients, she puts the SAME effort into supporting FRONTLINE staff.

Very few marketing and communication teams see the value in this, far less find the time to do it.

Lynn, despite juggling so much, engages, supports, and rewards frontline staff at every opportunity.

Lynn sees the value in using frontline staff to sell the company. She sees the value in engaging with, and encouraging, frontline staff to promote the company. Lynn’s unassuming and genuine personality results in many frontline staff stepping out of their comfort zones to help with marketing opportunities or promotional events. And when they do, she ensures the company shows appreciation and thanks.

And that relationship works both ways. Frontline staff feel they can approach Lynn for support from the company in any events they may be trying to organise.

I have personally approached Lynn on numerous occasions. She never fails to respond. She always looks for a way to support. Not simply by following the company staff charity scheme by matching £500, but in so many more ways.

She has supported me to offer cab rides, tours, and memorabilia. She has shared information via internal communications to raise awareness of fundraising events I’m involved in. And she does this for hundreds of staff right across our business.

Lynn ensures that, no matter how much our business expands, the frontline stays at the heart of everything. She ensures that, no matter how important it is to market and build relationships with corporate clients, it is just as important to find the time for staff, and even fans!

Just a couple of months ago, Lynn spotted an appeal by the Make A Wish charity looking to make a dream come true for 5 year old Josiah, who has Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma, link below.

https://www.make-a-wish.org.uk/wishes/wish-stories/josiahs-wish-to-be-a-freight-train-driver/

In summary, I am nominating Lynn because it is too easy to focus ONLY on corporate and influence. Despite all that Lynn does, she still finds the time to support everyone who contributes to the success of our company.

That is priceless.

But don’t just take my word for it! Bess Matthews joined Freightliner around one year ago and is herself nominated for ‘Rail Person of the Year’ following her incredible achievements, including writing and illustrating the wonderful “Arlo’s Adventures”, a hugely popular book teaching children railway safety.

I asked Bess for her thoughts and without hesitation she offered the following:

“Lynn has welcomed me into freightliner with open arms, truly making the company feel like home. She has wholeheartedly supported my hobbies outside of work by always being there to proof read anything I’ve written, and liaising with others in the industry on behalf of my interests that she has supported with true care since day one.

Lynn has otherworldly organisational skills, working tirelessly behind the scenes for her colleagues and her company. Lynn’s love for her job is contagious. I couldn’t ever thank her enough for everything she’s done, and continues to do for the staff of Freightliner. Lynn is one of a kind.”

BESS MATTHEWS - Freightliner Depot Driver“