Recruitment
“Throughout my time in the training school, Marianna offered nothing but support to not just myself but all the other trainees in my group whom she managed. She was always available for emails, calls, and texts, whether it be about work or any personal issues outside of work that may have arisen. She was always prompt with getting things done, and if she didn't know the answer, she would definitely come back with one. She definitely became my work Mum! She's a credit to the company and was a pleasure to have her as my manager during my time in the school. She truly sums up the definition of what a manager should be. Cannot thank her enough!“
“My name is John Mirbel. I first met Marianna in January 2019 when I was training at the school in Selhurst to become a Train Driver. She was my Line Manager for the duration of that time which was immediately marked by her unique force of personality, in that she began by stipulating that she regarded "her" trainees as "her little ducks" (an endearing term which was meant to instil a belief in her that she would look after us as long as we played it straight with her). She engaged us all with direct eye-to-eye communication and by way of a further introduction, impressed me with her genuine smile complimenting a demeanour which left no doubt about her availability, empathy, honesty and guardianship. This underpinned her modus operandum encouraging fledgling trainees, like myself at the time, to feel safe and to develop confidence with her at our backs. I was also sure that she was also not one to trifle with and that her standards both ethical and professional would come to be proven beyond the call of duty.
As time in training continued, I would encounter an unfortunate situation which required her deft touch, forward-thinking and diplomacy in bucket loads, once I'd left school to continue training with a driving instructor. It would be unfair for me to give details on this sensitive matter but I can assure you that an investigation was brought to the fore which was, for me, highly disruptive and heartbreaking in that my continuance at the depot to which I was aligned, was no longer a viable option. Marianna saw the consequent development with clarity and began preparing for a way to find me a move to a different depot which was no small feat; but not before my new driving instructor at Epsom retired earlier than planned due to COVID and then the next, with whom I was also getting on with very well and happily so, was suddenly diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Marianna, Simon Bott (her manager), my wife and I were among the throng that attended Tom Carpenter's funeral which followed swiftly. The shock all around was palpable, but here again, Marianna picked up the reigns and sought other instructors where she could get them and in doing so, maintained continuity in my training which would have otherwise become untenable. Each hurdle was overcome with aplomb.
During this time she supported me by encouraging me to "keep calm and carry on" with an assurance that while I remained focused on my training and passing out, she would work tirelessly behind the scenes to make things right. If I was her little duck, she was assuredly a graceful swan on the water's surface and in the melée paddling strenuously with me in the tow of her wake. She succeeded in moving me to another depot as I reached the end of my training, which was delayed by a year due to the massive adjustments brought on during the COVID-19 epidemic. She never wavered and stood firm in her belief and support of me.
Fast forward as I began to learn my routes, it was to my surprise that a new depot meant going over a new track where my mother committed suicide and my colleague at Southern (who was driving the train) had the unforgettable experience of having to endure as well. When I explained this to Marianna, her support and understanding were unparalleled. She gave me time to revisit East Dulwich Station where it happened, to compose myself and to find the temperament within me to meet the standard to pass my training with (and I quote the assessor) "flying colours". This success was underpinned by Marianna who was always there to include time on occasion outside office hours which is beyond the remit of her job description.
That was the end you'd imagine. Things at the training school changed and Marianna, to my utter amazement and delight, was reassigned to my depot to become my Line Manager once again. You couldn't make it up!
In July of this year, one of our esteemed colleagues died of cancer. Marianna gave me time to attend her funeral by authorising an ad hoc day. She always answers my calls, always responds swiftly to emails and texts, and is a testament to managing my development hitherto unsurpassed by even the highest standards Southern could ever set for any manager. Her intuition and non-verbal communication are also at an uncanny level and she can indicate what I need to do at work with just the corner of her mouth twitching a smile showing me the way to go. Examples of this are when I reported my use of the emergency brake on WED15FEB23 at 23h55 Duty CTD207 Up Tattenham Line and on MON27FEB23 at 21h17 Duty CTD205 Up Portsmouth Line when signal VC768 malfunctioned and was thrown back to danger as I approached at line speed; she not only texted me to ask if I was OK, but when I met her some weeks later she gave a nod and smile in my direction which made me feel incredibly supported.
Just that made me feel like she cared instead of "quacking" (a duck reference) under pressure! She encourages me to do my best and instils a sense of self-belief. She has a human touch that creates appreciation and has even helped me to resolve a desperate situation at home with my wife recently, which looked like falling into the abyss of a divorce. My uncle died earlier in March, and while I was still reluctant to mention yet another sad event, she made it easy for me to do and thereafter to connect the dots to the fracas with my wife.
In other words, Marianna is up there with the best of the best and she deserves to be not only Manager of The Year but also of the last few years because she reads the room, commands respect, and manages my development to perfection.
She deserves to be pampered and acknowledged by receiving this accolade at Southern because she goes way beyond the extra mile for "this little duck" and repeatedly so for my other colleagues, I should imagine; but I can only speak on my own experience, for this nomination.“
“I have nominated Marianna because she has always put myself and my colleagues' training first. Any time I have needed support and reassurance she has been there for me. I feel I can contact her any time it's no problem, this gives me the confidence in my role to know I am being supported by a great person. I speak on behalf of everyone on how approachable and trustworthy she is. Anything I need sorting out, she does it! It’s a pleasure having Marianna as my manager“
“Mariana has been outstanding from the first day I met her. She made me and the whole group feel welcomed and very relaxed, she has been supportive and caring thought out my training and actually seemed to care which I didn’t get from my last place of work. Marianna, I felt always went above and beyond to the extent of even calling me on a Sunday morning when she was on holiday to make sure I was ok before my ICA which if found absolutely amazing. Marianna definitely, in my opinion, deserves to win “Rail Manager of the year".“
“Put simply, having Marianna as a manager meant having someone who was always in your corner.
As a trainee, she always looked out for me and I always felt taken care of by her. She has a genuine nature of concern that I don't think can be taught. This makes her a truly unique and special manager and person overall.
Marianna definitely deserves rail manager of the year!“
“I have been privileged to know and work with Marianna for the past 6 years.
As a manager, Marianna always exhibits a remarkable ability to inspire and guide their team towards achieving exceptional results. Their dedication to setting clear goals, providing guidance, and empowering their team members and trainees.
Beyond their managerial prowess, Marianna possesses a unique quality that sets them apart – their ability to be a true friend to those they work with. She is not just a manager but a mentor and confidant to many. Marianna will always go above and beyond for her team members and her colleagues, If you could wish one person to be there for you when you find things tough it would be Marianna, she will always put others first, a true inspiration.“
“Marianna has been amazing throughout my career with Southern as a Trainee Train Driver. She has provided me with guidance and support whenever I needed it and I am very grateful for her.
Her willingness to listen and offer constructive criticism has helped me to grow both professionally and personally.
I also appreciate her ability to lead by example. Her dedication and work ethic has inspired me to strive for excellence in my own work. I believe her open-door policy has been particularly valuable. I feel comfortable approaching her with any questions or issues that arise, and I know she will always make time to listen.
Overall I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to have worked under her guidance, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow under her leadership.“
“Just an amazing night to be part of. The show and the compère make it special but the real energy comes from the people in the room who are recognised in fine style for the amazing work they do every day on UK railways. The passion they have for what they do and the support they give each other is fantastic. Thank you for asking us to sponsor, it was a real honour and privilege.”
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