Zaylie-Dawn Wilson- Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2023

Talking us through winning the award for Creative Arts and Culture 2023 as well as the overall award of Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2023 is Zaylie-Dawn Wilson.

What is your name, and what is your role and your place of work?

My name is Zaylie-Dawn Wilson, and I am head of Creative Partnerships at Birmingham Hippodrome.

How did you find the application and interview process?

The application process was straightforward - just a few simple questions to complete. The interview was short and questions shared in advance  - with such a short window to share everything, preparation was key! 

How did it feel to win your award?

It felt incredible to win the award in my category (Creative Arts & Culture) but winning the overall professional of the year really was unexpected and the icing on the cake! 

What impact did winning your award have on your career?

The biggest impact on me has been on my own confidence after a challenging few years personally and professionally. Winning the award was an important reminder of everything I’ve achieved and the ambitions I have. It also opened doors to being in different situations and conversations that I hadn’t been beforehand. 

What advice would you give to those applying for the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards 2024?

My advice would be don’t underestimate your own impact. If you’re the sort of person that thinks what have I done that’s so special, you’re probably someone that should throw their hat in the ring!