Spend 5 minutes with MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit's Enni Miller... (Communications Manager)

 Photo of Enni Miller with her black cat

Tell us a bit about what you do in SHW

As Communications Manager at the MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, I am responsible for the strategic development and delivery of communications activities for both the Unit and several of its externally funded networks and projects. My role is very creative and collaborative – I work in a small team with my colleagues Gillian and Aoife and together we get to do lots of exciting things from copyediting and graphic design to website development and events.

What do you enjoy about your role?

I get to work with – and to know – most people in the Unit.

What are the challenges?

Every job has its challenges, and my role is no different. I would be lying if I said that there haven’t been a few tough periods over the years. However, I’m fortunate to be surrounded by supportive, kind and incredibly talented people so no challenge ever seems insurmountable.

One of the key challenges probably applies to any job at the University – sometimes information doesn’t flow as it should which means that opportunities are missed.

What is the best thing about working in SHW?

The people and Athena SWAN. I know Athena SWAN takes a lot of time and energy from those who are involved in it (thank you to all group chairs!) but we all get to benefit from the fantastic initiatives that have been introduced as part of SHW’s commitment to equality and diversity. Personally, I have enjoyed the mentoring scheme for Professional Services staff, core meeting hours, and different training and awareness events.

Tell us something we might not know about you

In primary school, I took part in a European-wide children’s art competition and won bronze – but nobody knows what the artwork looked like! This was back in the day when film was quite expensive and clearly, my parents didn’t fancy my chances so didn’t take a photo of my submission before it was sent away to Frankfurt. Six months later, I received a certificate signed by three professors in fine arts but the artwork itself was never returned – I still consider it a lost masterpiece.

When or where are you happiest?

When I am by a lake in Finland. I grew up in Finland but have spent my adult life in Scotland. I still miss having proper seasons and lakes play a crucial part in the transformation that Finland goes through every year. They provide a sanctuary from the dry heat of the summer months before slowly morphing into thick ice ideal for winter sports – I can spend hours skating or ice-fishing.

Any secret – or not so secret! – ambitions?

This is a tricky one… Maybe I am boring but – in all honesty – I just want to be able to live a happy and healthy life, and for my family, friends and pets to be happy and healthy too. I used to have my whole life planned out and for the most part, this worked out ok, but I guess as I have matured I have also gained clarity on *what I really want* out of life. Not having things so carefully planned out has also meant that I’ve been able to pursue opportunities that I haven’t been expecting, for example, I am currently taking part in a UofG pilot to complete an ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring.

Do you have a favourite quote or saying, or mantra by which you try to live your life?

"Forward!" Said grandma in the snow. There are many fantastic (and nonsensical!) Finnish proverbs, but this is one of my favourites. It essentially describes resilience and consistency no matter the weather. I repeat it to myself when I am cycling uphill in a strong headwind!

Many Finnish proverbs feature a grandma for some reason. Here’s another one: "There are many means" said grandma while she was wiping the table with a cat. I will leave you with that.

 Photo of Enni Miller swimming in a lake in Finland

If you would like to appear in "5 minutes with...", do please get in touch (shwadmin@glasgow.ac.uk)! We aim to feature colleagues from across a wide range of roles and grades within our school, both staff and students, research/teaching and professional services. 

First published: 1 August 2022

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