We have been interviewing our newly re-structured Modeshift Staff Team to find out more about who they are, their roles and how they are involved in sustainable travel. Our fifth and final interview is with Modeshift’s Customer Engagement & Marketing Specialist Gail Parkes.
How long have you been involved in Sustainable Travel?
I joined the Sustainable Travel Team at South Yorkshire Passenger Transport 6 years ago; my background has been very much sales and marketing in various sectors covering most of the UK in these roles. Joining SYPTE was really the beginning of my Sustainable Travel career journey, based in South Yorkshire inspiring modal shift essentially to Business and Community settings. Walking and Cycling has always been a key focus for the team’s work. Active and Sustainable travel has a close link to Health and Wellbeing, this is something I am extremely passionate about being a Mental Health First Aider. Research shows that exercise boosts self-esteem, energy, health, reduces stress levels and increases productivity.
I have seen the benefits both personally and professionally when promoting walking and cycling, especially in the past 16 months with many of us working remotely. Whilst this has presented many challenges there are some positives of claiming back that precious commuting time and committing to changes in our behaviour and where we can, consider what we can do to be more active and think about how we choose to make our shorter journeys without reverting to the car. If we set achievable goals now as we are now moving out of the pandemic, we can ensure we keep the momentum going and not fall back into old habits. It is essential we embed these changes into our daily lives so they become ingrained.
When did you join Modeshift?
I joined Modeshift on 4th May so still lots to learn!
What do you like most about being part of Team Modeshift?
Being part of something that is genuinely trying to make a positive difference to people’s lives and the planet’s health. In its broadest sense I see Team Modeshift as running to the many thousands, perhaps millions, of people when you count all the pupils and staff of organisations signed up to Modeshift STARS. That is a lot of potential for positive change.
What do you like most about being part of Team Modeshift?
The Team are passionate and want to make a difference with so much experience and creativity, most of all it’s a happy and positive team.
What are you working on now and what’s coming up?
I have been working on the School Awards, Business Webinar plus some new marketing materials and content for the website and news digest. If you have anything to share, please do get in touch so we can headline what you are working on.
What’s been your proudest moment at Modeshift?
Joining the Team, I am sure there is much more to come.
Tell us a fun fact about you
I love to run either on my own or with friends, it clears my head and a great way to catch up on the gossip. I like anything related to water, visiting the seaside with my family, especially Robin Hoods Bay, it’s great to just switch off from all the hustle and bustle of daily life, we take the bikes and cycle on the trails.
