Name: Monika Griffiths (maiden name Klich)
Job title: Specification Manager Non Residential – North West
Tell us a bit about yourself
Originally from Poland, but I’ve called the UK home for quite a few years now. I recently got married and moved into our new home in North Wales, so my personality is approximately 50% work and 50% deciding what colour to paint a wall. I love travelling, good food, interiors and meeting new people. I am very sociable, naturally curious and can talk to pretty much anyone, which probably explains how I ended up in sales and specification!
Describe your job to a five-year-old
Imagine being an MI6 agent, but instead of chasing villains, I chase projects. I investigate, ask lots of questions, listen very carefully and help people make the right decisions.
There are fewer explosions, but probably just as many emails. Basically, detective work…but with bathrooms and considerably less car chasing.
What do you like most about your job?
I love doing a bit of detective work, getting in front of the right people and slowly piecing everything together until you get the specification. For me, it’s all about understanding what people really need, finding the right solution and building relationships along the way. There is something very satisfying about turning an initial conversation into a real project, especially when you know you’ve genuinely helped someone make the right decision.
How did you get here?
It definitely wasn’t a straight and obvious road. I’ve somehow made my way from industrial steel framed buildings, through asphalt additives and chemical decontamination, to windows and doors, and now bathrooms. On paper, it probably looks like I’ve been picking industries out of a hat, but every role taught me something different about sales, people, projects and problem-solving. Somehow, all of that very different experience led me here – proof that you don’t always need to know exactly where you’re going to end up somewhere good.
What motivates you?
Seeing things happen. I am motivated by progress; there is something incredibly satisfying about seeing things move from ‘to do’ to ‘done’.
If you could swap jobs with anyone, who would it be?
Personal shopper, without a doubt! I would be an absolute workaholic if my job involved shopping all day and spending someone else’s money…and cherry on top would be getting bonus for finding the best deals! Basically, turning my guilty pleasure into career.
Your favourite song lyric or line from a film
‘I don’t have dreams, I have goals’ – Harvey Specter.
Your favourite app?
Chat GPT – basically my unpaid PA, researcher, interior designer and occasional voice of reason.
Biggest facepalm moment at work?
On a work trip to Poland, confidently getting into the passenger seat ready to drive…only to realise the steering wheel was on the other side. Apparently, my brain had become more British than I realised…The walk around the car was the ultimate walk of shame.