From NSCG to LEGO Group: Q&A with Dave Henn

A Levels in Media Studies, Business Studies, Accounting and Computer Science

After NSCG, I went on to university to study Business Enterprise and Marketing, graduating in 2015 with First-Class Honours. From there, I began my professional career in sales and customer-focused roles, which ultimately led me into supply chain, consulting and strategy.

I currently work for the LEGO Group as Senior Manager, Supply Chain Strategy. My job essentially has me focusing on developing and delivering strategic initiatives across the supply chain. Be it cost saving initiatives; ways to improve throughout; methods to increase speed of delivery to customers. My role involves working across different teams, situated across multiple different markets.

Looking back, the best thing about my time at NSCG was the opportunity to step outside the environment I had been used to at school and become more independent. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, encouraging me to meet new people and build new friendships. Most importantly, I think my time at NSCG was an important step towards standing on my own two feet. I became more responsible and self-sufficient, and started to take real ownership of what I wanted to do with my future.

I also really valued having more choice over what I was studying. Being able to focus on subjects I was genuinely interested in made learning feel much more relevant and helped me start thinking seriously about what I wanted to do next.

By the time I left NSCG, I felt much more prepared for what came next. I had grown in confidence, become more independent and had a much clearer idea of where I wanted to go. It gave me the confidence to take the next step into university, knowing that I was responsible for making the most of the opportunities ahead of me.

I’d probably encourage students to try and work alongside their studies if they can. I did this and, although it wasn’t always easy to balance everything, I found it really valuable. It gave me experience of the working world while I was still studying and helped me become more independent and self-sufficient. Looking back, I think it gave me a bit of a head start when I eventually left education.

I’d also say don’t focus too much on just getting the grades. They’re important, of course, but I’ve learnt throughout my career that people skills are just as important. I’ve heard the phrase “people buy from people” many times, and I’ve seen that play out throughout my career. Not just in sales, but in almost everything I’ve done.

Being able to connect with people, build trust and form good relationships has been important for me in the roles I’ve held. A lot of opportunities come from the relationships you build and the impression you leave with people. I genuinely think that has played a big part in getting me to where I am today.