Cory Reid, Senior Consultant at JUMBO Consulting Group UK, shares how she has built a fulfilling career in offshore wind whilst raising her daughter as a single parent. Her story reflects what we value most at JUMBO Consulting Group: trust, flexibility, and the space to grow – both professionally and personally.
What project are you currently working on?
I’m currently supporting Harbour Energy’s CCS Project, providing both procurement and strategic support.
As a single mother, how do you maintain work–life balance?
Honestly, it’s not easy – but working at JUMBO has created the best work–life balance I’ve ever experienced, thanks to a supportive and trusting team and manager. My daughter is always my priority, and it’s important to me that she understands while work provides stability, life doesn’t always unfold as planned. With small pivots and compromises, you can still create a happy and comfortable home life – and I’m very grateful to be part of an organisation that values that.
It’s also important for me to have something beyond motherhood that I’m proud of. There’s always room for continued learning and development, which helps maintain my own identity. My toughest negotiations are usually with my daughter – children are world-class negotiators! We’re constantly mastering the art of compromise. Our walk to school is our “morning commute,” and I’ve recently discovered a love for Reformer Pilates, which I try to fit in during lunch breaks. It keeps me active, connects me with friends, and helps me feel stronger both mentally and physically.
You’ve transitioned from oil & gas to offshore wind – what advice would you give others making a similar move?
The opportunities are there, and your skills are more transferable than you might think – so don’t be daunted by the change. Yes, there are differences in culture and ways of working, but that’s all part of the learning curve. The key is to give yourself time to learn and not expect to have everything mastered from day one. Be kind to yourself and remember that most people are happy to share their knowledge and help you succeed.
How does your interest in behavioural psychology influence your work?
I’ve always been fascinated by human behaviour – probably fuelled by an early interest in true crime. Early in my career, I was tasked with streamlining departmental processes and quickly discovered that people rarely welcome change. That taught me the importance of working with people, not dictating to them. I learned to approach each person as an individual and tailor my communication accordingly.
That mindset has really helped me in negotiations and stakeholder management. I aim to treat everyone with respect and maintain ongoing supplier relationships, not just during tenders or contract discussions. Continuous engagement builds trust and transparency, which makes negotiations more open and productive. I also stay aware of unconscious bias and pay close attention to early interactions – those first meetings often reveal a lot about communication styles and behaviours.
At JUMBO Consulting Group, diverse experiences and perspectives strengthen the way we work. Cory’s story is one of many that reflects our commitment to supporting professionals in building meaningful careers whilst staying true to who they are.
Interested in joining our team? Reach out to Mikkel Riisgaard to learn more about career opportunities at JUMBO: https://jumbocg.com/careers