Miranda Manning-Press

Miranda Manning-Press joined the Malaysia 2007 expedition as a logistics manager and had the opportunity to project manage on the adventure challenge.

I decided to take a career break of 4 months, I was working as an account manager in a graphic design studio based at Pfizer down in Kent, and looked at doing VSO, MSF and some other charity programmes, but I knew someone who was a participant on Raleigh over 20 years ago, and it was their personal recommendation that made me decide on Raleigh.

The induction phase prepared me very well for when I was out as a project manager with all the key elements I needed, but as logs it was a case of learning on the job to a large degree. My key responsibilities at field base were on and off-road driving, maintenance of vehicles, equipment checking, maintenance and  allocation for all the various phases. I was liaising with suppliers, finding new suppliers, allocation food rations and going out on the loop.

There were a lot of physical skills required for the role, moving huge packs and food supplies as well as the soft skills such as tolerance, patient, ability to stand back and allow people to make mistakes. We were often working under pressure, and when tired, so adaptability, flexibility and being considerate and understanding were important. We also needed to interact with all kinds of backgrounds.

A typical day I was usually awake at 6.30 thanks to the noisy cockerel, I'd pull on some clothes (usually shower at night - due to getting very hot, sweaty and dirty almost immediately) grab some breakfast and then go and do vehicle checks on the Bravo's (landrovers). Have 9.00am field base meeting outlining jobs for the day, errands to be run, who's on radio, potted history of news from radio transmissions from the previous 24 hour shift. Get on with the daily jobs - interspersed with lovely lunch and dinner cooked by the lovely Lolly. You will often find that you will still be working into the evening.

First deployment was a big highlight - managing as a predominantly girl based team to have a very successful deployment with all food and equipment. Driving was also a big highlight, especially out on loop - you really feel like you're encountering the best bits of Borneo, as was working with a fantastic team of people. Getting out as a project manager on the adventure phase vas very special - trekking in Long Pa Sia was amazing.

The biggest challenge for me was losing my father a month after arriving as it was very unexpected. Flying home and returning to Raleigh 10 days later to wonderful warmth and love - amazing support from all staff and participants. Being a project manager on third phase was also a big challenge. I didn't think I would enjoy youth work at the beginning of the phase - but actually learned a lot, relaxed and learned to stand back a little.

The programme has definitely developed me as a person, I really can turn my hand to anything! You constantly learn new things about yourself, I went to logs to learn new skills but also because I was a project manager - I now know that I can do that role and want a second shot to improve on my first attempt!

 

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