It was great to see our Ria Davies featured in the member spotlight area of the IIOM (International Institute of Obsolescence Management) Members Newsletter this month. She talks Obsolescence Management, relaxation & 17 years in post.
☀️ What is your biggest concern for the discipline in the near future?
Looking ahead, my biggest concern is the rapid disappearance of products from supply chains, made even more unpredictable by ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. It’s a real challenge to keep technology sustainable and products supported long-term. I’m proud to be part of a team that tackles this head-on. Being part of IIOM has been invaluable bringing people together to share ideas and lead the way in proactive obsolescence management 🙌
☀️ Why Winslow?
Winslow has been such a big part of my journey not just professionally but personally too. Over the years colleagues have become friends (and in many cases like family). I’ve had the chance to work on challenges that really matter, alongside people who genuinely care about doing things the right way. It’s a place where curiosity is encouraged, support is constant, and let’s be honest the patience to put up with me for 17 years deserves a special mention too.
☀️ What do you do to relax?
I do have a penchant for a goodly glass of red!🍷 🤣 but to relax you are most likely to find me walking in the hills, living in the Brecon Beacons or as its now called Bannau Brycheiniog I literally have its beauty on my door step (and those steep hills) I’m lucky enough to be able to go home, get changed and walk with my trusted fur baby ‘Oti’ from my door step and after a busy day it’s just the ticket to unwind, oh and then the glass of wine!
☀️ Do you have an unusual hobby that you can tell us about?
I’m not sure it’s unusual, but I absolutely love wild swimming, waterfalls, lakes, plunge pools, lagoons, rivers, even the sea (though canals are where I draw the line 🤣). As Blur once said, “it gives me a sense of enormous wellbeing.” It’s brilliant for boosting immunity and building resilience to stress and many other positive things. I feel lucky that my partner and dog are just as adventurous, always up for the next plunge.
🩱My best advice? Always carry a swimsuit and towel you never know what natural wonder might be waiting around the corner.
