Claire Parkinson talks about her life

Weekend Reflections and Personal Stories

Connection and Absence

• The hosts express their joy in returning to their podcast, emphasizing their love for sharing stories.

• They discuss how even short absences can lead to feelings of missing each other, highlighting the importance of connection.

Celebrating Relationships

• One host shares about attending an event supporting the Northern Beaches Women's Shelter, showcasing her commitment to social causes.

• The discussion shifts to the significance of addressing domestic violence and sharing personal stories as a means of healing.

Observations from Social Gatherings

Social Dynamics at Events

• A recent function is described where younger women entered a pub, prompting reflections on age dynamics and self-perception.

• The hosts note that some middle-aged women felt intimidated by the younger crowd, leading to discussions about authenticity and self-worth.

Empowering Perspectives

• The conversation emphasizes that everyone has insecurities regardless of age; it's essential to recognize one's value.

• They stress the importance of having supportive friends who uplift one another during challenging times.

Mindset and Energy

Shining Your Light

• A reference is made to a previous guest's perspective on aging, reinforcing that energy matters more than age itself.

• The hosts encourage listeners not to lose their power or energy but instead focus on positivity and empowerment.

Living Life Fully

• They remind listeners that life is about making the most out of every moment while maintaining a positive mindset.

• The discussion concludes with encouragement for individuals to focus on themselves rather than worrying about others' perceptions.

Shitty Grit: A Journey of Transformation

Introduction to Claire Parkinson

• Claire Parkinson's book, "Shitty Grit," reflects her journey from a prison officer to a leader in the mining sector, emphasizing human dynamics and motivation.

• At 30, she became head of operations for all prisons and probation in London, managing 9,000 staff and overseeing 33,000 inmates.

• Her transition from the prison system to the mining sector included leading a $9.6 billion merger between two major corporations.

The Title "Shitty Grit"

• The title "Shitty Grit" evolved over eight years; initially titled "Where I Go Ego," it reflects her realization that grit was more significant than ego in her life experiences.

• Humor plays a crucial role in her storytelling, making challenging topics more relatable and engaging for readers.

Childhood Experiences

• Claire describes her upbringing in Haber Hill, Suffolk, highlighting a close-knit community and normal childhood experiences despite living in council housing.

• Mischievous yet harmless activities characterized her youth; she recalls playful antics like stealing cream from milk bottles and climbing trees.

Teenage Years and First Crushes

• Claire reminisces about teenage adventures at the "Love Mountain," where kids would hide away to kiss boys—an innocent exploration of young love.

• The Love Mountain was an area near a sewage plant where children found joy in secrecy while navigating their early romantic interests.

Reflections on Early Determination

• Even as a teenager, Claire exhibited competitive determination; she aimed to be the best at kissing among her peers—a reflection of her spirited personality.

Athletic Competitiveness and Personal Growth

Reflections on School Athletics

• The speaker reflects on their experiences in school athletics, indicating a sense of self-awareness regarding their competitive nature and how it relates to personal identity.

• They mention being overshadowed by peers Lorna and Lorraine, who excelled in sports, highlighting feelings of inadequacy and the impact of competition on self-esteem.

• The speaker contrasts past social groups based on athleticism with current trends among youth, noting a shift towards diverse forms of popularity.

Early Romantic Experiences

• A humorous anecdote is shared about losing virginity due to peer influence, emphasizing the pressure to conform to societal expectations at a young age.

• The speaker recounts an underwhelming first experience with intimacy, revealing a blend of naivety and expectation that many young people face.

Teenage Pregnancy Revelation

• At 16 years old, the speaker describes feeling unwell and eventually discovering they were pregnant during a visit to the family GP.

• They express shock upon learning they were already 18.5 weeks along without realizing it due to irregularities with their birth control.

Communication with Family

• The father of the child was informed about the pregnancy; his reaction was supportive yet indicative of youthful uncertainty regarding responsibilities.

• The decision for him not to attend the scan was made collaboratively between him and his mother, showcasing an attempt at emotional maturity amidst challenging circumstances.

Coping Mechanisms Post-Revelation

• After sharing news with her mother about the pregnancy, there was an understanding that living arrangements would change significantly.

• The speaker describes running out when their father returned home from an appointment, fearing disappointment rather than anger as they faced this life-altering situation.

Reflections on Teenage Parenthood

The Impact of Teenage Pregnancy on Family Dynamics

• The speaker reflects on their experience as a teenage parent, expressing love for their parents and contemplating how they would react if their own child were to become pregnant.

• They acknowledge the challenges faced by their parents, who were looking forward to retirement but had to adjust to the reality of becoming grandparents unexpectedly.

Early Parenting Challenges

• After giving birth to a son, the speaker describes living in a rented cottage provided by the boyfriend's mother, highlighting the support received during this challenging time.

• The speaker notes that having a newborn is difficult, especially for young teenagers, and mentions that while their mother was supportive from a distance, they did not have much contact with their father.

Introducing the Baby to Grandparents

• The baby was introduced to the grandparents at the hospital during childbirth; it was an awkward moment due to previous lack of communication between them.

• The speaker reflects on their parents' mixed emotions about being present at such a pivotal moment in their child's life while grappling with societal expectations regarding teenage pregnancy.

Societal Expectations and Personal Struggles

• There is an acknowledgment of societal predictions about ruining one's life through early parenthood and how this affected both the speaker and her parents emotionally.

• The discussion highlights how there were fewer resources available for emotional support back then compared to today’s counseling options.

Relationship Dynamics Post-Baby

• As young parents navigating new responsibilities, conflicts began arising between the couple due to stressors associated with parenting and financial pressures.

• After 20 months of parenting together, the speaker decided to leave her partner due to growing incompatibility and returned home seeking support from her family.

Returning Home: A Turning Point

• The decision to return home involved reaching out for help in a familiar place that held sentimental value from childhood experiences shared with her father.

• Upon returning home, there was no formal embrace or plan B discussed; however, her father's acceptance indicated familial support during a critical transition period.

Early Life and Career Journey

Initial Aspirations and Early Jobs

• The speaker reflects on having no qualifications or aspirations for improvement, focusing instead on earning money to buy nice sneakers and help their mother with rent.

• A variety of jobs were undertaken, including cleaning toilets, being a housekeeper, nannying, delivering Yellow Pages, and working as an Avon lady—often juggling multiple roles simultaneously.

Transition to Party Lifestyle

• At age 19, after moving back in with parents, the speaker describes a shift towards a more self-indulgent lifestyle marked by partying.

• The transition into the party scene was abrupt; unlike peers who gradually entered it through casual outings, the speaker jumped straight into hardcore clubbing and drug use.

Wild Experiences

• The speaker acknowledges their wild behavior during this time, indicating that they had significant fun but also caused concern for their family.

• They recount adventurous escapades such as disguising themselves to explore different identities while navigating life as a young parent living at home.

Self-Discovery Amidst Chaos

• Living with parents while raising a child led to challenges; the speaker felt compelled to discover their identity and future path amidst chaos.

• They emphasize the need for personal growth after being off the radar due to early motherhood.

Career Choices: Air Hostess vs. Prison Officer

Job Search Motivation

• After securing a council house for themselves and their child Jace, the speaker felt pressure from their mother to find stable employment.

Unexpected Opportunities

• A Daily Mail newspaper unexpectedly arrived at their door; despite not usually reading it, they decided to look at job listings out of determination to prove themselves.

Application Process

• Two job opportunities caught their attention: one as an air hostess with Virgin Atlantic (appealing due to its glamour), and another as a prison officer (offering better pay).

Dual Acceptance

• Ultimately applying for both positions led them to receive offers from both roles—a pivotal moment in shaping their career trajectory.

Career Journey and First Impressions of Prison Life

Transition to a New Career

• The speaker discusses their decision to become a travel guide while working in Greece, highlighting the excitement and challenges of this role.

• Financial considerations played a significant role in career choices, with a specific mention of salary differences influencing decisions.

First Encounter with Prison

• The speaker shares their initial experience entering a prison for the first time during training, emphasizing their lack of prior exposure to such environments.

• They describe Wakefield Prison as a high-security facility housing some of the most dangerous inmates, setting the tone for their experiences ahead.

Insights into Inmate Interactions

• The speaker recounts being taken to the segregation unit where they encountered notorious inmates, including Charles Bronson, who had transformed from a burglar to a hostage-taker.

• Despite his violent past, Bronson appeared normal and engaged in art; however, security protocols prevented direct interaction with him.

Curiosity and Professional Challenges

• The speaker expresses frustration at not being able to interview Bronson directly due to safety measures but remains intrigued by his story and motivations.

• This curiosity reflects an underlying journalistic instinct within the speaker, showcasing their desire to understand complex human behaviors behind bars.

Training Experience and Adjustments

• After completing initial training (12 weeks), the speaker faced disciplinary actions that led them to be reassigned but ultimately completed their training successfully.

• They reflect on how personal lifestyle choices impacted their training experience and how they adjusted upon entering professional life in corrections.

Assignment at High Point Prison

• The speaker's first assignment was at High Point Prison in Suffolk, specifically within the female prisoners' segregation unit, indicating an early focus on managing challenging inmate populations.

Myra Hindley: A Notorious Figure in British Criminal History

Introduction to Myra Hindley

• Myra Hindley is described as one of Britain's most infamous child killers, known for her involvement in heinous crimes alongside Ian Brady.

• At the time of the discussion, Claire Parkinson, a prison officer, was 26 years old and had been working in prisons for over 30 years.

Life as a Patrol Officer

• Claire describes her daily routine as a patrol officer, which included preparing breakfast for inmates and managing their outdoor exercise.

• The segregation unit where she worked limited interaction with other prisoners, emphasizing the isolation experienced by inmates like Hindley.

Public Perception and Support

• Despite her crimes, Hindley had numerous advocates who viewed her as a political prisoner; many believed she should have been released at some point due to changes in sentencing laws.

• Claire reflects on the portrayal of women in prison through media and contrasts it with her experiences working there.

Challenges Working with Female Inmates

• Claire notes that working in female prisons can be challenging due to the emotional connections officers may feel towards inmates who are often primary caregivers.

• She acknowledges that while many women are caring mothers, they may also have troubling past behaviors that complicate interactions within the prison environment.

Dynamics Among Female Inmates

• The conversation touches on the cruelty among female prisoners, including instances of violence and manipulation not commonly reported.

• Claire confirms that there exists a "queen bee" system where certain inmates exert influence over others within their living units.

Hostage Negotiation Experience

Engaging with Inmates During Crises

• Claire shares an experience where she volunteered to be a hostage negotiator during an incident involving inmates on the roof of the prison.

• She describes how being recognized as a hostage negotiator involved specific identifiers (like an orange tally on keys), which signified her role during emergencies.

Incident Overview: Girls on the Roof

• On a sunny day, several girls climbed onto the roof to enjoy what felt like freedom; this created significant media attention and required negotiation tactics from Claire.

• As part of her role, she focused on building rapport with the girls rather than directly ordering them down while higher authorities planned intervention strategies.

How to Handle Unexpected Situations in Prison?

The Incident with Toilet Paper

• A light-hearted moment occurs when the speaker describes being hit by toilet paper thrown from the roof, initially dismissing it as harmless.

• The situation escalates when another piece of toilet paper lands on their shirt, revealing that the girls had crafted origami "paper bombs" during lessons.

Transitioning to Male Prisons

• After spending a year in a women's prison, the speaker discusses moving to a male prison and reflects on their initial experiences there.

• The male prisoners were younger and more boisterous, leading to some flirtatious interactions directed at the speaker.

Life Inside Male Prisons

• The first roll call conducted alone was for a group of around 100 prisoners under strict conditions (locked up for 23 hours).

• These prisoners were categorized as "midway," meaning they had misbehaved but not severely enough to be placed in segregation.

Managing Prison Dynamics

• The average age of these male prisoners was around 30, contributing to a charged atmosphere filled with testosterone.

• Nicknames were common among staff; one notable nickname given to the speaker was "Contessa," which they found amusing.

Duration and Mental Health Considerations

• The speaker worked in prisons from 1997 to 2013 and reflects on how this long tenure affected their mental health.

• They maintained good mental health by carefully managing what they exposed themselves to and focusing on treating individuals based on their behavior rather than past crimes.

What Challenges Arise with Celebrity Inmates?

Handling High-profile Cases

• Discussion shifts towards dealing with celebrity inmates like George Michael, highlighting challenges posed by media attention.

• When George Michael was sentenced and sent to Pentonville Prison, it created significant logistical challenges due to intense media scrutiny surrounding his arrival.

Security Concerns for Celebrities

• Celebrities require special handling within prisons due to potential threats from other inmates seeking notoriety or protection money.

• Ensuring that care teams assigned to celebrity inmates are experienced enough not to become starstruck is crucial for maintaining security.

Prison Experiences and Career Transitions

Reflections on Prison Life

• The speaker discusses the emotional impact of their experiences in prison, highlighting feelings of embarrassment and fear associated with their role.

• A question is posed about moments when the speaker felt their life was endangered while working as a prison officer, leading to a recounting of a specific incident.

Dangerous Situations in Prisons

• The speaker describes their duty of monitoring phone calls made by prisoners to prevent illegal activities such as drug deals or domestic violence.

• An intense phone call from an angry young prisoner reveals threats against a woman and children, prompting immediate concern for safety.

Consequences of Actions

• The speaker reflects on how their previous actions—confiscating drugs from the prisoner—led to increased hostility towards them, resulting in threats against their home.

• The young prisoner received an additional 42 days added to his sentence due to the speaker's intervention, which he perceived as personal blame.

Support Systems for Officers

• Discussion about the support mechanisms available for prison officers facing threats; "ghosting" refers to transferring dangerous inmates away from the officer's vicinity.

• The seriousness with which authorities treat threats is emphasized; measures were taken to ensure both the officer's and public safety.

Transitioning Careers: From Prisons to Australia

• The conversation shifts towards how the speaker transitioned from working in prisons in the UK to being offered a position running a prison in South Australia via LinkedIn outreach.

• Excitement about moving to Australia is expressed, showcasing adaptability and willingness for change.

Embracing New Opportunities

• After securing employment, the speaker quickly sold their house and relocated within seven weeks, demonstrating decisiveness in embracing new opportunities.

• Reflecting on cultural differences between life in Australia compared to previous experiences highlights adaptability during significant life changes.

Insights into Mining Industry

• After fulfilling visa requirements related to prison work, interest shifted towards mining after reading about a company relocating its headquarters.

• Initial misconceptions about mining are challenged; insights reveal that leadership values align closely with public service ideals focused on community support and ethical practices.

This structured summary captures key discussions around personal experiences within prisons, career transitions into new fields like mining, and reflections on professional growth amidst challenges.

Meeting a Mentor

The Initial Connection

• The speaker reached out to a potential mentor via LinkedIn, expressing interest in meeting for coffee.

• Despite being told there was no job available, the speaker persisted and asked if the individual could be their mentor.

Mentorship Development

• The mentorship began with monthly meetings, leading to an opportunity where the mentor sent the speaker to a mine without any prior brief.

• After gathering information from the site visit, the speaker created a one-page infographic proposing improvements for workplace culture.

Career Transition and Personal Growth

Company Acquisition

• The company Osminerals was acquired by BHP, presenting executives with a choice to stay or leave; the speaker chose to stay for staff consistency.

• After 18 months, the speaker felt financially secure but unfulfilled and recognized that personal life needed attention as their daughter was finishing school.

Pursuing Passion Projects

• The speaker had been working on a book for eight years and decided it was time to finish it while honoring their younger self's aspirations.

Reflections on Life Choices

Embracing Authenticity

• The speaker expressed confidence in sharing their story through their book, emphasizing authenticity over societal judgment.

• A key takeaway is valuing experiences: "I'd rather forget something I have done than something I haven't."

Final Thoughts and Advice

Signature Questions

• When asked about happiness, the speaker highlighted friendship and enjoying simple pleasures like feeling wind in their hair.

Wisdom for Younger Self

• Advice given to their 20-year-old self included staying true to oneself despite future exhaustion from life's demands.

Manifesting Dreams

Aspirations in Storytelling

• The speaker expressed desire for Jennifer Lawrence to portray them as a young person in film adaptations of their stories.

Closing Remarks

• Encouragement was given not to fear change; gratitude was expressed towards attendees of the event.