Community Impact
Gef’s 30 Under 30 Winners: Q&A with Abigail Robson
Ten categories. Thirty young visionaries making their mark on the Isle of Man. Introducing the all-new #Gef30Under30 winners: the next generation of our island’s leaders.
The H&B Community Impact winners find meaning in supporting and teaching those around them, and are shining examples of how small actions can have a positive effect for generations to come.
What is your name and age?
Abigail Robson, age 24.
Job title or role in the community?
I’m a Compliance Analyst at Amber Gaming.
How did you start your career or role in the community?
Like many people, I watched events in Ukraine unfold and was horrified. I wanted to do something to try and make even a small difference and I encouraged my family and friends to do the same. I then became involved with two Ukrainian families who had moved over here. I have learnt a lot along the way and I do what I can to help them adjust to life here. I started to learn a bit of the language – which is super difficult. But it’s often the small things, like helping the youngest know what to expect at school, and taking her out around the island. She especially loved the Hospice dolphin hunt last summer as she loves art, so it was a great way to explore the island. Showing the families around also reminded me of how lucky we are to live here.
Last year I also started volunteering with a Brownies unit, part of the Isle of Man Girl Guiding Association. Brownies was a club I did as a child and I used to absolutely love it, so it’s been great to get involved again. I can’t thank the wonderful leaders and other volunteers enough for making me feel so welcome. It’s so important to encourage confidence and creativity in our young people and the association does some amazing work for our community that I feel honoured to be a small part of.
Tell us about your business/industry, is there something interesting about it that most people wouldn’t expect?
I started at Amber Gaming in July 2021 straight out of university. They have been great to welcome me to the world of work and provide me with a wide range of opportunities both personally and professionally. One thing that surprised me was the proportion of younger people in the industry – 37% of my colleagues at Amber Gaming are under 30. Another great thing about the industry and working on the island in general, is the sense of community. In September, Amber Gaming hosted an inclusive golf day with lessons for all abilities. Great fun was had by all of the staff involved from both Amber Gaming and our wider island-based industry partners, but the best part was that we managed to raise a fantastic £11,000 for Victim Support!
Tell us about why you think you won the category you did, e.g. if you won in the Sustainability category, tell us about your efforts in that area.
I honestly am still in shock. I feel very humbled to be recognised for what is ‘my normal’. I do what I can everyday to help others, but I believe a little goes a long way and it has been my absolute pleasure to get to know, help and work side by side with some incredible people.
Who are your role models, either on-island or off, in your sector or outside of it?
I don’t necessarily take inspiration from one individual, but instead find myself inspired in many ways by the people I find myself surrounded by each day. My Grandma is the kindest person I know and continues to have one of the biggest impacts on who I am today. If I was to select one professional role model, it would have to be Amber Gaming’s Managing Director, Jade Zorab. She is Amber Gaming’s incredible captain and takes the time for every member of staff, she is known to lead by example and she is a true asset to the Isle of Man.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Never stop learning and growing.
What, for you, are the benefits of staying on or moving back to the island for young people under 30?
For me, my family played a big part in my decision to return. I love to travel; I was lucky enough to spend one year studying in San Jose and it was one of the best experiences of my life…but I always love to come home. There are so many fantastic opportunities for career development on the island in a variety of fast-paced and exciting sectors. It is amazing the people and places you can connect with as it is seen as such a hub for so many large businesses.
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