Questions and Answers;

1. What led you to the career path you’re on now?

I have always had a keen interest in computing at home but had a non-technical route through to University where I enrolled on a Business Computing with French degree. I started my IT career as a GIS developer because a local software company were recruiting and they promised full training – I didn’t even know what GIS was! Through that role, I built up my technical and business expertise in the Utility sector, progressing to Team Lead, Delivery and Product Management and then onto Project Management. I joined Version 1 via acquisition, and I love the team, working environment and company culture; and have since expanded my expertise outside of Utilities despite this remaining core to my role.

2. What does your working week look like at a glance?

One day is never the same as the next. I can go from Project Management to Pre-Sales and from commercial tasks to picking up Career conversations and mentoring my team members. I contribute to corporate initiatives, triage and resolve support tickets and provide consultancy. There are always legislative changes to keep up with when working in a regulatory environment. I primarily work within the IEDCS Oracle team, but I have been PM for projects running in other Version 1 teams, which I have enjoyed.

3. What rituals/recurring tasks does your role typically entail every day?

I have a few routine tasks; these include monitoring project statuses and support ticket progression as well as checking in with other team members. Usually there are project or support meetings, career conversations, and I troubleshoot any issues. Communication is key, so I’ll often spend a lot of time on calls given the remote nature of our working environment.

4. What are your favourite AND your least favourite parts of your job?

I love delivering a project or service to customers to improve their business efficiency. I enjoy building new relationships with different customers, making a difference and learning about their businesses. Seeing my team members growing and progressing in their careers provides a lot of satisfaction. Version 1 has fantastic core values, and we operate within that framework daily. Employing the Honesty and Integrity value can occasionally lead to a difficult conversation with a client or supplier; however, having things out in the open and a path to resolution is always satisfying in the end.

5. What do you like best about your role?

I love the variety of my role and the opportunities that Version 1 provides. Every day can be different, you have the option get involved in unfamiliar areas, and there are many varied projects working with different elements of the business. In addition, the training system and opportunities to be industry recognised are fantastic and open to everyone.6. How does your typical workday differ now compared to pre-COVID? Has the structure/expectations of the role changed?

I’ve been remote working since 2012 with visits to the client and Version 1 offices as required, so COVID hasn’t made much of a difference to my regular workday, however with more clients remote working, there has been a lot less travel to the client site than previously. I’m working with quite a geographically diverse team so I’m looking forward to getting together in the new Newcastle Upon Tyne offices to meet some of them in person.

7. What advice would you give to someone looking to join your team?

Be enthusiastic, work hard, communicate well and be independent. The sky is the limit.

8. If you had 3 hours where you weren’t obliged to do anything at all, what would you do?

I’d probably complete some R&D / training, there is always something new to learn.

9. What’s next for your career? Is there typically a defined progression path for your role?

Currently, I’m working towards a Senior PM role and to progress up the next rung on the Version 1 CPD ladder.

10. Describe your job in 5 words or less:

Deliver solutions to improve business processes.