As you probably know, I often communicate about topics that are relevant or important to me in my work, seemingly irrespective of their direct relevance to work or the industry.
However, I do think the times of portraying a work and business persona separate from our personal one are very much in the past.
I’d like to think that the age of slightly forced or overly curated business personas is a thing of the past.
Of course, we would be unwise to show the worst side of ourselves in any context, as the reality is we all have a shadow, no matter how much we feed the good wolf, as the “Two Wolves” folk story goes.
Our businesses are about the team that builds them, the customers that engage with them, and the suppliers that service them. In many ways, they also impact the wider community, hopefully in a positive way.
With this in mind, I’m handing the next lot of email communications to all these people with a fun quick-fire Q&A round so you can get to know the team, our customers, and our suppliers who are – far, far more important to the business – than just me and my musings!
First Q&A out of the gate: Emily
Emily has been my rock for over a decade, and we have honestly been through thick and thin together…
1. What do you do?
I assist Sam and the team at OFEX.
2. How long have you been working with Sam?
I will have been with Sam and OFEX for 12 years at the end of August. It was 2012 when I started when the country was buzzing from hosting the London Olympics, and I was still adjusting to being a first-time mum (my son was born in Dec 2011).
3. What are Sam’s worst traits?
I don’t think she’ll mind me saying, but she’s a big-picture person who can sometimes miss the smaller, finer details. Sam can also be quick to jump to conclusions/rush things when occasionally (not always!) it’s better to take your time to investigate and think things through first.
4. What are your best traits that compensate for this?
I’m patient and calm. I’m the details person to her big picture. 😉 I like to think things through and pre-empt questions/queries that may arise to address them before they do (or be ready for when they do).
5. What do you like most about your job?
The variety! It is a varied role dealing with suppliers and clients, so no two days are the same. Also, I’d have to say working with Sam, who understands the demands of being a parent and knows that affording me flexibility when needed doesn’t impact my ability to perform my role, which I greatly appreciate.
6. What is on your bucket list?
I don’t really have a bucket list, but on my list of places I’d like to see would have to be Canada (a train ride through the Rockies looks epic), and I’d also like to tour around New Zealand in a camper. I have a love for Scotland, which I have visited a few times, but I would like to do the NC500.
7. Is tea for the morning or afternoon?
Coffee for the morning (I usually have a couple to get me going….) and decaf tea for the afternoon! 😉
8. What song will make you boogie in the kitchen?
“Rollin'” by Limp Bizkit (it’s mine and my friend’s go-to song, so it holds good memories) & “Wellerman” (Sea Shanty) by Nathan Evans are a couple, but other than that, you’ll catch me singing and dancing along to Queen, Pearl Jam, Fleetwood Mac, Eminem, The Darkness, Foo Fighters, Ren, Gerry Cinnamon, Korn, Oasis, Filter, Fiona Apple… I have a varied taste in music; I think the term is polyJAMorous. 😜
9. What have you learned about communication in this job?
Communication is important, and it is important that the communication is clear to avoid misunderstandings.
10. If you could honour any member of the team, who would it be and why?
I’d honour them all! James for always being so willing and helpful, he is our packing guru. Elleshia for her wonderful patience and customer service. Artur for his attention to detail and being meticulous with the stock control and goods in. Lauren for her great attitude and keen eye, she is our picking guru!
11. What’s your favourite way to relax?
A nice walk with a view or in a forest, then a hot drink, chocolate, and a good book or film.
12. What do you love to do for fun?
A lazy brunch/lunch with my girlfriends or an afternoon spent in a country pub garden with friends or family with lots of laughs is an ideal way to spend the time! I also love live music, and although I don’t go to as many gigs as I’d like (and as I used to!), Charlie and Willow (my son and daughter) are now getting older and into their music (they do have very different tastes though!). I’m looking forward to introducing them to the live music scene and having something we can enjoy as a family.