Q: Now your Bright Stars journey has finished, how do you feel?
Reflecting on my Bright Stars journey, I feel profoundly fulfilled and recognised within the Agena Group. The process has provided me with a new perspective on the business world, enhancing my interactions and management skills. Initially driven by clear objectives, such as gaining further business insight and mastering the art of making informed decisions, the experience surpassed my expectations. Having an impartial view or mentor helped me in both my professional and personal life.
Q: What did you learn about yourself?
Discovering my impatience and preference for a fast-paced environment was enlightening. Engaging in Insights exercises and additional reading outside coaching sessions helped me understand others better, fostering a more empathetic and effective managerial approach. Embracing vulnerability has made me a better manager. I’m not always right, and I’m ok with that. Realising that I’m probably not the first person to go through certain situations was also quite refreshing.
Q: So outside of work, how do you feel personally?
The program’s impact extends beyond professional growth, transforming my personal relationships. While initially analytical, integrating learned behaviours has fully changed my relationships with my partner, family, friends, etc. Now it is about working on these behaviours becoming natural to me. And I feel I’m getting there and I’m improving. I notice that things are used to feel tricky, are actually now a lot more straight forward to deal with. It’s great when you feel that sense of confidence.
Q: What’s your advice to future participants in the Bright Stars programme?
To future participants, be prepared to challenge yourself, embrace discomfort, and seize the opportunity for transformative growth. As our CEO Paul Dawson aptly notes, ‘true growth comes from being uncomfortable every single day’, and I wholeheartedly endorse the Bright Stars program.
Q: Are there any improvements to the program you’d recommend?
Last longer? Haha.
Q: Anything else to say about the Bright Stars program?
Individualisation is key. The program significantly boosted my confidence, enabling me to challenge and deliver to more experienced peers. The exclusive nature of the program, coupled with support from the Senior Management Team, made it a valuable investment in my career. I did put the work in before each session, got out of my comfort zone, and I loved it.
Martyn Swift
A sales professional with over 10 years of experience, Martyn has been part of UK Car Park Management since 2016. He is currently leading a large team selling into residential, healthcare, education, hospitality & leisure sectors. As part of Agena Group's management team, Martyn deeply cares about forming real partnerships with clients, delivering on social value projects and raising the industry standards. On a personal level, Martyn is an avid cricket player and enjoys the gym.