Hi Tilly! You started at Agena about a year ago. Reflecting on your journey so far, what accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at Agena? And did it involve a victory dance or a quiet fist pump in your office?
Reflecting on my journey so far at Agena, I would say one of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is simply securing the job itself. Starting right at the beginning, coming fresh out of college, I was actively seeking a job with an apprenticeship opportunity, and landing this role felt like a significant achievement. Additionally, another accomplishment that stands out is when I successfully got four client sites passed through CapEx at once. It was a big moment for me in terms of an achievement in my role, and yes, I did have a little victory celebration to mark the occasion.
Can you share a memorable hurdle you faced, how you tackled it and maybe a survival tip for anyone facing a similar challenge here?
One memorable hurdle I faced was in my role in sales cold calling. Although I knew sales involved cold calling, dialling someone’s number felt daunting. I questioned my abilities and wondered what to say. However, I decided to throw myself in the deep end. It wasn’t perfect at first, but with practice, my confidence grew. My survival tip for anyone facing a similar challenge is to just dive in and practice – it’s the best way to build confidence.
Can you pinpoint a project or task that didn’t feel like work, but rather an enjoyable challenge? One you’re excited to tackle.
Martyn, my manager, noticed that I’m the type of learner who takes lots of notes to understand things better. He asked me to create what he called a “new starter playbook”, where I compiled all my notes into a PowerPoint presentation. I then presented it to the business development team, and it included everything that someone new to the team would need to know about different departments and the role of a sales account manager, such as adding sites, etc. I really enjoyed working on it and showing it to people. Martyn asked if I was willing to present it to the wider team which I was exited to do as I wanted to improve on my presentation skills too.
The workplace is like a second home, and colleagues become a second family. Who in the office is your work BFF, and what shenanigans have you two pulled off together?
I’d definitely say that one of my closest friends here is Grace, she works in the customer service team. I met her probably about two or three weeks after I started. We both joined the Engagement Committee together, and we both really love Halloween. My family goes all out with Halloween decorations, so when we decided to decorate the office, Grace and I were all in. We went overboard with the decorations, transforming the office into a spooky wonderland. We even organised a Halloween quiz and brought in loads of themed food for everyone to enjoy. It was such a fun time and seeing the office all decked out in Halloween decor really brought everyone together. Grace and I had a blast planning everything and seeing it all come together. It’s definitely one of my favourite memories from work!
Balancing work and life is an art form. How do you unwind after a challenging day?
So, for me, it’s definitely going home! I see my boyfriend quite a lot and it’s nice to just see what kind of a day he’s had. I still live at home, you know, just love seeing what kind of a day my family members had. Music really helps me as well. And I love getting an early night.
They say laughter is the best medicine. Can you recall a funny office moment or inside joke that still brings a smile to your face when you need it the most?
Yeah, we have some great banter in the office, always have. While I wouldn’t say there’s one specific memorable joke, we do have a lot of nicknames for each other and plenty of office banter that always brings a good laugh. It’s just a fun atmosphere, always chatting and enjoying each other’s company.
Looking ahead, what would you say your aspirations are for the future and your role here?
Currently, my main focus is on my apprenticeship. I aim to pass it with good grades and build a strong portfolio to prepare for my future within Agena. Being only 20 years old, I’m focused on gaining as much experience as possible and establishing a solid foundation to grow upon. While I’m content in my current role, I’m eager to continue expanding my knowledge and skills.
Why would you recommend working at Agena?
I would recommend working at Agena because of the positive atmosphere and supportive environment, especially within the sales team where I work. Unlike what I’ve heard of typical sales departments, we actually have a great balance of fun and hard work. Martyn, our manager, sets challenges for us, but it’s never cutthroat competition. We all support each other and have a sense of camaraderie. Martyn is an excellent manager who allows us to work in our own styles; he’s not a micromanager. This flexibility allows each of us to thrive and contribute in our own way, rather than conforming to a specific sales style. It’s refreshing compared to what I’ve heard about other workplaces where managers enforce a rigid approach. Overall, the environment here is motivating, with clear targets to meet but without unnecessary pressure.