As I sit here, writing about the beginning of what seems to be an amazing and empowering process, I reflect on the nature of the company and its missions.
I know that throughout my time here, I will enjoy support, guidance and that we as a team will achieve further development in our roles and careers.
Whilst talking with the whole group about the process, one statement came to mind that defines it for me. As Alex commented, ‘The overall atmosphere has been incredibly positive, and I feel uplifted working for an organisation that is so focused on the improvement of humanity.’
I couldn’t agree more.
So! There I was, sitting (virtually) in front of Danny Matthews, creative director of Danny&co…
I’d heard of this opportunity from a friend who thought the position of ‘content writer’ perfect for me.
After absorbing the details for the role and viewing the website I sent my interest straight to my U.C coach.
Completing the application and sitting with my thumbs twiddling, it was just a waiting game.
*Pop* came the notification from outlook, my fingers sliding across the laptop for confirmation…I’d done it. I’d made the cut and was in for an interview.
Jubilation was an understatement! Immediately I got in touch with Danny about setting a time/date, and it was sorted.
The interview
Cut to the 12th of March at 3:15 pm.
The zoom opens up and it’s just us two.
I’ll be honest, at this point, I expected a conventional interview, with Danny asking some questions, and myself answering with a smile on my face and ultimately waiting for the ‘decision’.
It was nothing like that.
The questions asked were in-depth, getting the essence of me for Danny to see.
Enquiries about my favourite brands, what makes me truly happy, where I saw my career from now to the next year…I had never experienced this.
Wasim (client success manager) heartily agreed, stating that the interview was an aspect of the ‘modern work ethic.’
‘The process was very relaxed and took away all the stress of the stereotypical interview, questions that helped express your personality were asked rather than just focusing on your experience and qualifications.’
The first week
After initially hearing that it was a remote role, I was slightly concerned, but our graphic designer Frances puts it nicely saying that her first week ‘went really well and I’ve already managed to make a lot of progress working from home.’
On our first day of work, Danny was ready and prepared, sending boxes a week prior with contents ‘not to be opened till the first day of work’.
We were confused yet excited for the level of detail that Danny had gone into for our first day. I remember sitting at my desk and just itching to check out what was inside. Luckily, I refrained.
I opened the box when instructed and inside was a thoughtful gift, something specific to each of our interviews that Danny had picked up on, whilst listening to us talk about our passions.
This was when I truly knew Danny’s style of management, and the fact that as Jessica (business development manager) puts it ‘that made the experience more enjoyable… to know that Danny was listening to every response I had given’.
Looking around at all the faces, I noticed cohesion beginning to form.
Danny’s enthusiasm was infectious, and as Doug (graphic designer) noted ‘Instead of joining a “workforce”, it felt like I was being invited to help Danny in his vision for the company’.
Our work from then on was subtle and completely suited to our needs for the week and the beginning of the role, Doug aptly commented ‘It was easy to integrate into the role with a simple design project to kickstart the job, and Danny ready to guide me if I needed any help’.
Over the next few days, Danny was always at hands reach for contact or support.
During our chat, Emily-Jane (social media manager) said that ‘I was grateful for being contacted every day by Danny in the first week.’
‘He made sure I didn’t feel lost when it came to completing my tasks and was there to answer any questions’.
‘I think my biggest takeaway of the process is how Dan has enabled me to be prepared every step of the way’.
Michael (video editor) agreed about the first week and Danny’s contact stating ‘I think my biggest takeaway of the process is how Dan has enabled me to be prepared every step of the way’.
It’s with this contact, through emails and slack (a communication app) that we were able to feel relaxed and confident about every step.
Conclusions
So, as I’ve reached the end of my reflections with this company and the kickstart process…What do I think?
I know that I’ve found a reputable business which is amazing, intuitive and I feel giddy with the prospect of getting into the flow of this creative team and settling into my role.
