Glow your own way

A journey of growth and discovery at Sofology

By Joy Mutandiro

 

My Sofology journey began in 2014 as a part-timer in Thurrock. Little did I know that this would be the start of an incredible adventure filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences. Over the years, I've embraced challenges, discovered my passions, and grown into a leader who thrives on inspiring and empowering others.

 

Overcoming challenges

My journey hasn't been without its challenges. As a female from an ethnic minority, I've faced unconscious bias throughout my life and in hindsight, I've come to realise there were times I conformed to it. The old Joy was happy to be in the background, content with keeping her head down and focusing on simply being the best she could be.

Over time I found myself craving more responsibilities, feeling that I had outgrown the roles I was in - I knew I was capable of so much more. These frustrations were born from me not being my own advocate, rarely championing myself and my potential to be and do more. This was the moment I decided to change my approach - I had to be my authentic self, speak up for what I believe in, and seek support from those around me. It's okay to feel uncomfortable and scared, but don't let that stop you from pushing forward and growing.

When I first joined Sofology, it was a very different environment. There weren't many female managers, and even fewer from ethnic minorities. It was easy to feel like I didn't quite fit in, and that I needed to blend in rather than stand out. But over time, I realised that my unique perspective and experiences were valuable assets, and that by embracing them, I could inspire others and contribute to a more inclusive workplace.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is the importance of self-belief. It's so easy to get caught up in negative thoughts and doubts, especially when faced with tricky situations or setbacks. But I've realised that believing in myself and my abilities is crucial for achieving my goals and inspiring others.

A learning journey

I've always been passionate about learning new things, and Sofology has given me so many opportunities to grow. Starting as the least experienced colleague in Thurrock, I moved to Sofology Enfield and quickly became the most experienced. I discovered my passion for training and coaching, enrolling in courses to develop my skills. I even helped train new starters from the Slough store, which led to me training entirely new teams as new stores opened!

From online courses to on-the-job training and mentorship, I've embraced every chance to expand my knowledge and skills. I've always been curious and eager to learn new things, and Sofology has provided the perfect environment for me to do just that.

The Learning and Development team were always on hand, helping me navigate my way through the business. Complimented by the Sofology learning hub, I always had courses available to work through to upskill myself at my own pace. Finally, the day came when I was approached to be enrolled on an internal leadership development programme, and I haven't looked back.

One of the things I love about Sofology is the emphasis on continuous learning. There's always something new to discover, whether it's a new product, a new skill, or a new way of thinking. This keeps me engaged and motivated, and it helps me to stay ahead of the curve in my role as a Store Manager.

Leading with passion and purpose

 

Today, I love nothing more than developing my team - creating a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. I believe in fostering a culture of collaboration and support, where we can all achieve great things together. My journey has taken me to various stores, from Milton Keynes to Hove, Norwich to Farnborough, and each experience has been memorable. I've met so many great people throughout my journey and been part of other people's development stories along the way.

My passion at the moment is to make sure Sofology is an even more welcoming and inclusive place for everyone. I want to create an environment where every colleague feels like they belong and can bring their whole selves to work. I'm actively involved in several inclusion networks, including the Black Heritage Network and the Women's Network, and recently participated in an enlightening session with the Disability Network. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

As a Store Manager, my goal is to grow my store and foster a team where everyone feels at home and supported.

A marathon, not a sprint

My journey at Sofology has been a marathon, not a sprint, as they say. There have been challenges along the way, but they've all shaped me into the person I am today. I'm grateful for the experiences and the support I've received, and I'm excited to see what the future holds.

I've learned that growth and development take time and effort. There are no shortcuts or quick fixes. It's about setting goals, working hard, and never giving up on your dreams.

If you're looking for a company that invests in your development, celebrates diversity, and provides opportunities to shine, then come join us at Sofology! Discover your own "Glow and Grow" journey.