Your own, personal project

Becoming your own personal project

By Owen Hayes

 

Looking back on my career at Sofology, it's been quite the adventure! I started with no experience, fresh out of college, and landed in the Customer Service department for my first-ever job. From the off, every day was a flurry of activity, from learning the ropes and taking my first ever customer call, to building great relationships with my fellow Sofologists. The environment was warm and welcoming, and it wasn’t long until I felt truly at home. I quickly realised I was eager to take on more, to push myself and see where I could go within the company, I really felt the passion everybody had for Sofology and wanted it to be a part of my long-term career.

 

My first leap: leading the parts team

That eagerness led me to my first internal move, becoming a Team Leader in the Parts department. It was a whole new ballgame, with a new set of challenges and responsibilities. But I was excited to learn and grow, and Sofology gave me the support I needed to do just that.

 

The project management calling

After five years in Parts, I felt a new challenge calling. Project Management intrigued me, but it also seemed a bit daunting. It was a whole different world, with complex projects and stakeholders across the business. But something inside me said, "Go for it!" I knew Sofology had my back, and that gave me the confidence to take the leap.

 

Stepping into the unknown

And what a leap it was! Project Management was like learning a new language. Suddenly, I was navigating timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations. Communication became key, and that was a challenge for me at first. Public speaking and managing large meetings weren't exactly my forte.

Vulnerability as a strength

That's where vulnerability came in, not as a weakness, but as a driving force. I knew I had strengths – my problem-solving skills, my ability to communicate clearly, and the confidence I'd gained from previous challenges. But I also knew I had areas to grow. So, I reached out to colleagues, mentors, and friends, asking questions, seeking advice, and learning from their experiences. They reminded me that stepping outside my comfort zone was where the real growth happened. And they were right! By acknowledging my vulnerabilities and actively seeking support, I turned those challenges into opportunities for development.

Celebrating wins, big and small

With the support of my amazing team, I started hitting my stride. Projects were completed successfully, relationships were built, and my confidence grew. It was incredibly rewarding to see my efforts pay off and to know I was contributing to Sofology's success.

Sofology: my constant support

I wouldn't be where I am today without Sofology's commitment to my growth. They've given me the opportunities, the training, and the encouragement to push my boundaries and explore new paths. It's a company that truly invests in its people, and I'm grateful for the support I've received every step of the way.

My advice: take the leap!

If there's one thing I've learned on this journey, it's to embrace challenges. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, ask for help, and learn from your mistakes. Sofology is a place where you can take risks, grow your skills, and discover your true potential. So, take that leap of faith – you might just surprise yourself!