A new Opportunity

I recently joined KBPR and I am really looking forward to the journey ahead. The role came to my attention via LinkedIn and it caught my eye immediately, it sounded just up my street –  something a little different but in an industry that I am passionate about and want to stay in. Within a few days of applying, I was booked in to have my interview. And I must just mention that interview!  It was unique in the best way possible. This wasn’t your usual run of the mill competency-based, Kate and Andrew actually took the time to explain the role and, more importantly exactly what the organisation was all about – the culture and the people that work for and the person  they really wanted to take this role and make it their own. There were lots of open questions, taking a genuine interest in my experiences, my interests, what I was passionate about, and who I was as an individual – we even spoke about family, and weird quirks that we have! I knew after the first five minutes of that conversation that I really wanted to work at KBPR, a dynamic forward thinking innovative company with values that align with my own.

Stepping out of my comfort zone

I’ve been working on the Operational side of pensions for just over four years now within the DC pensions space, this is my wheelhouse and what I know. It is going to be strange not being the subject matter expert as I have been over the last few years, I will be the one asking all the questions and being the newbie for the first time in a while, I’m sure I will have a very full notebook by the end of this year!

The other challenge for me, is that I will be working remotely, something that is actually new to me.  My role, post Covid, has continued to be office based – surrounded by colleagues every day in a ‘traditional’ 9-05 environment, complete with the hustle and bustle of office life.

I have invested in a beautiful new desk, all my equipment is set up, I have a very comfortable new chair and I’m ready to do things differently.  I am a creature of habit and love routine, so I am already putting a bit of a daily plan together for myself to prepare me for my new working environment, and to get me into the swing of remote working, I’m looking forward to the changes and new experiences.

Looking to the future

To kick off the first few months at KBPR, I already have an assignment to start working with one of the clients within the DC pensions space which, for me couldn’t be better! My very first client meeting at KBPR is only 4 days into my start date, I am so ready to roll my sleeves up and get stuck into the work.

I am looking to utilise my expertise in pensions, client management, customer journey strategies, development of systems and processes, and working on large operational projects to add real value to the team and the company. Ultimately whilst adding value, I have so much to learn which is really exciting for me. I aspire to grow and develop my skills to become a subject matter expert here at KBPR, I look forward to being a part of the company growth and success in years to come.

 

Nichola Whitaker, Senior Communications Manager