Q&A with Georgia Key, Project Manager at Percipient.
It feels like the UK is very much in a transition right now as lockdown continues to ease, and normality beckons. What does a typical day look like for you at the moment?
A typical day for me almost always starts with some form of exercise and at least two strong coffees, but after that, they can be pretty varied. From meetings with the team to meetings with customers, I am usually somewhere between planning a project, responding to RFPs and undertaking training. The nature of our business means that every project is unique, so in turn, every day brings new challenges. Internal meetings, consultancy work and project planning are the constants but the content varies significantly. Microsoft Teams has definitely been a game changer when it comes to embracing remote working, and the reduced travel time has created more time for other things.
What’s the best part of the job for you?
Variety is definitely one of the areas I enjoy. More than anything it’s the ability to work on different projects, address multiple challenges and problems and find ways to deliver optimum value and success for our customers. I love to see a project through from the scoping stage all the way to a customer seeing tangible results and benefits. Troubleshooting and plate spinning are part and parcel of that and I enjoy that aspect of my job which is definitely a good thing.
Throughout the lockdowns of this last year, company pub quizzes, including fancy dress ones, and coffee mornings, have really helped to bring much-needed camaraderie and humour to all of our jobs. We’re really fortunate in that we all get on well. There are no egos, and the company isn’t at all hierarchical – we all share the same focus which is to get on and get the job done to the very best of our abilities.
How have things changed for you over the last 12 months?
For me, starting a new role in a virtual environment has been an unusual experience. While everyone has been amazing, and I’ve had the opportunity to speak to so many people and learn so many things, as well as hit the ground running on some fantastic projects, I have missed being in an office and the face-to-face contact that comes with that. I really believe that both virtual and face-to-face have their place in the post-COVID world. There are great efficiencies and benefits to remote working, and remote projects, but there is no substitute for being around people.
Collaboration and teamwork, to ensure that everyone is on the same page, equates to happy customers in my experience.
What are your top tips for a successful project?
I think communication is absolutely key. Ensuring that everyone on the consultancy team and customer project team has a full understanding of the project, including expectations and constraints, and being able to ask any question, truly makes the difference between a successful project and one which has the potential for issues.
The expertise and experience of the consultants are also paramount in understanding the needs and nuances of the customer’s business, making appropriate recommendations and problem-solving. Collaboration and teamwork, to ensure that everyone is on the same page, equates to happy customers in my experience.
What’s in store for you in the next 12 months?
I’m feeling really positive about the next 12 months, and am looking forward to getting up to speed in more areas and continuing to add value to the projects I’m working on currently. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing more people, getting into the office and embracing a more normal way of life – and a holiday would be amazing!
Sage Intacct Partner
If you would like to know more about Percipient and how we can help to support your business, get in touch or call us on 01606 871332.