Behind every successful business are the people who help shape it.
We’re sharing a series of employee Q&As to spotlight the experiences, perspectives and career journeys across our teams. From those just starting out in their careers to senior leaders, these conversations will explore what growth really looks like in practice – the opportunities people have taken, the challenges they’ve navigated, and the support that has helped them along the way.
In this blog, you’ll hear from Eva, our Operations Manager, as she reflects on her career journey, the experiences that have shaped her growth, and what she’s learned along the way.
You’ve grown within your role over time, what’s helped you keep developing?
I joined when we were a very small team, and in many ways, I feel like I’ve grown up with the company. That level of growth means you have to be up for anything that comes to you; you’re constantly learning, adapting and building things that didn’t exist before. Being trusted early on, having my managers guidance, and working alongside a genuinely supportive team made a huge difference.
Looking back, what’s been your biggest period of transition here, and what support or mindset helped you move through it?
Returning from maternity leave was my biggest transition. Even though I came back to the same team and job, I stepped straight into leading a project that was new to me. There was some self-doubt at the start, and initially I wondered if I could still do my job as efficiently as before, but once I eased back in – especially with support from the people around me – it felt like riding a bike. You don’t forget how to do it!
My manager was great. He’d checked in with during my leave, just to see how I was doing and to see if I wanted to pop into the office – I even brought my son to a team meeting once. Everyone was really welcoming when I came back. Importantly, my role and responsibilities weren’t reduced, which meant a lot. Sometimes well-meaning changes can be a knock to your confidence in your abilities, so maintaining that continuity made a big difference.
What helped was accepting that growth often feels uncomfortable and trusting that the skills I’d built over the years were still there. Capability isn’t about knowing everything upfront, it’s about being willing to learn and adapt.
Becoming a mum didn’t reduce my capability, if anything, it strengthened my resilience and perspective. I leaned on the foundations I’d already developed: organisation, planning, stakeholder management and staying calm under pressure, and applied them to something completely new.
What does supporting your colleagues look like in practice within your team?
For me, support starts with listening. We have weekly team meetings where everyone shares what they’re working on, which gives us visibility and makes it easier to help each other.
I like bringing structure and a clear plan, but I also prioritise regular one-to-ones to understand any blockers and where support is needed. I’m quite direct, probably the French in me, but it comes from wanting clarity and progress.
I genuinely enjoy sharing ideas, solving problems together, and understanding what motivates people, both in and outside of work.
What’s an opportunity you’ve taken advantage of that made a real difference to your career?
Saying yes before I felt fully ready has shaped my career more than anything else. As a perfectionist, that’s been uncomfortable, but most of my growth has come from learning on the job.
Over nearly seven years, I’ve worked across everything from employment contracts and business integrations to building processes and a group insurance programme for 40+ companies, while developing my understanding of compliance, legal and commercial matters.
My title hasn’t changed dramatically, but the scope and depth of my experience has – and it’s given me a real appreciation of how all parts of the business connect.
“Saying yes before I felt fully ready has shaped my career more than anything else. As a perfectionist, that’s been uncomfortable, but most of my growth has come from learning on the job.”
What have you gained most from your time here, and what have you enjoyed contributing?
I’ve gained a real belief in my adaptability and a much stronger sense of confidence – in figuring things out and handling situations that once felt outside my comfort zone.
Being part of the business from its early days has shown me that progress isn’t linear, there are setbacks as well as wins, but that’s what makes it rewarding.
I’m proud of the foundations we’ve built – the processes, structure and governance – but most of all, that our work is making a true difference and genuinely supporting our businesses so they can build great products.
Find out more about Careers at ClearCourse
