What made you choose Arbtech?
I saw a role that matched the administration skills that I’d developed in previous jobs but also dealt with ecology (which, as a nature lover, I couldn’t resist!).
I also wanted to work for a smaller company where I didn’t feel like a number and could create an amazing bond with my colleagues.
What do you love most about the company?
The company ethos – ‘speak the truth and expect it from others’.
It’s something I’ve not come across in any previous roles I’ve been in, and I feel that all employees benefit greatly from this.
I also love that every single one of our employees is selected on the basis that they will fit the ‘culture’ of Arbtech. And even though each of us is so different and individual with our likes, dislikes and hobbies, we all have the drive to work hard and grow with the company, as well as an intention to make sure we have a suitable work-life balance.
What do you do when you are not at Arbtech?
Travel is my biggest hobby, followed closely by weightlifting/bodybuilding and playing video games. I want to challenge myself to learn a new hobby/skill this year, and I’m choosing to pursue Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills and potentially dip my toe into snowboarding.
When I’m not being active, you can find me planning my next city break or holiday abroad, playing creative video games, or spending time at home with my two cats.
What is your biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
I’m a very big advocate for kindness and mental health, so my number one tip would be to approach everything and everyone with an open mind and a kind heart.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
I have to say, the recent BJJ Austria winter camp was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had at Arbtech, closely followed by the weekend we spent in Madrid or the multiple festivals I have had the pleasure of attending with fellow Arbtechers. I simply cannot pick just one.
One of the lovely things about the socials is that you will likely be spending time with different groups of people due to the variety of experiences we get to enjoy.
Where do you want to travel to next?
Portugal is next on my wish list, but realistically, anywhere.
I grew up travelling the world thanks to my dad being a diplomat, so I always have itchy feet and love exploring new cultures and environments. Hopefully next year, I’ll be heading to Belize or Bali for a holiday further afield, but so far this year, it will be Austria, Denmark, Italy and hopefully Greece again.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Continuing to work and grow with the business. But also a proud homeowner, and spending my hard-earned money on more experiences, trips and memories.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
In the faraway future – when I’m a homeowner and have enough resources, money and space – I would love to run a rescue home for disabled or elderly cats.
I’d like to take them in to offer them a comfy and familiar home for as little or as long of a time as they’d need.
Emma joined Arbtech in July 2016.
Robert Oates, managing director says:
To be blunt, Emma was interviewed to replace someone that had bitten off more than they could chew. When she walked into my office, I was handed a CV with an impressive and varied list of administrative qualifications and experience.
Keen to field-test her in one of the more important aspects of the role we were offering, I asked if she would mind demonstrating her experience on Sage (financial software): create an invoice – a very simple task, but one that would instantly expose someone who was embellishing their CV. Having been directed to a nearby computer, she calmly sat down. A few mouse clicks and some typing later, I had a new invoice (which she then credited off). Pass!
