What made you choose Arbtech?
Well, my path to starting with Arbtech took a couple of twists and turns, but ultimately, I really liked the attitude that Rob brings to the company: ambitious, forward-thinking and practical.
I love to build, and there is so much scope here to create great tools that will make everyone’s work life easier, plus open up new opportunities for the company.
I like to stay busy, and I get the feeling that there’s plenty here to keep me occupied for a long time.
What do you love most about the company?
I like the independence and trust placed in all the employees. I think that’s a great sign and a smart business move.
I’m sure there will be more things to list as I get to know the people and the company more!
What do you do when you are not at Arbtech?
I have a menagerie of animals (dogs, chickens, horses) that keep me pretty busy!
I live in Cornwall, by the coast, so I spend a fair bit of time in and around the ocean.
Early mornings, before there’s anyone else around, are definitely my favourite time. Coffee, sunrise and a couple of dogs – perfection.
I’ve also recently started a garden, so I am learning a lot about what it takes to get plants growing in the windy, salty climate of Cornwall.
I just harvested my first cauliflower, which was extremely satisfying (let’s ignore the fact I could have bought one from Tesco for a fraction of the cost that it’s taken to get set up. But hey, you can’t put a price on joy!)
What is your biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
Crack on and give things a try.
It’s corny, but you make your own luck, right?
It’s hardly ever possible to know how something will pan out, so work hard, try new things, and make the most of every opportunity.
Also, keep your sense of humour.
You can be serious about your work and life without taking yourself too seriously.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
As I’ve only just joined, socials are something I have to look forward to!
Where do you want to travel to next?
My partner and I have talked for ages about a round-the-world trip, but he’s not super keen on flying, so we’ll see if that happens!
We both learned to dive here in the UK, so it’d be really cool to go diving in a place where:
a) visibility wasn’t 0m
b) the water wasn’t freezing!
The idea of being able to dive without needing a dry suit is super appealing.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
My career so far has panned out in unpredictable ways, so I feel like I can’t even begin to see where I’ll be in five years.
Plus, tech has been changing so much in such a short space of time, who can tell what the world will be like?
Whatever it is, I hope it’s associated with Arbtech in some way.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
I’d like to be fluent in a foreign language.
I’ve worked with international teams many times and always felt vaguely guilty when they’d quickly switch to English when I’d join the call.
For once, it’d be great if I could be the one switching!
In terms of work, my goal is to build tools that make everyone’s jobs here at Arbtech easier.
Less faff, less hassle, and more of the really important stuff that only our ecologists can do.
AI is super useful, but it should augment our work, not get in our way.
Ilse joined Arbtech in October 2025.
