When considering this year’s theme of Equality vs Equity for IWD 2023, the team at Optimus had some thought-provoking discussions. We spoke to some of the team about their career growth , what equity meant to them, and how equity had been relevant both inside and outside their careers.
Eva Whittaker- Operational Director, Mum of 2, Dog lover
I joined Optimus in February 2019 at a time when we had a number of opportunities on the table with key introducers. I was brought in by our previous MD o help grow the business, team and operational processes. Quickly after joining we won large accounts with MoneySuperMarket and Sesame, and were bought out by Landmark in July 2019, where I took up my current role as Operations Director.
I’m 48 years old so my school days are long behind me. However, the experience I had running my own business, in which I grew from a standing start to employing over 16 people, was invaluable coming into Optimus. I understood the need to pivot quickly, control costs, build relationships and most importantly how to manage and get the best out of the people I work with. My belief is that it’s never about revenue, but if you spot an opportunity and build a business around having the right people, doing the right things, then revenue growth will follow. I also believe that everyone I meet knows something I can learn from and I’m eternally curious when I meet people.
I’m a single mum with two teenagers. I feel incredibly blessed to work for a business in which I am supported by my manager and the wider management team to do my job. I have had plenty of development opportunities and we receive incredible support from Landmark to manage and run the business. I have many colleagues in the wider Landmark Information Group who I work and collaborate with and can bring that back into our business at Optimus.
Equity means to me making sure that every individual has what they need to be the best version of themselves professionally. We have a diverse team here and we always do everything we can to ensure everyone who works here has what they need to do their jobs well. Not only well, but that they also enjoy being at work and part of this business, whilst they are with us.
Ruby Pickering – Surveys Service Manager, Friend, Netballer, Manager, Terrible dancer
I started with Optimus in April 2021 as a Surveys Service Consultant, having previously worked in sales. This was my first time working within the property sector. Since then, I have worked hard and in August 2022 I was promoted to Surveys Service Manager. In my role, I focus on improving processes and growing our panel of surveyors, allowing the sales team to have confidence in bringing in more business. Our team has also grown with the addition of Brandon, and I hope we will continue to grow as we continue to get busier.
As a child I wanted to be a popstar, so I can’t say the roles are quite the same! However, my job allows me to make the most of my organisation and relationship building skills. I also enjoy growing relationships with stakeholders whilst ensuring we have the infrastructure behind to best service our clients.
I think Optimus has a great work-life balance. We know how to work hard, but also when to celebrate the wins! I enjoy the hybrid nature of life at Optimus, and the people first approach.
Equity to me is creating a fair playing field for all, that considers the different advantages, or disadvantages that people may face.
Lauren Fifield – Senior Service Manager, Cat Mother, Food Lover, Social Butterfly
I started at Optimus in early 2021. I joined the company as a Service Consultant having partial knowledge of the conveyancing process. During my time here I have been guided and supported by my colleagues and senior management, to evolve my skills and grow my knowledge. Having been mentored by some amazing women within the business, I am very proud of my growth and progression to a team leader. Within my current role as Service and Success Leader I manage a service team of 8 people working across 7 accounts. I am appreciative of the support I have received during my journey and am delighted that this can pass this knowledge onto my team and support them with their growth and development.
Within my role at Optimus, I use some passions that I have enjoyed all my life. I am a born organiser, always ensuring that every aspect of my life is organised – yes, I am that person with labelled containers in my food cupboard and fridge! Within my role I am ensuring that the team are organised with their daily tasks, supporting them with diary management, mailboxes and their general day to day.
Optimus is always very supportive of a work-life balance. We have ample holiday allowance and are always encouraged to use it all, we also have lifestyle days that we can take in addition to our holidays. These can be used if you need to be present for a family event but have used all your holiday. We are also able to work from home if needed, this has helped me massively when I have had to be home with my cat due to her being unwell.
To me equity means inclusivity, being provided with the opportunities and the resources that are exact for your circumstances. It means not being overlooked because you were not provided with the correct opportunities. Equity leads to equality.
You can read more on the International Women’s Day 2023 website here, as well as more on Equality versus Equity here.
Interested in learning about our team? Click here to discover the incredible women who contribute to the success of Optimus!
