Name: Sally Connolly
Job title: Office Manager
Tell us about your career journey to the 3M BIC
After leaving school as quickly as I could many years ago, I was eager to get out and earn money. I started out at local engineering firm Peabody Holmes as an office junior. I then moved to another local firm, Kaptech Hose, as an office administrator and spent four years at the family-run company. From there I joined the Halifax in their typing pool as I didn’t want to be left behind in the whole digital age and worked in Compliance & Risk areas as a PA in various parts for the HBOS Group. After fifteen years in my final position at the Bank of Scotland Investments Service, the banking crisis hit, so I took redundancy. That last role took me to the delights of Birmingham/Milton Keynes and Edinburgh on a regular basis and organising events/conferences for the teams. Following a brief stint as Landlady at my local pub where I decided I preferred to be at the customer side of the bar, I was successful in my application for the position of PA to the MD of a new Innovation Centre and the rest is history as they say!
Describe a typical day at work:
There is no typical day, but it usually involves catching up with colleagues, dealing with enquiries for new office/lab space, showing people around the Centre and co-ordinating reception cover. I’m a people person and like to talk to the tenants to find out what’s happening with them and their businesses.
What keeps you motivated at work?
Helping people and providing good customer service.
The most exciting thing about your job?
The people I meet.
The most challenging?
There aren’t enough hours in the day to get the paperwork done!
Time of the day you most creative or inspired?
In the morning. I’m currently commuting to work on foot due to the pandemic and will continue to do as it’s a great start to the day and I hit the ground running.
Proudest career moment?
It has to be when I was chosen to be the Face of Halifax Share Dealing. Whilst I had a brochure, I didn’t quite make it to a life-size cardboard cut-out or a TV advert!
Best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Just be you.
What innovations should we look out for in your industry?
I’m not the most technical person, however I am very impressed with the speed at which the Events & Marketing teams have learnt the new online virtual world of events and think this will continue for some time.
Out of the office…
This last year has taught me to enjoy the quieter life, but in all honesty, I can’t wait to get back out to running events. I usually enjoy parkrun and running challenges with my fellow Acre Street runners. For my next running challenge I will be taking on Endure 24 in July, where I’ll be seeking sponsorship for The Kirkwood.