It seems like only yesterday Laura Scott joined the Solab team to deliver Implementation Support, and she quickly proved to be a fundamental member of our team. Nine months later, and Laura has been promoted to ‘Software Support Consultant’ where she will continue to thrive and act as a key focal point for our clients.
To mark her promotion and upcoming 1-year anniversary, we asked Laura a few questions to reflect on her Solab journey so far….
- This time last year you had just joined Solab to deliver Implementation Support. Tell us about your first year?
What can I say? It has been an absolute whirlwind! Working from home has been a culture shock for me in all honestly. I am a lover of the morning routine, commuting to work and grabbing my much needed take out coffee and bagel. So not being able to do this has been very strange. I really am looking forward to meeting everyone in the office properly when we can do that safely – we have certainly been through a lot together and have lots to discuss!
- You have recently been promoted to ‘Software Support Consultant’, tell us a little about your new role?
My new role sits between the implementation and development team, acting as a conduit to ensure clear communication during a variety of weely meetings including sprint planning and new feature developments. I manage DevOps for the team and ensure everything is organised into Sprints helping to increase visibility and strengthen communication channels. I am still working with clients, mainly on the training and competence side, and I really enjoy bringing them ‘onboard’ and ensuring we continue to deliver unique solutions to improve their business challenges.
- What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I honestly never thought in a million years that I would be where I am, but I feel like I am completely on the right path. I have been steered in the right direction and really looking forward to further enhancing communication between the teams and helping to implement more product focused conversations to see how we can continue advancing Onboard Tracker, increasing value through value laden discussions and generate ideas by using the power of the voices of our extremely creative and proactive team.
- What has been your greatest achievement / proudest moment so far?
Every day is an achievement for me as I really feel like I am developing myself by learning new skills and undertaking my own research to understand things better in this new industry that I have grown to love very quickly. Being a ‘woman in tech’ is opening so many doors for me already!
- How to do you keep that ‘work / life’ balance?
At the moment, I am studying for my Masters in Human Resource Management, so I seem to be constantly at my desk getting through some tough exams and coursework. You can also regularly see me out on a hike or run or praying to get back into the gym so I can lift proper weights again – my sad looking 10kg battered kettlebell isn’t quite cutting it!
Aside from this, I would usually be spending most of my time on the stage or playing in the band pit which has been impossible for the past year, but I am super excited to get back to doing what I love very soon.
- What is the greatest working challenge you have faced this year, and how have you overcome it?
I found my way to Onboard Tracker by being made redundant. As a career focused individual, this definitely threw me at the start of the global pandemic – I was terrified and experiencing a lot of worry and stress. I think it shows a lot about a person on how they handle difficult situations in their life. The day after I was made redundant, I was up and looking for a new role immediately. Amazingly, with just one post on LinkedIn I was reconnected with Emily Reid, who I had met at an Onboard Tracker conference (Crewing and Canapes) where I attended as a client, and she signposted the way to a new opening within the Onboard Tracker team. I will always be so grateful to Emily for reaching out to me that day as I would not be where I am today without her guidance. As one door closes, another one opens!
- Where do you see yourself in the next 12 months?
Developing and strengthening our current processes in order to make the product the best it can be by adding value for our clients. I am committed to progressing in the world of software. I really like to continually better myself and ensure I am at the top of my game, so I will be taking every piece of feedback on board to provide a better work experience for myself and the wider team.
I also really hope to be back at the theatre, fingers crossed! I would also really appreciate it if we could travel again because I really need some vitamin D in my life – I’m turning into Casper the ghost over here…
- What do you enjoy most about working at Solab?
It is so encouraging to work in an environment where you feel like you fit in and your opinion really matters. That’s one thing I love about Solab and the Onboard Tracker team, your voice is always welcomed and heard which is very unique. Kevin and Graeme are particularly good at recognising your strengths and pushing you do be the best you can be which is amazing. I genuinely feel like I have created strong relationships with everyone, and it is the most supportive work environment I have ever worked in. Everyone wants to do well and most importantly, everyone is so driven to produce the desired end result, my kind of people with great team spirit!
- If you could give advice to yourself one year ago, what would it be?
Life is tough just now and challenges will continue to be thrown at you from every angle. But stay resilient as ever, keep going and persevere, because everything always works out in the end. Things are never as bad as they seem.
