Under the spotlight with Answer Digital’s Senior Agile Project Manager and EOT Director

Answer Digital helps organisations use technology to improve their operations. The company is employee owned and is a front runner in terms of the opportunities and benefits it provides to its employees. Luisa Van Der End, Senior Agile Project Manager and EOT Director at the company, tells us about how she came to choose Answer Digital as her employer and the opportunities that the company have given her to thrive.

Tell me about your career journey, including where you started to where you are now?

I went to University to study Geography with the dream to hopefully have a career that incorporated my love for travel. Then reality hit pretty quickly that work isn’t a full-time holiday and I should really invest in my skill set and interest in Tech. I dabbled as a Project Support Officer at the local council whilst at University, working on their Regeneration Campaign alongside their User Experience Team and Business Analysts. I was super interested in how the website was used to convert businesses to customers and started to explore the motion of user journeys and personas. Shortly after this I celebrated my graduation and signing of my first full time contract at Wren Kitchens as a Junior Business Analyst working on their Kitchen Planner & 3D offerings. Fast forward to 2019 and my natural progression from Business Analyst to Delivery Lead, I joined Answer Digital as a Delivery Lead & Scrum Master. Over the 4 years I’ve had the opportunity to work with some excellent clients in the Retail & Finance sector and most recently within Healthcare – our amazing NHS. I have developed as a Delivery Lead and most recently as an Agile Coach, deepening my skills with training & accreditations and being in a supportive community. Most recently, I was appointed Answer’s Employee Owned Trustee Director and what an honour that was! This role is the culmination of my professional career and all my prior experiences definitely prepared me for it. 

What company do you work for and what are they like as an employer?

I work in the heart of Leeds at Answer Digital. Answer is a full-service digital agency with a difference – it’s employee-owned. We are invested, and Answer are invested in us. As stakeholders in our own business, our expert team of highly-skilled, passionate individuals share a commitment to solving some of the biggest challenges facing society and the economy in collaboration with our clients. The team provides a wide range of services, from UX and user journey to design and development, and the client base spans sectors, with specialties in finance and healthcare. 

There’s a massive focus on learning and development, and I can vouch for that. We have a wide range of roles and expertise allowing people to work and thrive across a range of technologies. One of our values is ‘doing the right thing in the right way’ – Answer prides itself on its collaborative environment and supportive network across the business. Not to mention our fantastic perks like our twice-yearly tax-free bonus and sabbatical programme. Moreover, you don’t need a trophy cabinet of degrees to apply, there’s an in-house academy to provide outstanding training for entry-level starters, helping people get into tech from all walks of life.

How has your employer given you opportunities to thrive?

Answer really encourage you to ‘never stand still’ – again, another of our ethos we stand by. As I’ve always enjoyed surrounding myself around innovative and passionate people, Answer presented me the opportunity to really grab this with two hands. I’ve held talks at Leeds Digital Festival and also been a panellist on a Leeds WITBoss Event. Here is where I started to thrive – the world of Women in Tech! I’m sure it’s not news to anyone when I say the sector can be more male orientated and I found that the meet-ups are a chance to change that up a bit. Meeting other like minded women in the industry. It’s great to just have a chance to bounce some ideas, share opinions and even just develop your confidence meeting new people. I’ve enjoyed them so much that I’ve actually encouraged our team at Answer, to create our own monthly Agile Meet-Ups. It’s more specific to agile and project management as that’s something we feel we can deliver some real value in. I’ve taken the lead on this – my hopes for the sessions are to provide an environment where people can learn from one another and discuss hot industry topics. 

Given your experiences, what advice would you give to women in technology regarding choosing the right employer?

I’d suggest three things: firstly, do your research but not just by browsing the internet – get out there and speak to people. It’s really easy to be swayed by a snazzy website or buzz words on value and diversity. Get out there and hear it for yourself! Events like WITBoss, The Answer is Women and Leeds Digital Festival are a great way to speak to people living and breathing the employer ethos and values.

Secondly, don’t be afraid to go with your gut….Women usually have the best gut instincts. If an employer doesn’t feel genuine and supportive of being a Women in a sometimes daunting Tech world then your gut is properly right.

Thirdly, just be yourself. 

Need some guidance on how to be a progressive, inclusive employer?

 At Corecom Consulting, we provide a host of consultancy and training services to ensure that you are the best employer that you can be. Take a look here at how our Diversity & Inclusion Ambassadors can help your organisation.