This week on Behind the Scenes, we’re chatting with our project manager at Florence, Kate McQuilken.
Kate is a multitasking wizard whose fab organisational skills keep projects flowing smoothly at Florence.
Who are you, and what do you do at Florence?
I’m a senior project manager in the marketing team, and I help plan and execute projects – like video, print and digital adverts, for example – for our B2B and B2C audiences.
Every day, I check in with the creative team to make sure they’re okay with workload and know what they’re meant to do. It’s important that we’re all on the same page about business objectives and marketing goals.
What made you want to join Florence?
As cliché as it sounds, I’ve always wanted a job that aligns with my values. I want the work I do to make a positive impact on the world, even indirectly.
When I first saw Florence on my LinkedIn feed, I thought, “Here’s a company I want to work for.” The team’s mission and methodology struck me as really innovative – they were trying to change the healthcare sector using tech. So, I decided to apply for the project manager position, and here I am!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Every experience in life is an opportunity for growth and learning – even if it’s a really terrible experience. I think that’s great advice.
Another nugget I’ve often fallen back on is “don’t sweat the small stuff.” Don’t let little things throw you off balance or ruin your day. In the grand scheme of things, does it honestly matter? Try to move on and focus on what’s actually important – your family and friends.
What’s your favourite thing about working at Florence?
Definitely the people. Everyone I work with is amazing. Every department at Florence is full of great, passionate people who care about what they do. That’s such a refreshing change.
I also like finding ways to improve efficiency in the marketing department. What can we tweak? What else can we do here? How can we work together better as a team? It’s essential to develop processes that can grow along with the company.
What’s the biggest challenge Florence is facing at the moment?
We’re growing rapidly and hiring a lot of new people. It’s been challenging to find a flexible training framework to help new hires understand business goals and objectives soon after starting work. But, overall, I think we’re doing well.
What’s a fun fact about you that might surprise us?
I’m a registered yoga teacher! A few years ago, I decided to go and do my teacher training in Rishikesh, in northern India. It was a bit of a spontaneous decision, actually…
Yoga is fantastic because it supports your physical and mental health – a holistic self-help tool. I haven’t taught for a while, but I plan to offer classes again next year.
What piece of advice would you give to someone thinking about joining Florence?
Things change quickly in the startup world – it’s pretty unpredictable. If you love a challenge and you’re an adaptable person, I’d say this is the place for you.
Where do you see Florence in five years?
We’ll be a force for good in many different countries. We’ll probably be a much bigger company by then, and we’ll help drive improvements in the global care sector. I reckon we’ll be the best staffing agency in the UK, and maybe the world.
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