This week, I am pleased to introduce HealthUnlocked's resident ray of sunshine and wonderful Delivery Operations Manager, Sadie. We're not always so glam in the office, but we take Halloween very seriously, as you can see from Peacock Sadie!
A very important question: coffee or tea?
Coffee in the morning, tea at night. I didn’t drink either of these things until I moved to the UK and now I have to bring a box of Yorkshire Gold with me when I visit my parents in the States.
When did you join HealthUnlocked?
2013!
How did you get into your role?
I studied Medical Anthropology in graduate school and always had a keen interest in health, but didn’t have the willpower to go through 8+ years of medical training in the States. I found HealthUnlocked and was intrigued right away. I had no prior experience to working with a development team, but I came in at the right time. Everyone in the company was learning how to work in an agile workplace around the same time I joined, so we were all able to learn together!
What's your favourite thing about (working for) HealthUnlocked?
I enjoy coming into the office every day because of my team. They are motivated, dedicated and so compassionate. It’s also incredibly rewarding to see features that you worked on make such a big difference to our user’s health journeys. I’m still learning a lot every single day.
What's something you've done at HealthUnlocked that you're proud of?
Being part of a growing but small team that has done so much, has a positive social impact (and has fun!), all with very few resources. I feel that I have been able to have a real impact, and I'm really proud of that.
What's the hardest part of your job?
Giving constructive criticism. I wear many hats at HealthUnlocked such as being a support to our employees, shaping and maintaining our development processes and organising company socials and fun for the office. It’s difficult being on the fun patrol and also being able to help give constructive feedback when necessary. It’s something I’ve been trying to improve constantly in the five years I’ve been here.
What's your favourite hobby?
I really love playing and watching soccer, it’s one of the main reasons I moved here.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I would love to be a mantis shrimp (look them up, they are so cool!) because they are beautifully rainbow in colour and look harmless, but have calcified ‘clubs’ that they use to fight off predators with great force. Small, but tough - like me!
What’s your top karaoke song?
Total Eclipse of the Heart is an absolute must!
Lastly: what's one thing that you've learned from being at HealthUnlocked?
How to be flexible and adaptive. It’s the key principle in agile development and I’ve found that it’s essential in all parts of work and life.
