Employee Spotlight: Heather Ryan on 10 Years at AI Global Media

Heather Ryan has recently celebrated her 10^th anniversary of employment at AI Global Media. Heather has supported the business in a number of areas during her time with the company and has for some years now demonstrated that she is a great asset to the business.

‘It is always a delight for us at AI Global Media when an employee hits a significant milestone with us,’ comments Marketing Director Kathryn Hall. ‘As of April 2023, Business Development & Sales Manager Heather Ryan has been with us 10 years! For a business that is just shy of 13 years old, this milestone seems even more special to us.

‘Heather joined us in April of 2013 in our finance department, in 2015 she made the bold and very much supported move to the awards team and since then has taken on some major projects in events management, business development and sales and also acting as an Interim Director for a period of 9 months. We asked Heather for her comments on her time with AI….

Q: What does a day in the life of a Business Development & Sales Manager at AI Global Media look like?

Working within the sales teams always keeps me on my toes and tasks vary from day to day, as well as working on a number of business development projects which allow me to help drive the business forward with new opportunities.

Q: What’s your favourite thing about working at AI?

I enjoy the varied tasks within my role and working alongside a great team of people. AI have always made sure the office environment is vibrant and really takes care of its employees, just some of the reasons why I have been here for ten years!

Q: How have you seen the company evolve since you first started?

When I first started working for AI there was only around 10 staff in a small office in the countryside and now there are around 60 of us in an office in Burton centre. Company culture has improved over the years with a much greater focus on employee wellbeing, something I know not all people are lucky enough to have in their work. AI is driven and as such our systems, processes and skills have grown immensely over the years allowing us to take better care of our customers and improve the services that we offer.

Q: What’s one thing you wish people knew about your job?

I found this a tough one to answer, but I guess how much planning, preparation and organisation is involved. Priorities can change from day to day and it can be hard work juggling what’s most important in the never ending list of tasks!

Q: So far, what has been your most favourite project?

I’d have to say my favourite project would be running the Better Business Expo back in 2019. This became my baby and it was great to learn all the ins and outs of running a corporate event.

Q: What advice would you give to recent new hires?

Being the ‘new person’ can be hard, my advice would be to show confidence and if your unsure of anything ask questions. Those around you are likely to know the job inside and out and will be more than happy to help you.

Q. What is it about you that most don’t know?

To be honest I’m not that interesting so found this question quite difficult to answer but here goes! I’ve been married for 10 years now, and have two kids, Darcey is 8 years old, and Finley is 14 years old (I know I don’t look old enough to have a teenager!) When I’m not working and I’m not shipping the kids around to their different activities, I like to spend time walking our dog Hector and days out at the weekend finding amazing places to eat.