This week, we spoke to our newest recruit, Marketing and Sales Coordinator, Beth, about why she applied for Kanga and how she’s settled into the team.
What is your role at Kanga?
I am the Marketing and Sales Coordinator.
What enticed you to apply for the role at Kanga?
I initially saw the job advert on LinkedIn Jobs when I was scouting about for a new role in marketing. It was the interview process that really impressed me and made me really excited to work for Kanga, rather than the application…
In my initial interview, my now-manager, Kellie, explained to me that our CEO, Kay, does lots of work in the women’s rights field and actively campaigns for the fair treatment of women in the workplace. Kellie also explained that women at Kanga are not penalised for having children, and having commitments outside of work does not impact pay rises and promotions. Although I am not a mother myself, I love this ethos, and it’s rare for a company to be so progressive when it comes to closing the gender pay gap and considering team members’ personal life when hiring.
In previous roles, I have seen women struggle to balance their career and motherhood at the hands of rigid employers, that provide no flexibility for staff. Kanga is the entire opposite, we work on a hybrid model, and we are given the autonomy to choose how we want to work to suit our individual commitments and lives.
The whole recruitment process was refreshing, accommodating, and like nothing I have ever experienced before. For example, my old job was appointment-based, and I couldn’t interview within Kanga’s working hours of 9-5, so Kellie and Paul interviewed me remotely whilst I was in my car, on my lunch!
How would you describe the Kanga team?
From the minute I was introduced to the Kanga team, I was met with kindness, smiles, and most importantly, a very warm welcome! Kanga treated me as one of their own from day one.
I have only been with Kanga for three months, but I feel like I have been a part of the team for three years. Everybody is so welcoming and really makes an effort to stay in touch, despite a lot of our team working remotely.
We have weekly team meetings where there is no talk of work. We discuss what we’ve been up to outside of work, things we have planned, and just general chit-chat! A couple of weeks ago we discussed what the team like to collect and we discovered the Finance Director, Neil, collects dragon ornaments!
What is your typical working day like?
I go to the gym at 6am before work and do a 30/45-minute spin or HIIT class. I get home around 7am and read, have a shower, and get ready for work.
If I’m working in the office, I’ll set off early so I can get in and make a brew and chat with the team before I get cracking. If I’m working from home, I will relax for an hour or take the dog for a trot before logging on.
I spend my day content writing for upcoming campaigns, social media, and articles. This will include researching the topics and pulling together draft copies.
I also coordinate the company’s intranet, which houses loads of internal knowledge-sharing, industry terminology, and other nuggets of information for the team. Fun fact: our intranet is called KI. The thought behind the name is a mix of Artificial Intelligence, Kay Intelligence and Kanga Intranet – our CEO, Kay, is an oracle when it comes to pharma digital and marketing.
I will knock off work at 5.30pm and make sure I do something productive with my evening, such as do another gym class, walk the dog, see a friend, or read whatever book I have on the go (there’s always a book on the go!).
How do you manage a healthy work-life balance?
I make sure I exercise every day. Doing a workout after work clears your mind and gives you some ‘you time’ before you go to bed.
Also, I always make sure I take my lunch break. If I’m in the office, I will wander round the town centre, or go to Congleton Park to have my lunch and switch off for an hour.
What advice do you have for prospective Kanga candidates?
Just be yourself.
We are a friendly bunch, and whoever is interviewing you will make you feel at ease. It won’t be a The Apprentice-style grilling like some interviews!
We take prospective applications for future roles, so if you like what you see on the website, send your CV in!
How do you like to spend your free time?
I love spinning (mad, I know!) and I am a massive reader. I love a psychological thriller. I have a target to read 45 books this year, and I’ve read 36 to date.
I have a French Bulldog called Harley and I spend all my time with her, whether it’s on the sofa, walking her, or playing with her.
And finally, some quick-fire questions!
Cats or dogs?
Dogs!
Tea or coffee?
Give me all the caffeine.
Early bird or night owl?
I am 100% a night owl. I would stay up all night if I could and lie in, in the morning. I thought I’d grow out of it when I reached my twenties but here we are.
Do you want to know more about life at Kanga? To learn about to learn more about Kanga’s culture, and to view our current and prospective job vacancies, please visit our ‘Work With Us‘ page.
