Next in our series of blogs introducing our team, we have Iwona Malicka-Shepherd, one of our Consultants.
Have you ever wanted to know more about the Gradient team? We’ve asked each team member a range of questions that we think will help you understand what makes them tick. This month we’re talking to Iwona, one of our team of consultants.
Over to Iwona!
How do you help Gradient clients?
I help Gradient clients by first getting to know their processes, products and the way they operate. This in turn helps me with tailoring any system overviews, workshops or training sessions to suit their particular needs as part of SyteLine implementations. I always relate the new terminology to what they already know and do, explain things in relatable terms and follow up on things which I do not immediately know.
I have an eye for detail, so I force myself to ‘zoom out’ to see the wood from the trees! I always adapt to the specific needs of the assignment I am working on.
What is your non-negotiable before you start work each day?
Coffee and news. I watch the news on English and Polish TV to keep connected to what’s going on in the two countries that are close to my heart, and in the world.
How do you plan your day?/What do you need to do in your day?
I prioritise Clients’ work, then anything scheduled or with deadlines.
I also keep in touch with the Gradient team as working remotely can leave you isolated. An increasingly important part of my role is keeping abreast of changes in the software that affect our clients. This involves reading about what’s new in Syteline, getting to know new functionality then testing it, and attending Infor webinars on preparing for new releases.
When working specifically on an implementation project, my days will involve preparation for workshops/training in system navigation or functional areas, preparing data and conducting Conference Room Pilots (CRPs).
What is the best thing about working at Gradient?
The team is the most important factor – the way we all support each other, including the Management Team. Also, working for different clients provides variety and opportunities to learn something new on each implementation project.
What has been your career highlight?
Passing the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting with flying colours. The knowledge gained in the course provided me with a good basis for understanding the finance processes in an ERP system.
What did you do before you worked at Gradient?
I worked as a planner in the Purchasing Department of CAV Aerospace, sourcing components from two Polish facilities that became a part of the CAV group and liaising with them on a day-to-day basis. Prior to that I was involved in the SyteLine implementation (version 8) into those two facilities. This is when I met our founder Stephanie Snaith who was managing and overseeing the project on behalf of Gradient. When me and my husband decided to move from Newcastle to Preston, I had to leave CAV and Stephanie invited me to work with Gradient as a consultant.
What is your favourite film or TV program?
I love British comics. I got to know the British sense of humour from the Monty Python series, as a teenager in Poland. When I moved to the UK, I started to appreciate the humour and culture even more. My all time favourites are Tommy Cooper and the Two Ronnies. I also love Billy Connolly and his famous wildebeest sketch. Being married to a Lancashire ‘lad’, I also enjoy Peter Kay. However, if I had to choose one, my absolute favourite would be Bill Bailey – a genius who combines comedy with musical talent.
Which sports team do you support?
Poland’s national volleyball team, men and women. I love this sport and used to play in my university team back in Poland. I also used to play in the UK, for the National Revenue Team in Newcastle. I also support the ‘Toon’ – Newcastle United Football Club as I used to live there. The Magpies and Geordies have a special place in my heart.
If you were on our quiz team, what would your specialist subject be?
It would be maths, languages or music.
Finally, what is one thing about you that someone may not know?
I have a Masters Degree in Mathematics, from Poznań University in Poland. Although I have never used those skills and knowledge (a bit rusty now!) directly in a professional context, it does help me with logical and ordered thinking in everything I do.
Thank you to Iwona for being our next team member to write a post, we hope you enjoyed it. We’ll be posting these between our other blogs, so watch out for our next team member.
If you want to see how we can help you with any of the SyteLine topics that Iwona has raised, then please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.