Three months ago, I walked through the virtual and literal doors of The Data City to start my new role as Office Manager and Executive Assistant, and it has been a whirlwind ever since. New names, new systems, new ways of working, and a quiet hope that I’d find my place quickly.
Three months on, I can confidently say I have.
When I joined The Data City as Office Manager and Executive Assistant, I knew it would be a role that sat right at the centre of things. What I didn’t realise was just how varied, fast-paced, and rewarding it would be. Every day has been different. Some days I’m deep in planning mode, organising meetings or refining processes; other days I’m helping onboard new starters or coordinating company events. There’s never a dull moment, and that’s one of the things I love most about it.
In those early weeks, it felt like there was so much to learn. There were acronyms to decode, platforms to master, and workflows to understand. But slowly, everything started to fall into place. I began to see how all the moving parts connect, how each person and project contributes to the bigger picture of what The Data City does.
Before joining, I knew The Data City worked with data, but I didn’t fully grasp the scope of it. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became. The team builds data products that map and measure the UK’s emerging economy, helping local authorities, researchers, and businesses make better, evidence-based decisions. It’s exciting to be part of something that blends technology, insight, and impact in such a meaningful way.
What’s stood out most to me, though, has been the culture. Everyone here genuinely cares about their work, about collaboration, and about each other. There’s a strong sense of purpose that runs through everything the company does, and that makes all the difference. It’s a place where curiosity is encouraged, where ideas are shared freely, and where people are trusted to make things happen.
As for me, I’ve learned a lot in these three months. I’ve learned to embrace the unknown, to be patient with myself while finding my rhythm, and to recognise that small wins often make the biggest impact. I’ve discovered how much I enjoy the challenge of keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, and how rewarding it is to know that my work helps others focus on what they do best.
There have been moments of challenge, of course, days where the to-do list felt endless, or where a plan had to change at the last minute, but even those have been valuable. Each one has taught me something new about adaptability, communication, and balance.
Looking ahead
Now, as I look ahead to the next few months, I feel excited. I want to keep building on what I’ve learned, continue improving our internal systems, and find even more ways to make The Data City an organised, welcoming, and efficient place to work. More than anything, I want to keep growing, both in my role and as part of this brilliant team.
Three months in, I already feel like I’ve been here much longer, in the best possible way. I’ve found my rhythm, my confidence, and a genuine sense of belonging. Joining The Data City has been a learning curve, but it’s also been a reminder of why I love what I do: supporting people, solving problems, and helping things run just a little bit better every day.
Here’s to the next chapter.
