As we celebrate Dana’s fifth anniversary, we take a moment to reflect on her experiences and contributions.
Amy Corcoran, Client Engagement Lead at nFocus, shares her thoughts on Dana’s journey: “Dana joined nFocus not long after I did, and I can’t quite believe she’s been with us for 5 years now! Dana has consistently displayed a brilliant work ethic and is an essential part of our team. I look forward to seeing where the next few years take her both professionally and personally!”
In this Q&A, Dana reflects on her time at nFocus, sharing her memories, challenges, and the aspects of her job that she loves the most. From her first day filled with nervous excitement to her favourite work memories and the relationships she has built.
Q&A with Dana Bennett
Q1: Can you believe it’s already been five years? Time has flown by!
It’s hard to believe it’s been five years! Looking back, it’s amazing to look back and see how much has happened and how far we’ve come. These years have been packed with so many changes! From starting out in the office, navigating through the challenges of COVID, and then transitioning back to the office, embrace a hybrid work model that combines the best of both worlds.
Q2: Do you remember your first day?
Yes, I remember my first day! I was incredibly nervous yet excited, but I was looking forward to the day. Having met Ryan and Amy during the interview process, I felt at ease about meeting them again, as I had a positive and welcoming experience initially.
Although I was a bit anxious about embarking on a new role and establishing a new routine, the day turned out to be a great one. The team made me feel genuinely welcome and took all the necessary steps to help me settle in. I was introduced to everyone and spent most of the day shadowing Amy, observing her tasks, and familiarising myself with the systems we use.
It was comforting that no immediate expectations were placed on me. The day was more about learning the ropes and gaining a deeper understanding of the company. First days are often like this; the initial anxiety feeling quickly fades as you realise it’s a day dedicated to easing you into the new role.
Overall, it was a positive experience, and I felt reassured and welcomed.
Q3: What is your favourite work memory?
One of my favourite work memories is attending the UK IT Industry Awards in London, which took place just a few months after I started with the company. The experience was amazing, as the event was well-organised. It was my first exposure to such a prestigious award ceremony in the IT industry, and I felt a strong sense of pride representing nFocus.
Being invited to such an event so soon after joining the company was an honour. The excitement was intense, especially since we were nominated for an award. It involved black-tie dress code and champagne; it was very glamorous. This memory stands out as a highlight of my time with nFocus.
Q4: What is your favourite part of this job?
My favourite part of this job is establishing new relationships. I enjoy the process of understanding their needs and explaining the services we offer. Building these connections within the industry is both rewarding and engaging.
Our industry is constantly evolving with new developments and solutions, which means there’s always something new to learn, which keeps the job exciting.
As a parent, I value the flexibility this role provides. It helps me to balance my professional responsibilities with my personal life, which is crucial for me.
Q5: Which coworker do you message most?
I would say Amy. She was my primary point of contact when I first joined the company, as she guided me through all the initial training. Also, we both have children of similar ages, which gave us common ground outside of work.
Amy had also joined the company relatively recently when I started, so we shared the experience of learning and adapting to our roles together. It was comforting to know that she was also still learning, which made the transition easier for me.
Over the years, we have collaborated on many projects and attended various events together, including our first industry expos. We’ve shared many “firsts” within the company.
Q6: If you could not work in this industry, what profession would you pursue?
Probably something in the health and fitness industry. It has always been my main hobby and interest outside of work. I have close friends and family who are involved in this industry, which naturally draws me to that field.
I’m also a big animal lover, so I would love to work with animals in some capacity. I could see myself working at a rescue centre, finding homes for animals in need. I have a soft spot for animals that require extra care and attention! I have always dreamed of experiencing the behind-the-scenes activities of a zookeeper!
Q7: What is your favourite thing in your home office?
One of the best things about my home office is the amount of natural light I get. Since reorganising my workspace, I now work near the patio doors, which I can open on nice, dry days during the summer.
Another favourite aspect is having my dogs with me. Daisy is usually content to sleep all day, but Jax is more active and provides a great excuse to take short breaks. He encourages me to step away from my desk for a few minutes, whether it’s for a quick cuddle or a brief walk around the block.
Having the flexibility to move around the house is a big plus. While I usually work in the living/dining room or upstairs, I also have a desk setup in the kitchen. This variety allows me to change my environment, which can be particularly refreshing on slower days or when I fancy a change of scenery in the afternoon.
Q8: Share something personal about yourself. What do you like to do for fun outside of work?
Outside of work, I spend a lot of time with my children, who are now 9 and 12. Much of my time is spent chauffeuring them to their various activities and clubs, but our weekends are all about family time. We often visit National Trust sites, take our dog on long walks, and enjoy outdoor activities together. We also love family gatherings, such as Sunday dinners and barbecues, weather permitting!
I regularly go to the gym, participate in CrossFit, and enjoy running and hiking. I have completed several 10Ks, half-marathons, and even participated in the National Fitness Games.
