Ten years ago, I embarked on a new adventure with eXPD8, not knowing just how much this company would change my career and become such a huge part of my life. I initially joined on a part-time basis as a District Representative in the field, looking for a way to get back into work after having children. My journey started with chart and book changes for Sainsbury’s, and I immediately found that I loved the work. I enjoyed it so much that I was eager to take on new opportunities, jumping into different categories and stores without hesitation.
I had worked in retail before, so coming back to a familiar environment was refreshing. But this time, working for a client on behalf of a store, I found it much more intriguing. I’d never felt that kind of passion for a job before—it was something I could really sink my teeth into.
The transition to team leader came about four years into my journey. I vividly remember how supported I felt by my team and the company as a whole. We had such a fantastic team culture, and the role allowed me to develop in ways I hadn’t expected. One of my early projects was for JS tech, a big moment for me where I could take ownership of a client relationship and really make an impact. Working closely with store managers and team leaders, I was able to build strong connections and make a tangible difference in their stores.
At one point, I was responsible for overseeing 16 Sainsbury’s stores, and while the workload was high, it was incredibly fulfilling. My time as a team leader felt seamless, thanks to the great support I received from my Regional Field Manager (RFM), Diane Dawson, and Diane Swain, who was another key figure in guiding me. Their support made it easy to navigate the administrative challenges, scheduling, and managing a team, making the transition to district leader an exciting and natural step forward.
Of course, with every leadership role comes challenges. One of the most difficult but rewarding experiences I had was during the Oakwood transition. Leading through that time was tough, but it was a period of immense growth for me. I was always someone who believed in being there for my team—whether it was picking up the phone at any hour or stepping in to support whenever needed. Oakwood brought new complexities, but seeing my team bloom just a few months into the transition was an incredibly proud moment for me.
About 18 months ago, after spending several years as a district leader, I found myself at a point where I’d reached the ceiling in my role. I had an incredible team and everything was running smoothly, but I felt like I needed a new challenge. That’s when I decided to go for a central office role.
Now, six weeks into this new chapter, I’m loving every second. While I’ve dipped in and out of the field to help with some launches, such as assisting the team on the Spectrum project, I’m fully immersed in learning the ropes of the central office. The support I’ve received has been phenomenal. Everyone is always willing to help, offering guidance, even if it’s just to talk me through a process. The culture here is warm, collaborative, and incredibly uplifting.
Looking back, I can’t help but feel grateful for the journey I’ve been on with eXPD8. This company has given me not just a career, but a place where I feel truly valued and supported. The transition from field to office has been an exciting new challenge, and I’m eager to continue growing and making an impact in my new role. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!
If you’d like to begin your journey eXPD8 you can see all of the vacancies here!
