Meet Christine Ruchay, our Education Manager at Simms & Associates. In this interview, Christine shares her personal experiences and insights about working at our company. Discover how empowerment, harmony, mastery, and colourful creativity define her journey with us:
What's the most empowering experience you've had at Simms & Associates?
The most empowering experience I've had here is having my voice heard. It's incredible to see my ideas taken into consideration and put into action. Simms & Associates truly values input from every team member.
Can you share a moment when you felt you truly made a difference here?
Certainly! It might sound a bit egotistical, but I consistently win the title of best communicator and the person people feel most comfortable coming to in the company when there is a poll. That recognition makes me feel like I'm making a daily difference and contribution.
If you could give a superpower to your co-workers at Simms & Associates, what would it be and why?
I don't need to grant them a superpower; they already possess it: the remarkable ability to serve as interpreters. While it may not be classified as a traditional superpower, it certainly should be, in my opinion. Just imagine, like us, if everyone possessed the capacity to understand the language, problems, intricacies, and complexities of our customers, and then effortlessly translate that knowledge into the realm of UKG, ensuring a seamless system that caters to their needs. Undoubtedly, this is a game-changing skill.
Describe a time when you witnessed an incredible moment of harmony among your colleagues at Simms & Associates.
There have been so many moments, but one that stands out is when my colleagues come together to help each other out and find collaborative solutions. It's a beautiful thing to witness, especially when the desired result is achieved, and you can practically hear the "aha" moment when everything clicks into place.
What's your favourite team-building activity or tradition at the company?
My favourite team-building activity is when we all meet as a group during kick-offs or mid-year meetings. It's an incredible bonding experience. We arrive as strangers and leave as a family. It's beautiful to see the camaraderie and connections that form during these events.
If your team at Simms & Associates were a band, what instruments would each member play?
In my view, our team members would be the drummers. We are like the rhythm section that keeps everything on time and in sync.
What skills have you mastered or improved upon since joining Simms & Associates?
Since joining Simms & Associates, I've mastered the art of collaboration. I've become more resourceful and gained confidence in asking for help when needed. Additionally, I've learned how to effectively share knowledge and reduce the length of my emails for better communication.
Share a challenging project you've worked on and how it helped you grow professionally.
One of the most challenging projects I embraced was during my early days as a customer trainer. Despite not being particularly tech-savvy, I found myself having to learn Kronos. It was a personal decision to take on this additional challenge while maintaining a full-time job. Throughout this journey, there were moments of frustration, tears, and laughter, but ultimately, I succeeded in delivering robust training. Now, having acquired a new skill, I appreciate the importance of aligning personal development goals with the company's commitment to a healthy work-life balance.
If you had to teach a class on something related to your job at Simms & Associates, what would it be and why?
I would teach a class on how to effectively share knowledge with the customer and how to present to the client successfully. These skills are essential in our line of work, and I believe they can make a significant difference in the client's experience.
Describe the most colourful and creative project you've been a part of at Simms & Associates.
For me, the most colourful and creative aspect of my role is imparting knowledge. There's nothing quite like sharing what I know with others and witnessing that "aha moment" when everything clicks into place for them. It's incredibly fulfilling.
Share a funny or quirky office tradition or inside joke that adds colour to your workplace.
One of our quirky office traditions, whenever there's a group of us gathered in Madrid, is enjoying Boletus pizza at La Mucca and going for drinks after at a bar called 'Dry Bar.' We have a special drink called the "walking dead," which is so strong that the bar will only allow you to order one per person. It's a unique and fun bonding experience that adds a lot of colour to our workdays.
If your workday at Simms & Associates had a soundtrack, what songs would be on it, and why?
Our soundtrack would definitely feature "Welcome to the Jungle." It perfectly captures our constant state of alertness and our ability to push through difficult situations. We're like a rock band, cutting through the immense vegetation of rules and regulations, and in the end, we rock it all together!