How Goodlord helped two Goodlordians change career path

As Goodlord grows and new job opportunities crop up, Goodlordians are often given the chance to apply - even if it isn't a directly in line with their current career path. Moving into a new field or developing expertise in a new area is encouraged, to help Goodlordians continue to prosper and thrive at work. Kat Wynne-Ellis, Product Automation Lead, and Ali Venerandi, Head of Payments, share how they changed their career trajectory at Goodlord.

What job were you doing when you joined Goodlord, and what are you doing now?

Kat: I started at Goodlord as a Referencing Executive and now I am the Product Automation Lead.

Ali: I'm pretty sure I was called a "Referencing Guru" when I started - essentially worked on the lowest rung in the Goodlord Referencing team, phoning landlords and so on. Now, I'm Head of Goodlord Payments, in charge of all our payment products

What inspired you to change your role?

Kat: I had four different roles in the referencing department at Goodlord. Each was one step up from the other until I became head of the department. I then wanted a change as I felt that I'd succeeded in that role. The new Product Automation Lead role was advertised internally, and I jumped at the chance.

Ali: I first moved laterally from referencing to operations, and then from operations to product - and both transitions offered learning opportunities, with senior team members encouraging me to apply.

When I changed from Product Manager to Rent Collection Manager - and eventually Head of Payments - I was looking for a new challenge. I was also approached by a few people in the business who suggested I would be good at it and would enjoy the role. This really pushed me to apply as, originally, I was nervous that I didn't have the experience.

How has Goodlord helped you grow into more senior roles?

Kat: Moving into the Head of Referencing role was a big jump, and the decision was made alongside my manager who helped coach me in the areas that I lacked experience. Now, I'm in a very different role where, again, my manager supports me hugely when it comes to development and personal growth.

Ali: My move from Rent Collection Manager to Head of Payments gave me more responsibilities to manage a new team, helped with the automation of processes, gave me budgeting responsibilities for the first time, and helped me to go through setting out a formal business case process - the first time in Goodlord history!

What do you like most about your new role - and was it the right decision?

Kat: My current role is very different to any others that I've had. I enjoy the time I now have to work on projects. I enjoy being an individual contributor and no longer having management responsibilities. I enjoy the focus on learning that comes with being part of the tech team. Overall, this current role feels much more suited to how I work.

Ali: I like the independence of the role, as well as access to higher level conversations that focus on long-term strategy. It was the right decision - just a difficult one, as there's so much to learn!

Interested in joining Goodlord? Check out the jobs we have available.