Maddy S. - Senior Talent Development Partner

When she’s not helping people to be their happiest and healthiest at work, Maddy keeps busy with her very own podcast, new(ish) found love of running, and anxiously awaiting the day...

Tell us a little about your role and your team

I work as a Senior Talent Development Partner in London. As part of the Talent Development team I have colleagues in Dublin, Chicago and Seattle. We look after the Building Great Managers programs, all the cyclical processes (e.g. Year End Performance Reviews) and also our Pulse Engagement tool. I work closely with the HRBP team and different business leaders in International to understand the talent needs of different business areas.

Before getting into things, how has your (work) day-to-day changed in light of Covid-19?

Well I know a lot more about the work life of an Accountant than I ever thought I would, as I now sit opposite my flat-mate all day at the kitchen table! Obviously there’s no commuting, so I have tried to turn that time into something extra (often an exercise class, but sometimes a walk to a coffee shop or a bit more sleep). Apart from that, it’s surprisingly similar, except that now everything is done on Zoom.

“I love getting to work with so many different people. It’s a bit greedy really, but I love working across lots of different business areas and finding out what’s important to each of them from a development perspective.”

What is the greatest challenge COVID-19 has presented to your team?

Our team has always been split across different offices, so many of our ways of working haven’t changed hugely. However, a big part of what we do is training and we had to redesign everything to make sure it worked remotely. I like to think we have done a pretty good job, although I definitely miss the face-to-face interactions and visiting the other offices around Europe with all my heart.

How are you staying connected with your team as we’re all working remote?

We have plenty of meetings on Zoom and we also have Slack channels for different things. One is purely for fun, so when there’s a notification in that channel, you know you’re probably in for an amusing cat gif. We also have team check-ins that are just social and that’s a good way to understand how everyone is feeling. I’ve also taken advantage of the different virtual events hosted by Groupon e.g. I recently rustled up a quiche during a live Zoom cookery lesson with the Goods Wellness Team.

What do you love about your job?

Getting to work with so many different people. It’s a bit greedy really, but I love working across lots of different business areas and finding out what’s important to each of them from a development perspective.

Where did you grow up and how did you get into Talent Development?

Sunny, sunny Bournemouth, UK. I did a Masters in Occupational Psychology, which is essentially psychology in the workplace and I had a few roles in related areas before joining Groupon. I really like working in Talent Development as it’s so varied and it’s all to do with working out what helps people perform at their best and considering how we can be happiest and healthiest at work.

What is one non-work activity or hobby that you’re into? How did you get into it?

I like running! I got into it by hating running for ages until one day I realised it had become an important part of what I do for both my physical and mental health.

What was your first job?

Working at The Gap. My jeans are still folded to perfection.

What do you miss about being in the office?

Catching up with people you don’t have regular meetings with. Talking things through face-to-face. Playing cheesy music on a Friday. I even miss going to Pret for lunch…

Favorite pre-Covid activity you can’t wait to get back to?

Hugging my friends, preferably in the pub.