Meet Nicola Goldie

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR JOB TO SOMEONE OUTSIDE OF THE INDUSTRY?

I work with new and existing clients to ensure The Virtual Forge is able to support all projects. I see myself as the link between the clients and the support team. I am available anytime to assist or answer questions.

What is your name? Nicola Goldie

What is your job title? Senior Client Relationship Manager

How did you get into what you do now? I originally started in IT marketing, when requested to take photos & write about chip sets I quickly realised it wasn’t for me. I requested to move to the basement to build and learn more from hands-on experience. Working for a Sun Microsystems Resellar. I built lots of SPARCstations, Configured external disks and moved around huge CRT’s! Looking for something less physical I became a Unix SA and was placed at a merchant bank trade floor. I would say that was my first introduction to client relationship management. Diplomacy is required when a traders system is down, believe me.

What is your favourite part of your job? No day is ever the same, the projects at VF are so varied with clients from multiple sectors there is something new to learn each day and someone new to meet.

How do you manage your time? I like to write lists. There is a satisfaction at the end of the day when you have crossed everything off.

What books should I be reading? I read a lot but it tends to be magazines & articles on my phone or desktop. I also like to listen to Podcasts whilst walking or in the car.

What do you do at work on a daily basis? I liaise with the PM’s and devs across all projects to ensure we are running to proposed timescales. I contact both new and existing clients promoting the work of VF. I create proposals for new work scoped and raise invoices for work carried out. What advice do you have for someone new to the industry?

Always listen to the client/developers needs. Never say no you can’t do something, go away research it and go back with an open and honest answer how you will approach something.

What hard skills should someone in your field have?

• Experience in IT technology
• Time Management
• Project Management
• Experience with sales CRM
• Management of staff

What soft skills should someone in your field have?

• Good communication skills both written & verbal
• Diplomacy to deal with any situation
• Critical thinking
• Sociable, happy to attend events and lunches.

Is there a quote that motivates you? “See how it looks, hear how it sounds, feel how it feels” When there is a situation or unanswered question I like to use this. I think it's important to appreciate that others may/will have a different views from me.

Who inspires you? I am inspired by the people close to me. I rise to any challenge and will take on new responsibilities and routines to help grow. I recently attended a Wim Hof session, his breathing techniques are now part of my routine.

Tell us something that people don’t know about you… I love cold water swimming

What is your favourite food? So many to choose from, I love everything, trying something new is my favourite food.

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