Today we say farewell to an Onside legend - Ophelia Fishsimmons, our Key Account Manager who is relocating to Auckland to begin a new journey.
Fi’s experience at Onside is a testament to growth, connection, and high performance.
Fresh from her Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Canterbury, she started alongside fellow graduate Euan McRobbie in 2021. Looking back at a photo from her first day, Fi laughs, “If I could go back to my first day, I’d tell myself to relax and be myself. I was so nervous for my first month that I barely spoke in the office. Little did I know Onside would love the vibrant energy I bring.”
Fi's first role as a Business Development Representative was all about learning the ropes. “If the graduate Onside hired walked through the door right now I wouldn’t recognise her. Onside has helped me grow in all the best ways while still loving me for who I am. I became a better me,” she reflects.
She embraced the unique mix of support and candour in Onside’s culture, where praise and honest feedback work hand-in-hand. As her confidence and skills grew, so did her role within the company. Identified early as a high-performer by CEO Ryan Higgs, Fi rose quickly, taking on greater responsibilities and eventually becoming a Key Account Manager for Onside’s largest customers. Ryan says “It is her insatiable hunger for feedback that fuels her growth and helps her to perform at the edge.”
We know Fi’s customers will miss her sense of humour and infectious energy. “Fi's personal growth and commitment to customers in her time with Onside has been inspirational, she's leaving behind a great legacy and very happy customers,” says Guy Davidson, Head of Customer at Onside. “Although it's sad to see Fi leave, we're all super excited to watch her continue to go from strength to strength in her new role at Uber.“
Throughout her time at Onside, Fi’s journey was shaped by mentors like Guy, who she believes guidance was instrumental in her development. "He inspired and supported me and has had a huge impact on my journey,”she says.
Fi’s most profound takeaway? Staying curious. "Over time, I learned that real progress happens when you listen, understand, and ask the right questions. Onside taught me the value of genuine curiosity, and that’s something I’ll bring to every interaction moving forward." As she departs, Fi offers a word of advice to her Onside team - “Embrace change and say yes to new opportunities. In a scale-up, every twist and turn is a chance to learn. Trust that each challenge is an opportunity to grow.”
Onside couldn’t be prouder of Fi’s journey and the mark she’s left on the company and our customers. As she moves from the Garden City (Christchurch) to the City of Sails (Auckland), joining Uber as Mid-Market Account Manager, she’ll always be celebrated as an Onside legend.
Congratulations on your new opportunity Fi, from the bottom of our hearts. Uber, you’ve got a good one.
#teamonside #leaveproudly #farewell
